James "Jay" Gladden is the inaugural IU Indianapolis provost and executive vice chancellor for Indiana University’s Office of Academic Affairs. He transitioned to the role in October 2024 after serving as interim executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer since September 2023.
Jay joined the Indianapolis campus in 2009 as dean of the IU School of Physical Education and Tourism Management. He became dean of University College and associate vice chancellor for undergraduate education in 2017, and served as associate vice president for Learning Technologies with UITS from 2021 to 2023.
Before this, he was executive vice chancellor and associate vice president for UITS Learning Technologies in Bloomington. At Indianapolis, Jay spent 12 years enhancing technology systems for student support, including AdRx, iGPS, and the Student Engagement Roster, focusing on student success, high-impact practices, curriculum, and honors education.
On the Indianapolis campus, Jay led the Division of Undergraduate Education and University College, and previously increased student support, retention, and degrees conferred as dean of the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management.
Before coming to Indianapolis, Gladden was associate dean at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a member of the Sport Management faculty. He earned his bachelor's degree in communication arts and sciences from DePauw University, his master’s degree in sport management from The Ohio State University, and his doctorate in sport management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
