O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Distinguished Professor Kirsten Grønbjerg has been selected as the 2023 M.A. “Venkat” Venkataramanan Distinguished Service Award by Indiana University’s Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs.
The Venkat Award honors a faculty member or librarian whose service has had a long-term, significant impact on the Bloomington campus. Grønbjerg was honored for her exemplary career at IU and her years of dedication to a wide range of committees and initiatives at the O’Neill School, Indiana University, the state of Indiana, and her profession.
“I am deeply honored to be the inaugural recipient of this award, especially in view of the outstanding service record of the man for whom it is named,” Grønbjerg said. “Since joining IU in 1997, I have worked with most of the O’Neill School’s faculty, and along the way I have acquired a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary research and have come to truly value the wide-ranging expertise of so many colleagues. It has been a rewarding experience for me, and I hope and trust these efforts have served the school and IU well.”
As holder of the Efroymson Chair in Philanthropy, 2001-2020, Grønbjerg was charged with strengthening the connection between the philanthropic community and the university. To do so, she has directed a major project, Indiana Nonprofit Sector: Scope and Community Dimensions, for more than two decades, analyzing and disseminating information about Indiana nonprofits and their contributions to the state and local community. The project aims to help community leaders and public policy makers develop effective and collaborative solutions to community needs.
Her other research and publications focus on nonprofit funding relations, nonprofit capacity, nonprofit data sources, and the American welfare system.
Grønbjerg was nominated by a faculty peer for the award. She will be honored during a recognition ceremony during the upcoming fall semester.
“Congratulations to Kirsten on this well-deserved achievement,” said Siân Mooney, dean of the O’Neill School. “Her dedication and hard work are a testament to her exceptional abilities and her commitment to excellence. Her success and drive are an inspiration to us all.”
The Venkat Award honors M.A. “Venkat” Venkataramanan, former IU executive vice provost for finance, budget, and strategy and current Jack R. Wenworth Professor and Professor of Decision Sciences at IU’s Kelley School of Business. He has provided more than 35 years of service to the university.