A Leader Who Transformed Institutions—and Lives
Distinguished Alumna Dr. Paula M. Rooney devoted her life to expanding opportunity, elevating student voices, and transforming the institutions she served.
Her passing in March 2026 marked the loss of a visionary leader, but her impact continues, most recently through an endowed fund established in her honor at the IU School of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.
During her 27 years as president of Dean College, Dr. Rooney reshaped the institution from a struggling two‑year college into a thriving four‑year destination for engaged, student‑centered learning. Her leadership philosophy, rooted in mentorship she received at IU from Dr. Robert Shaffer and Dr. Betty Greenleaf, became the foundation of “The Dean Difference,” a culture that placed students at the heart of every decision.
A two-time IU alumna, she remained closely connected to IU throughout her career, serving as a valued member of the SOE Dean’s Advisory Board, where her insight and advocacy strengthened the Higher ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø & Student Affairs community she cherished.
A Gift That Reflects Her Values
To honor Dr. Rooney’s lifelong commitment to student success, she and her husband, Dr. Gerry Shaw, established the Paula M. Rooney Higher ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø & Student Affairs Fund. The fund supports travel opportunities for students in the HESA program, ensuring they can participate in course‑based, program‑sponsored, or academically required learning experiences beyond the classroom.
These experiences, conferences, field visits, and immersive learning opportunities reflect Dr. Rooney’s belief that education is most powerful when it connects students to the world.
Dr. Rooney spent her life opening doors for students. Through this fund, those doors will remain open, welcoming new leaders, new ideas, and new possibilities.