Awards

Bicentennial Medal - 2019

About Eric J. Holcomb

Eric J. Holcomb was born in Vincennes, IN. and graduated from Hanover College in 1990 with a bachelors degree in History. A Navy veteran, Holcomb served for six years as an intelligence officer before embarking on a career in politics. His political career has included service in Indiana Governor Mitch Daniel's administration from 2003 to 2011, Chief of Staff for Indiana U.S. Senator Dan Coat from 2013-2015, and Chairman of the Indiana Republican Party in 2010. Upon the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann, Governor Mike Pence named Holcomb as Ellspermann's successor and his running mate for the 2016 gubernatorial election. Holcomb was sworn in as lieutenant governor on March 3, 2016.

After Goveernor Pence withdrew from the 2016 gubernatorial race having been named then presidential candidate Donald Trump's running mate in the 2016 presidential election, Holcomb withdrew his candidacy for lieutenant governor and entered the gubernatorial race. Holcomb was elected the 51st Governor of the State of Indiana, being sworn into office on Jan. 9, 2017.

IU President McRobbie described Governor Holcomb as, "a lifelong Hoosier who has dedicated his professional life to improving our state and the quality of life of our citizens, and who has been a strong advocate for IU's and Indiana's shared mission to marshal university education, scholarly activity and research innovation toward meeting the challenges facing our communities and societies. He has been a great partner and supporter of IU here in Indiana, nationally and around the world." Governor Holcomb has received honorary degrees from Trine University, Anderson University, and Ivy Tech.