Elizabeth Coit to Serve as Inaugural Executive Director of Marian University’s Walker Center for Applied Ethics

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, July 30 -- Marian University issued the following news:

Elizabeth Coit will serve as the inaugural executive director of Marian University's Walker Center for Applied Ethics, the university announced today.

In her new role, Coit will oversee and direct all of the Walker Center's operations while collaborating with the Walker Center Board of Visitors, Marian faculty, Indiana business leaders and other stakeholders to design and implement a long-term strategy to advance the Walker Center's mission. Coit will report to Marian University provost Alan Silva.

Marian University announced the creation of the Walker Center for Applied Ethics in November 2018. Its mission is to advance a more ethical world by improving and evolving the interdisciplinary teaching of ethics and by bridging the gap between research and organizational best practices. Areas of focus will include research, certificate programs for ethics professionals, and a nationally recognized speaker series. The initiative was made possible by a lead gift from Frank D. Walker, Chairman Emeritus of Walker Information, and the Walker Family Foundation.

Coit comes to Marian University from Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding, Inc., where she has served since 2011 as executive director, lead instructor, and program director. She previously served as executive director of Indiana State University's Networks Financial Institute, president of Conseco Insurance Group, senior vice president of business planning & development at Travelers Insurance Companies, consultant and case leader at Boston Consulting Group, and assistant vice president of marketing, strategy and planning at First Interstate Bancorp.

Coit earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Occidental College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

"In Elizabeth Coit, Marian University has identified an executive who can serve as the face and voice of ethics for Marian University, and represent the university at the state and national levels," Silva said. "Organizations and businesses across all sectors must be ethical to thrive in today's economy and culture. Elizabeth has the knowledge and experience to connect Marian through the work of the Walker Center for Applied Ethics to all organizations to help their leaders apply research and theory to strengthen their businesses from the inside out."

"The opportunity to join Marian University and the Walker Center for Applied Ethics is energizing," Coit said. "It's akin to launching a start-up, but with the backing of an established, trusted brand. We have a real opportunity to make a difference in the business community, and expand Marian's brand regionally and nationally. I'm ready to get started!"

Coit is expected to begin her new role October 1.

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About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2019, Marian is serving more than 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university's high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report's 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in 110 years. Marian's national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.