News Archive

Valerie Jarrett, the longest-serving Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, talked with students at IU McKinney on March 8. Her lecture took place in the Wynne Courtroom at Inlow Hall.

Jarrett provided a few opening remarks, but spent the majority of her time answering questions from students and alumni. During her time in the Obama administration, she oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, and chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls.

Prior to her federal government service, Jarrett served as chief executive officer of The Habitat Company in Chicago, chair of the Chicago Transit Board, Commissioner of Planning and Development, and Deputy Chief of Staff for then-Mayor Richard Daley. She also has served on numerous corporate and non-profit boards.

In the photo from left are Associate Director of the Office of Professional Development Sean Southern; Valerie Jarrett; Assistant Dean of the Office of Professional Development Chasity Thompson, '02; and Associate Director of the Office of Professional Development and Pro Bono Jennifer Thuma.