Charles Franklin Bonser

Dr. Charles (Chuck) F. Bonser, Dean Emeritus of the Indiana University Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, passed away on August 14, 2024 at the age of 91.

Chuck was born on February 15, 1933 in Youngstown, Ohio to Anita and William Harley Bonser. He attended Bowling Green State University, where he also met his future loving wife Nancy whom he would marry in 1955. Following his graduation in 1954, Chuck joined the United States Air Force, proudly serving as a pilot for the next 5 years and rising to the rank of Captain. During that time Chuck and Nancy also had their first experience living overseas (in Italy), sparking their life-long interest in exploring the world.

In 1959 he and Nancy moved to Bloomington, Indiana so Chuck could pursue graduate work in the IU School of Business (now the Kelley School of Business), a decision which led to Bloomington and IU becoming their long-term home. He earned his MBA in 1961 and his Doctorate in Business in 1965. In 1965 he joined the IU business faculty as an assistant professor of Business Economics and as associate director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, rising quickly to the rank of full professor in 1971.

Chuck's leadership talents and innovativeness became apparent early in his career. He became associate dean of the School of Business in 1969 and in 1971 IU's president asked him to lead a plan for a new School of Public and Environmental Affairs (now the O'Neill School). He was appointed School's first dean in 1972, leading its development and significant growth until stepping down in 1988. After returning to his faculty role, he enjoyed policy research and applying his leadership skills to program development as Director of the School's Institute of Development Strategies. One of his favorite activities was developing and leading graduate student study abroad programs focused on EU policy, with Nancy often accompanying him. He continued to remain active professionally even after his retirement from IU in 1998.

Chuck's professional impacts also extended beyond IU, including serving as special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and as a consultant to the State of Indiana, the Brookings Institution, and the U.S. Civil Service Commission. He held leadership positions in national professional organizations and helped develop academic programs around the world. He received numerous recognitions and awards for his service, including a special recognition from the Indiana General Assembly and the Indiana University Bicentennial Award. He was also committed to the communities in which he lived, often volunteering his strategic planning talents on projects for the city of Bloomington, the Big Arts on Sanibel Island, and for his church.

For all of his accomplishments, spending time with Nancy and his family was always central to Chuck's life. He and Nancy shared a love for the arts, music, and travel. His children and grandchildren grew up with him cheering them on at their various events, sharing his love of Sanibel Island and travel, and being a permanent source of love, guidance, and wisdom.

Chuck is survived by his daughter Catherine Bonser-Neal (Rob Neal) of Carmel, IN, his son Andrew (Heather) Bonser of Greenwood, IN; and his four grandchildren Matthew Neal, Meagan Neal, Emily Bonser and Jordan Bonser. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years Nancy Bonser, his son Jeffrey Bonser, his brother George Bonser, and his sister Edith Mazorek.

A Celebration of Chuck Bonser's Life will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, in the I.U. Auditorium's Grand Foyer, 1211 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN. The reception begins at 4pm with remarks starting at 4:30pm; the reception continues until 6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in his memory to the O'Neill School Study Abroad Scholarship Fund, the O'Neill Greater Good Internship Fund, or to the donation of your choice.