Forbes brings own student experiences as new IUAA director

When J Thomas Forbes, or J.T., reflects on his time as an IU student, a variety of leadership positions pepper his description of the usual classes and clubs.

In fact, it’s hard to imagine Forbes leading in a bigger way.

As student body president from 1988 to 1989 and student trustee from 1993 to 1995, Forbes represented his fellow Hoosiers to the community and administration. Now, he brings that experience to the position of executive director of the IU Alumni Association. The announcement was made in May, and J.T. assumed his role June 1.

“I really come into this role with a deep commitment to the understanding of the power of student leadership,” Forbes said.

While balancing roles as a student and leader, Forbes earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1990 and a master’s degree in public affairs and nonprofit management in 1996. Prior to his return to IU, Forbes worked for Cummins Inc. of Columbus, Ind. solving problems related to human capital development and bilateral trade issues.

Forbes said his experience as student body president was formative, and he hopes to advance and support a similar experience for current students.

“Indiana University is unique in the degree with which it treats student leaders as peers and colleagues,” Forbes said.

As president, Forbes was involved in negotiating the deal that brought the Student Recreational Sports Center to IU. He said other facts of student life that are often taken for granted — the fact that a student serves on the board of trustees, for example — are the result of student leadership working to advance student interests.
“A lot of the things that student government works on today take years to develop,” Forbes said.

Now, he said, he is working to strengthen the bonds between the University and its alumni.

Current IUSA President and senior Michael Coleman said he’s still experiencing the learning curve associated with taking on the presidency. He said there is more he’d like to accomplish while in office to leave a positive legacy.

“I have a chance to make sure that change can happen,” Coleman said.

Luke Fields, student body president from 2008 to 2009, said he understands why student leadership would inspire and prepare Forbes to return to his alma mater.

“The biggest thing that happened having been president was, at least with this institution, you come to learn how a really large organization works,” Fields said.

At the same time, Fields said, understanding comes with a huge commitment.
“It was closer to a full-time job than a part-time job,” he said.

Fields said his time at IU left a lasting impression and a responsibility he wants to live up to.

“It’s an institution that gets under your skin, and it becomes much more difficult to forget about or to want to forget about,” he said.

Fields said for him, the biggest lesson was one of responsibility to the people and the place that gave him so much. He said it’s a responsibility he’s happy to carry.

“You kind of incur a debt to the institution,” Forbes said. “Because people invested in you, you have to give back.”