Dennis Bland: CLD President to receive VU honorary doctorate recognizing lifetime of youth advocacy

Dennis Bland, pictured in the center, will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Education, at 2026 Spring Commencement.

March 10, 2026

Dennis Bland, President of the Center for Leadership Development, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Education from Vincennes University, recognizing his more than 20 years of leadership of an esteemed Indianapolis-based non-profit and dedicating his life to elevating opportunity and inspiring high achievement among urban youth and families.

VU Board of Trustees Chair Mike Sievers said, "Mr. Bland embodies the spirit of service we hope to instill in all VU students and alumni. He has dedicated his life to expanding educational opportunities, supporting higher education, and leading in the community. On behalf of the Board, I extend our sincerest congratulations to Mr. Bland on this prestigious recognition.”

The Trustees unanimously voted to confer an honorary doctorate upon Bland. VU will honor Bland at Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 2, at the P.E. Complex on the Vincennes Campus.

Bland said, “I am sincerely humbled and honored to have been selected to receive the Honorary Doctorate of Education degree from Vincennes University. I am grateful to President (Dr. Chuck) Johnson and the entire Vincennes University Board of Trustees for this esteemed award and will do my level best to honor the degree and the historic institution with the dignity both are due.”

From Law to Youth Advocacy

An Indianapolis native and 1982 CLD alumnus, Bland has devoted his life’s work to empowering youth from underserved communities, mentoring them to become future professional, business, and community leaders. His commitment forms the foundation of his career and legacy.

Reflecting on Bland’s impact, First Vice Chair Reggie Henderson said, “Mr. Bland is an extraordinary individual and a visionary leader. His enduring legacy of brilliant leadership and youth advocacy speaks for itself. His efforts reflect the highest ideals of VU and make him exceptionally deserving of an honorary doctorate."

Bland holds a juris doctorate from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis and practiced law for nine years before returning to CLD. This transition from a legal career to full-time youth advocacy has built a strong legacy, with 86% of CLD alumni either attending college or currently enrolled.

The CLD offers nearly 20 robust development programs for students from elementary school through college, as well as free academic and college-readiness services. The programs range from leadership conferences and employment summits to college-preparatory programs, self-discovery projects, career exploration, and book clubs. The organization also supports parents and families and provides resources for them.

In addition to a law degree, Bland holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from DePauw University.

A Prodigious Record of Service

Under his leadership, the CLD has grown significantly in scale and impact, including securing a transformational multimillion-dollar grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to expand programming and community access.

Bland is a longstanding member of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, an appointment by the Governor. He also serves on many boards, including Citizens Energy Group Board of Trustees, Indiana LifeLong Learning Project, the Center for Sports Transformation, Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church, as well as the IU Tobias Leadership Center, Indiana INTERNnet, IU Law-Indianapolis Alumni Association, Indiana Black Expo Economic Development Corporation, and Indianapolis Arts Council.

His accomplishments include being honored by the Indianapolis Colts with the inaugural 2022 Inspire Change Changemaker Award, which recognizes individuals making a difference in their communities through social justice work. He was named by the Indianapolis Business Journal as its 2025 Michael A. Carroll Award recipient, an annual award that honors individuals who exemplify the qualities of determination, humility, and service that characterized the former deputy mayor. The IBJ also selected Bland as one of the “Top Forty Under 40” in 2004. He was presented the Bicentennial Medal for his distinguished contributions to IU in 2020.

Additional honors and recognitions include receiving the Mayor’s Community Volunteerism Award in 1998 in addition to the President’s Medal of Distinction from Ball State University, the Distinguished Alumni Service award for Humanities from DePauw University, the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from IU Indianapolis School of Law, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Broad Ripple High School, and the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Black Nurses Association of Indianapolis. He was also recognized in 2003 by the Indianapolis Star as part of the “New Generation of Black Leadership.”

Bland’s extraordinary leadership has created opportunities for education, leadership, and career success for thousands of students.

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