Because: Belonging at Indiana University: Joys of Community and Concerns for the Future

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, host Phil Amerson returns to the Indiana University campus to share a candid conversation inspired by the legacy of Dr. Herman B. Wells. Joined by guest IU Dad, the discussion spans reflections on leadership, recent changes at IU, spiritual values, and personal sources of joy. The result is an intimate portrait of campus life and a call for humility and community in higher education.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Listening Matters—True Leadership ConnectsPhil Amerson opens the episode explaining why he visits the statue of Dr. Wells: it’s a symbol of leadership that listens. He shares with his grandsons that, unlike current university officials who seem distant and unresponsive, Dr. Wells represented a kind of leadership committed to genuine engagement and care. This sets up an insightful critique of the current administration, contrasted with memories of a time when relationships and accessibility were priorities on campus.
2. Spiritual Drought and the Value of Faith Reflecting on shifts within the university and wider society, Phil Amerson notes a "spiritual drought," where faith is often misused as ideology rather than practiced as compassion. He remembers Dr. Wells’ United Methodist roots and underscores the need for humility, moral grounding, and shared spiritual awareness—qualities he finds lacking today in many academic leaders. The conversation calls for both faculty and administrators to reflect and reconnect with deeper community values.
3. Asset Stripping and the Changing Face of AcademiaPhil Amerson and IU Dad touch on the transformation sweeping through IU, especially the shift of resources away from arts and sciences toward sports and business interests. Phil Amerson expresses concern over what he terms "asset stripping," comparing it to hostile takeovers in business. He worries about the loss of relationship-building and the diminishing role of social justice and racial inclusion, urging the university to balance its investments and to foster a climate of hope and joy instead of fear.

Episode Highlights:

• Nostalgic stories of Dr. Wells’ leadership and the beauty of the IU campus.
• IU Dad
• shares the joy of time with his daughter, emphasizing the personal side of campus visits.
• Reflections on joy, family, sports, and the need for hope amidst challenging times.

Tune in for a moving conversation that bridges the past and present, and invites listeners to consider what it truly means to belong and lead in a university community.