Celebrating the accomplishments of IU Indianapolis’ alumni leaders

Casey earned her bachelor’s in communication studies in 2010 and master’s degree in applied communication in 2014. During her academic pursuits, she provided mentorship in the IU Indianapolis Speaker’s Lab, was an active participant in the Graduate Communication Club, and taught for Communication Studies as an associate faculty member with grace and flexibility in virtual and physical classrooms. Casey willingly shares her skills with students on campus, modelling professional habits, and helping people based on what she has learned as part of the Indianapolis campus and liberal arts community. Outside of her participation on the Indianapolis campus, Casey’s accomplishments are far-reaching across our community. She has held positions with marketing companies, the Indy Chamber, Emmis Communications, the Pacers, and more. Most recently, Casey started her own business in PR and other communication initiatives, Polished Strategic Communications, which is a full-service, boutique communications agency that specializes in education, access and equity, workforce readiness, and community-centered initiatives. Through her business, Casey has used this opportunity to provide resources for the broader community, and her work reflects her values. Her commitment to lifting others up is central to her work. 60% of Polished’s time each year is spent doing pro bono work for LGBTQ+, black-owned, and other minority-owned businesses, as these businesses often receive less support from the state. Casey is proud to help change this by equipping these businesses with access to information and resources. The IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis is honored to recognize Casey Harrison with the Liberal Arts Career Achievement Award.

A 2009 graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies, Tom represents what it means to turn a nontraditional academic path into a profoundly transformative career. Since founding Nine13 Inc., Tom has dedicated himself to improving the lives of youth and underserved communities through a unique integration of health, education, and logistics. Under his leadership, Nine13 has launched two flagship programs: Kids Riding Bikes, a nationally recognized initiative promoting youth fitness and mobility education, and a logistics operation that tackles food insecurity through the transportation and delivery of essential goods. These programs not only meet immediate community needs but also reflect a scalable model of social entrepreneurship rooted in empathy and equity. He embodies the very highest ideals of Indiana University and the School of Liberal Arts through his legacy of civic engagement, innovative leadership, and impactful service. Throughout his career, Tom has shown a consistent commitment to public service, community collaboration, and youth development. He has used his experience, passion, and entrepreneurial drive to tackle some of our most pressing social issues with creativity and compassion. Tom is an exceptional example of how an IU liberal arts education can fuel innovation, leadership, and service. The IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis is honored to recognize Tom Hanley with the Liberal Arts Distinguished Alumni Award.

Philip Campbell has made a significant impact in the field of visual arts. He is a prolific visual artist and is the supervisor for Project POINT at Eskenazi Hospital where he works with vulnerable populations, many of whom are suffering from opioid use disorder. He founded the Murphy Arts Center and founded the Masterpiece in a Day event. He is a DeHaan Artist of Distinction, a Creative Renewal Fellow and most recently created Kevlar blankets for homeless residents. Philip's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, both locally and nationally.

Nichole Flowers is a 3rd grade teacher who has been shaping young minds for 14 years. Nichole currently teaches in Anderson Community Schools where she has contributed to students’ 82% proficiency rating on IREAD. As an alum of the School of Education, Nichole embodies the school’s mission to make a positive impact. She gives back through school supply drives and shares her love of learning in and out of the classroom. In fact, Nichole recently wrote an inspirational book titled “I Am: Positive Declaration for the Soul”. The book encourages mature readers to change their lives through positive declarations, devotion, and faith-centered personal growth. Nichole’s efforts in the classroom and the community displays her commitment to educating, encouraging and empowering all learners. Nichole Flowers is the 2025 Transformational Alumni Service Award recipient.

The 2025 Transformational Alumni Career Award recipient is Dr. Shannon McCullough, the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs for Herron School of Art + Design. Shannon is a proud graduate of the School of Education’s PhD program. She and 7 members from her sister circle made history and earned academic and national recognition in 2016, as all 8 Black women attained their PhD at the same time from the School of Education. Shannon and her sisters’ accomplishments earned them the title “The Great 8”, and a scholarship was established to commemorate the women and the moment! As an alum, Shannon demonstrates her commitment to education by supporting student success through her contributions to the Great 8 Scholarship in the School of Education, and her support of other campus wide initiatives and scholarships. Additionally, Shannon demonstrates her dedication to education through her role in Herron. The Dean at Herron, Dr. Greg Hull, shared the following “Shannon is one of the most impactful colleagues with whom I have had the privilege to serve. She has reshaped Herron’s approach to recruitment and student support. Under her guidance, Herron has expanded pathways for students from every community and background, strengthened academic advising, and cultivated a culture of belonging that aligns directly with Herron and the IU School of Education’s missions and values.” Dean Hull, Dean Jackson and I all agree that Shannon’s career is a testament to both of our school’s mission to cultivate leaders who advance equity, advocate for learners, and create meaningful change in educational settings and in our community. Thank you, Dr. Shannon McCullough, for your commitment to education and congratulations on being named the 2025 Transformational alumni.

Physician MBA alumni who demonstrate outstanding leadership and impact in driving effective changes in the healthcare industry may be recognized with the Anthony D. Cox Leadership and Impact Award. Award recipients show leadership initiative, outstanding career progression, and extraordinary achievements. Alen has published an article on combating burnout as a physician, and he helped open an LGBTQ+ clinic within Cedars Sinai in 2023. As a Chief Operating Officer and Vice President at Cedars-Sinai Medical Network, Alen is responsible for developing new and improved clinical services for patients, including ongoing process improvement and transformation in ambulatory patient care. Alen leads efforts to promote operational excellence and efficiency across the medical network, while simultaneously maximizing patient access and supporting the well-being of teams. With more than 20 years of experience as a physician executive, Alen has a proven track record of delivering results on multiple performance improvement projects in areas such as quality, experience, finance, and efficiency. Alen's mission is to leverage his expertise in healthcare innovation, value-based transformation, data analytics, and informatics to achieve the Triple Aim of better health, better care, and lower cost for patients and communities. He is passionate about using technology to enhance patient engagement, clinical decision support, and population health management. He also is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and diversity among clinicians and staff members, as well as engaging with external partners and stakeholders to advance strategic goals. As an author, keynote speaker, Aspen Health Innovation Fellow, and ACHE Executive Diversity Scholar, Alen seeks to share insights and best practices with the broader healthcare industry and inspire the next generation of leaders. Alen is the Owner, CEO and Medical Director at FIX Wellness Center and the Regional Medical Director at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care. He also is Innovation Advisor at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Finally, he is a Chair-Elect of an HIV special interest group with the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

With a distinguished career that bridges clinical expertise and educational support, Jamie Rogers has made outstanding professional contributions to the field of social work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker holding dual master’s degrees in Social Work and School Counseling, alongside a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion, she brings a deeply holistic and trauma-informed approach to every setting she serves. Jamie has made significant and sustained contributions to her community. As a volunteer with Second Helpings—a nonprofit that rescues prepared and perishable food to fight hunger and teach culinary job training—and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, which provides nutritious food to families in need across the state, she has actively supported food security for vulnerable populations. For the past 18 years, Jamie has also served as an adult volunteer for the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. Jamie has remained an engaged and dedicated supporter of the IU School of Social Work. She has collaborated with fellow IU alumni on numerous projects, most recently by hosting alumni at Pike High School’s Career Speaker Day to inspire high school students interested in social work and other helping professions. In addition to fostering alumni connections, she has served as a field practicum instructor, providing meaningful supervision and guidance to MSW students as they developed their clinical and professional skills.

Danny Lackey, a 1981 graduate of Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology, exemplifies what it means to live a life of purpose, vision, and service. Over the past three decades, Danny has shaped educational and mental health landscapes across Northwest Indiana with unwavering commitment and pioneering leadership. A visionary educator and systems advocate, Danny institutionalized the role of school social workers across the district, and launched the celebrated S.T.A.N.D. program—an intergenerational, student-led initiative focused on inclusion, anti-bullying, and civic engagement. Under his guidance, Merrillville witnessed dramatic positive shifts: foster youth graduation rates rose by 18%, suspension rates dropped by 42%, and students reported a heightened sense of belonging, increasing from 58% to 85%. Danny’s imprint extends far beyond the classroom. He forged cultural exchange programs between urban and rural schools, built confidential support networks and LGBTQ+ alliances, and co-founded an affirming church in Portage, Indiana. His DEI training efforts have transformed practices among town officials, police departments, and youth organizations across the region. Danny maintains deep ties with Indiana University and its School of Social Work. He has mentored more than two dozen IU BSW and MSW interns, many of whom now lead equity programs across Indiana. As a guest speaker and thought partner, Danny helps shape IU workshops on trauma-informed practice and inclusive leadership.

Carol Juergensen Sheets is a nationally recognized mental health therapist with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. She is a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT), Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT), and an expert in helping individuals and couples recover from relational trauma. Carol has authored multiple books, has been featured in numerous media outlets and podcasts, and she maintains a strong online presence through her educational videos. Her private practice has helped countless individuals navigate complex emotional and psychological challenges. Carol has made significant contributions to the broader community through her work as a therapist, author, and educator. She has presented on numerous occasions at the annual IU School of Social Work Alumni Conference including as its keynote speaker. Her outreach includes public speaking engagements, workshops, and online resources that support mental health awareness and recovery. In addition to her time and expertise, Carol is also a donor to the School, supporting its mission to educate and empower future social workers. Carol’s work exemplifies the values of the social work profession—empathy, advocacy, and empowerment. She continues to innovate in the field through her writing, speaking, and clinical practice. Her commitment to ethical care and her ability to connect with diverse populations make her a role model for students and professionals alike. Carol’s legacy is one of healing, education, and service.

Juan Guzman is a standout candidate for the Early Career Achievement Award from the Fairbanks School of Public Health due to his rapid ascent in healthcare leadership, unwavering commitment to community service, and dedication to mentoring future Latino leaders. In just a decade, he rose from administrative fellow to Chief Operations Officer at Indiana University Health West, driving strategic growth and improving patient care. As the Founding President of NALHE Indiana, he addressed critical gaps in representation, secured substantial support, and led the chapter to national recognition—all while serving on multiple nonprofit boards. His academic journey at FSPH laid the foundation for his success, and he continues to exemplify the school’s mission through lifelong learning and impactful leadership.

Dr. Patrick Kelly is a 2007 graduate of the School of Science, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, and is a 2012 graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. While at IUPUI, now IU Indianapolis, he excelled as a member of the Men’s Division I Swimming and Diving Team and was awarded several academic and athletic honors, including recognition as a Top 10 Student Athlete. Dr. Kelly credits his undergraduate experience as being pivotal in his journey. IUPUI became a beloved place, as he built an outstanding academic foundation, got involved with research experiences, and shined both as an athlete and a promising student. During his time at the IU School of Dentistry, Patrick participated in several student organizations and traveled to Kenya and Peru on dental and oral surgery mission trips; and was honored with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon’s Student Dental Award and the Glenn J. Pell Award for outstanding undergraduate proficiency in oral maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Kelly completed his surgical residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (which is the highest honor in his specialty). Patrick returned to Indiana where he is now a proud owner of Northeast Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Patrick leads an innovative and caring practice and supports his beloved profession through his commitment to excellence, volunteering and mentoring the next generation of future surgeons. Dr. Kelly consistently opens his practice and gives his time to connect with high school and college students who are interested in pursuing dentistry and oral surgery. The School of Science is extremely honored to recognize Dr. Patrick Kelly as the 2025 School of Science Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Kerry Hyatt Bennett, JD’90, has been the Chief Legal Counsel at the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) since 2005, and an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis for over a decade, specializing in state and federal domestic violence law. Ms. Bennett is a frequent speaker on the legal issues, challenges and inequities that survivors of gender-based violence face in and out of the court system. Ms. Bennett is an appointed member of the Indiana Supreme Court’s Coalition for Court Access, which provides an organizational support structure for Indiana’s civil legal aid programs; she also serves on the Diversity Subcommittee of the Indiana State Bar Association, is a past president of the Indianapolis Bar Association, and is the current President of the Indiana Health Advocacy Coalition. She has been a legal advocate for survivors in Indiana’s trial courts, appellate courts and in the Indiana Supreme Court and is admitted to the Supreme Court of the US. Ms. Bennett has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including the Leadership in Law Award from the Indiana Lawyer, the “Woman of Influence” recognition by the Indianapolis Business Journal, the Access to Justice Award from the Muslim Alliance of Indiana, and the Antoinette Dakin Leach Award from the Women in Law Division of the Indianapolis Bar Association.

Michael C. Cunningham is a criminal defense attorney with The Criminal Defense Team, Baldwin, Perry & Wiley, P.C. in Franklin, Indiana, and a proud graduate of the IU McKinney School of Law’s evening program. Since earning his J.D. and graduate certificates in advocacy skills and criminal law in 2017, Mike has established himself as one of Indiana’s most respected young defense attorneys. He has argued before both the Indiana Court of Appeals and the Indiana Supreme Court, including in Minges v. State, a landmark case that overturned more than forty years of precedent. His scholarship includes articles on pretrial bail published in the Indiana Capital Chronicle and the ISBA’s Res Gestae. Beyond the courtroom, Mike is widely recognized as a mentor and collaborator who shares his expertise to strengthen Indiana’s defense community. Through his work with the Indiana Public Defender Council and leadership as chair of the ISBA Criminal Justice Section, he has helped advance reforms that promote fairness and access to justice. A graduate of the ISBA Leadership Development Academy, Mike has been named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in Criminal Law since 2023. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Monica, and their son, Teddy, and they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their daughter in January.