The William M. Plater Institute on the Future of Learning was established in 2006 to recognize the leadership of Bill Plater who served as IUPUI’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculties from 1987 to 2006. The Institute provides an opportunity for the campus community and its constituents throughout the Indianapolis area to build upon his commitment to excellence in teaching and learning by collectively exploring significant issues in higher education that will influence the future of learning.
As chief academic officer, Dr. Plater led campus efforts to improve undergraduate retention, strengthen civic engagement, incorporate assessment of programs and learning, foster international programs, enhance the effective use of technology, develop IUPUI as a model for comprehensive faculty development programs, and increase research productivity -- all components of his vision for IUPUI to become a leading urban research university. From teaching to administrative work, Bill Plater has played an integral role in the shaping of IUPUI's future. Highly regarded by his colleagues, his fierce loyalty and dedication to IUPUI continue to be an inspiration to many.
Dr. Plater continues to lend his expertise and assistance to promoting educational excellence. He has served as a senior consultant to Higher Education Strategies and as a senior advisor for education strategies at Course Networking, both learning technologies companies. He currently serves as a senior advisor for international affairs with the Western Association of Schools and colleges as the commission focuses on the implications of the globalization of higher education and in assisting institutions outside the U.S. in their efforts to obtain accreditation.