December 31, 2020 will mark the culmination of Dr. David Skirvin's long and successful career at Indiana University-Bloomington's School of Public Health. Skirvin began work as Assistant to the Dean (then Dean Dr. Tony Mobley) in 1986 following his completion of undergraduate and master's degrees from Indiana University.

He later acquired his doctorate in higher education administration from IU's School of Education and was named Assistant Dean for Administration in 2002. "Former school leaders gave me the opportunity to expand my education beyond the master's degree when I started to the completion of a doctorate—while working full-time," Skirvin recalls. "Their support helped to expand the scope of my work, which included teaching in addition to my regular administrative duties. I am forever grateful."

In 2020, Skirvin assumed the role of Assistant Dean of Facilities. Additionally, he worked as an academic specialist, adjunct faculty member, and adjunct assistant professor. Since 2003, Skirvin taught graduate level classes in sport finance, and public health finance and budgeting. He plans to continue his teaching work during his upcoming retirement.

"I plan to spend the first months of 2021 catching my breath after a full and fantastic career, and then survey my options," he says. "I'd like to apply my talents in an organization aimed at improving quality of life for people in whatever forms that might take. It might be in recreation, leisure or sport, or it might be in church work or not-for-profit activities."

Skirvin plans to golf and spend more time with family and friends, too. "I'll also enjoy continuing in my role in operating the play clock at IU football games and the shot-clock at IU basketball games," he adds.

Reflecting on his career, Skirvin concludes, "It was a treat to work with institutional leaders on high profile projects and assignments, while also interacting with those in the trenches whose day-to-day dedication and hands-on work keeps the university operating. It has also been great getting to know alumni and external stakeholders who hold our school in such high esteem."

Recruitment for Skirvin's successor is presently underway. Formerly Assistant Dean of Facilities, the new, director-level position will be renamed Director of Facilities and Safety Management.

This position will report directly to Assistant Dean of Operations Dr. Brandon Howell. "We hope to be able to bring someone on as Director of Facilities and Safety Management by November of 2020," Howell notes.

In summarizing his thoughts on retirement, Skirvin referenced IU's iconic president Herman B. Wells who titled his autobiography 'Being Lucky.' "I could say the same thing about my career at Indiana University," remarked Skirvin. "I was very lucky to be born into a family passionate about IU, and begin a career at the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, and continued that career into the excitement that is now the School of Public Health-Bloomington. The School has a tremendous legacy in the life and history of IU, and it is on the cusp of even greater years ahead. I am glad that I was able to be a part of it for nearly 35 years!"

Dean David B. Allison concludes, "Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for Dean Skirvin and the impact he has made on our school over the past 35 years. I will forever be grateful and wish David the best in his well-deserved retirement."