Indiana University Foundation Announces Two New Board Directors

The Indiana University Foundation welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors: Derrick Burks and Linda S. Watson. The IU Foundation Board stewards and supports Indiana University’s fundraising goals and serves as the legal governing body of the IU Foundation. Burks and Watson join a group of experienced leaders and subject-matter experts who strive to secure a strong and lasting future for Indiana University.

“Derrick and Linda have long been dedicated alumni, and I am so grateful they are willing to serve the university as IU Foundation Board members,” said IU Foundation President Dan Smith. “They both bring an incredible wealth of business and nonprofit leadership experience, and their wisdom and insight will have immediate impact. I could not be more delighted to welcome them to the Board.”

Derrick Burks

Burks retired in 2017 after a long career with Ernst & Young, where he rose to managing partner of the Indianapolis office. Prior to joining Ernst & Young in 2002, Burks was a partner with Arthur Andersen in the organization’s Indianapolis office. Burks currently serves on the boards of Heart Change Ministries, Inc., and the Indianapolis Championship Fund. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Kelley School of Business and is actively involved with the school’s Dean’s Council.

Linda S. Watson

After retiring as partner from Ernst & Young, where she served in the London, New York City and Chicago offices, Watson became an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University, focusing in the areas of taxation and accounting. She is active in the Chicago community, serving on the boards of the local chapters of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly and Impact 100. Watson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Kelley School of Business. She has served on IU’s Eskenazi Museum of Art National Advisory Board, Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council and Women’s Colloquium Steering Committee.

About the Indiana University Foundation

Founded in 1936, the Indiana University Foundation maximizes private support for Indiana University by fostering lifelong relationships with key stakeholders and providing advancement leadership and fundraising services for campuses and units across the university. Today, the IU Foundation oversees one of the largest public university endowments in the country, with a market value in excess of $2.3 billion. IU is consistently ranked among the top four of Big Ten universities in annual voluntary support.