IU East Chancellor Emeritus David Fulton

Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie will present the President’s Medal for Excellence to Indiana University East Chancellor Emeritus David Fulton during the Commencement Ceremony. The President’s Medal is the highest honor an IU president can bestow.

IU East’s 45th Commencement Ceremony will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at the Richmond High School Tiernan Center.

Fulton, who was chancellor at IU East from 1995 to 2007, received the President’s Medal in recognition of his service to IU and to IU East. Fulton first came to Richmond in 1971 when he was hired as an instructor in history and political science, the same year IU East was established as a campus by the IU Board of Trustees. He was later promoted as an assistant professor in history and political science.

During his tenure as assistant professor, Fulton took on administrative duties as assistant to Chancellor Alexander Schilt for Campus Planning and Academic Development. He was later named director of Planning and Budget by Chancellor Glenn Goerke. In 1988, he was named vice chancellor for Administrative Affairs and also served as acting chancellor in 1986-1987 and again in 1994-1995, prior to being named chancellor.

Fulton was known for his efforts in weaving the university into the communities it serves by building community partnerships. During his time as chancellor, Fulton managed the construction of Springwood Hall in Richmond, the Danielson Learning Center in New Castle and the Connersville Center.

IU East Chancellor Kathy Cruz-Uribe said the campus is still benefiting from Fulton’s work. “David was very instrumental in shaping IU East’s future. Obviously, his tenure marked a time of physical growth on campus but I am also impressed by his ability to integrate our campus and community. I am very happy to see him honored this way by President McRobbie.”

While chancellor, Fulton served the community as past president of the Starr-Gennett Foundation; Planning Group CEO Roundtable of the Richmond Wayne County Chamber of Commerce; Indiana University Foundation Development Committee; Boards of Historic Landmarks of Indiana; Greater Richmond Progress Committee, Chair of Task Force dealing with city master plan, performing arts center, and neighborhood development: 1997 Campaign Chair of United Way; United Way of Indiana Board member, serving as treasurer in 1987 and vice president in 1988; served as president of the United Way of Wayne County, Community Services Council, Social Services Planning Board; and board member Reid Hospital and Health Care Services from 2001-2004.

Fulton was the recipient of numerous awards for community work and was a frequent speaker on current East European affairs as well as community and campus activities to local organizations. During his time at IU East, and today still, Fulton was very active in the community and received numerous awards for his community work.

Before joining IU East, Fulton completed his Ph.D. in East European History from Indiana University Bloomington. As an undergraduate, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History degree from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. He studied political science at the University of Manchester in England. As a specialist in Balkan history, Fulton spent considerable time in Yugoslavia in the 1960s and held a Fulbright Fellowship in Zagreb, Yugoslavia in 1969-1970.

Fulton, and his wife Marilyn, live in Centerville, Ind.

For more information on IU East’s Commencement Ceremony, visit iue.edu/commencement.