Joseph T. Taylor - IUPUI Involvement

IUPUI Involvement

Taylor was named dean of Indiana University at the downtown Indianapolis Campus on February 24, 1967 and served as acting dean since June of that same year. When the president of Indianapolis University Board of Trustees, Elvis Stahr, named Taylor dean, he stated, "The appointment of Dr. Taylor by the Trustees on our recommendation is a pleasure to announce. It caps a search both within the institution and outside for the best qualified man for this important administrative position in the University."

The Trustees searched for a man that would carry on the campus's two main principles. Stahr included these principles in Taylor's assignment as the new dean. "…to strive to provide higher educational opportunity for students of Marion and surrounding counties who might not otherwise have the resources to pursue study in any college or university and, secondly, to continue both the spirit and the fact of cooperation with the private colleges and universities of the region, as well as with our sister state institutions." In 1967 Taylor also became founding dean of the IU School of Liberal Arts. The Joseph T. Taylor heritage society noted, "His devotion to the creation of an educational environment to meet the needs of widely diverse populations in central Indiana helped shape what is now considered a model in urban higher education-IUPUI. His is truly an important legacy…Through this society we pay tribute to Joseph T. Taylor and recognize the many IU School of Liberal Arts benefactors who share his high ideals and embrace his pursuit of excellence in the study and understanding of our human condition." The Joseph T. Taylor Heritage society is an active organization today.

While Taylor served as dean of IUPUI, 1967-1969, and dean of the Liberal Arts department, 1967-1978; he also served as a professor of sociology for IUPUI from 1967 to 1983. In 1983 Taylor became a professor emeritus of sociology.

Professor Gwendolyn Crenshaw, a long time professor of Black Studies at IUPUI, reflected on the legacy of Dr. Taylor, "If you ever had a question you could ask Joe Taylor because you knew he had the knowledge and his hands in everything and because of his experience."

The Indiana historical society noted: "Taylor was civically engaged and his leadership was regularly sought. He was a recipient of several service awards and four honorary degrees. IUPUI has honored Taylor by attaching his name to an annual symposium and a scholarship. In May 2008, an original IUPUI building housing University College and Multicultural Center was renamed Joseph T. Taylor Hall." Chancellor Charles Bantz was quoted, "It is fitting that his name be attached to one of our original buildings" since Taylor "was instrumental in implementing the merger that led to the establishment of IUPUI. Dr. Taylor was a pioneer at every stage of his academic career. He infused that 'can-do' spirit and ability to break new ground into very core of what has made IUPUI successful today."

The annual IUPUI symposiums, in Taylor's honor, feature topics such as: The Crisis in Urban Health Care, Environmental Justice, Resurrecting Our Neighborhoods, and Diversity Awards.

Annette Reynolds, of the Johnson County Daily Journal, interviewed Taylor in 1992. In her article, Professor's tale of two universities, Sociologist helped create IUPUI campus, she stated: "At 79 Taylor is sharp and optimistic…Bringing two universities together in crowded Indianapolis would have been a task for any person, let alone a black man in positions of authority over a mostly white student body in the late '60s. But Taylor claims he has never been hassled with racial problems. "I have always had wonderful cooperation from the faculty and students."