BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Dean Emeritus Charles “Chuck” Bonser, the founding dean of the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs who led the school for nearly two decades, passed away August 14, 2024.
He was 91.
“We are forever indebted to Chuck Bonser and his vision for the O’Neill School,” said Siân Mooney, dean of the O’Neill School. “His tireless efforts helped bring the school from just an idea into reality, and his vision created a forward looking, truly imaginative interdisciplinary and world-renowned force that strives to make the world better. We are honored to continue this mission, educating future leaders who are prepared to address complex issues and will carry the torch he lit more than 50 years ago.”
Born February 15, 1933, the native of Youngstown, Ohio received his undergraduate education at Bowling Green State University, graduating in 1954. He earned his master’s degree in business administration at Indiana University in 1961 and became a lecturer at the IU School of Business. Following a period of government service from 1963–65, Bonser earned his Ph.D. and rejoined IU as an assistant professor and associate director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research. He was appointed associate dean of the IU School of Business in 1969 and promoted to full professor in 1971.
In the fall of 1971, Bonser was appointed as special assistant to the president of Indiana University. In this assignment, he prepared the plan for a proposed School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU and was appointed as the founding dean in 1972. His plan was extraordinarily visionary more than 50 years ago, creating a multidisciplinary school which many other institutions strive to emulate today.
During Bonser’s 17-year tenure as dean, the O’Neill School developed into one of the largest and most highly rated public affairs schools in the United States while also building a strong global reputation for its environmental science research. Bonser retired from full-time academic service in 1998, although he continued an active agenda with the University on a part-time basis. In 2002, he was called back to serve as director of the IU Graduate Program in Arts Administration, which became part of the O’Neill School.
“Chuck leaves an unforgettable mark on the O’Neill School and IU as well as the many individuals who had the pleasure of calling him a professor, colleague, mentor, role model, and friend,” Mooney said. “We will ensure that his legacy endures for generations to come.”
Outside of the O’Neill School, Bonser held a variety of governmental and public service posts during his career, including director of the Indiana State Tax and Financing Policy Commission, director of the Intergovernmental Personnel Program for the State of Indiana, chairman of the Great Lakes Intergovernmental Personnel Council, and special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Otis Bowen.
He also served as a consultant/advisor to the Brookings Institution, the U.S. Civil Service Commission, and the Offices of Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of the State of Indiana. His experience in consultation and advising extended to the international arena where he worked with USAID and several foreign governments. In addition, he initiated and directed educational programs in Venezuela, Egypt, Nigeria, Spain, France, The Netherlands, The United Arab Emirates, and Great Britain.
A Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, October 4, from 4–6 p.m. at the Indiana University Auditorium - Grand Foyer. Remarks will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a reception to follow. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in his memory to the O’Neill School Study Abroad Scholarship Fund, the O’Neill Greater Good Internship Fund, or to the nonprofit of your choice.