Melanie Walker Indiana Obituary – Death: Melanie Walker, a trustee of Indiana University, has passed away. Melanie Walker passed away unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 62. No cause of death is provided at this time.
Walker was born on June 17, 1959 in Ithaca, New York. She earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University in 1985.
She has served on the Board of Directors since 2016 and was nominated by then-Indiana Governor Mike Pence.
She was the CEO of the Tsuchiya North American group of companies, a Company based in Nagoya, Japan. Walker was the first woman appointed president of the Bloomington-based TASUS Corporation, which grew to five facilities in North America, employing nearly 600, during her tenure in 1994.
She also worked closely with the leadership in Japan on operations matters for group companies around the world.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of IU Board of Trustees and O’Neill School Dean’s Council member Melanie S. Walker. Our thoughts are with all of Melanie’s friends and family.
— O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs (@IUONeillSchool) August 1, 2021
I am saddened to hear of the passing of IU Trustee Melanie Walker. Trustee Walker was an incredible person whose unwavering support for diversity & equity was an inspiration to all. She has touched the lives of many during her time at IU & has a lasting impact on our university. pic.twitter.com/936Gt6exKi
— Indiana Diversity (@IU_OVPDEMA) August 2, 2021
I didn’t know Melanie Walker, IU trustee, as well as many, but I knew her well enough to know she was a phenomenal woman with a passion for excellence & equity. Serving on the search committee, which she chaired, for IU’s 19th president, was an honor. She died all too soon.
— Charlie Nelms (@CharlieNelms) August 2, 2021
Today the IU community is mourning the passing of trustee Melanie S. Walker.
“We extend our greatest sympathies to her family and many friends during this difficult time,” IU President Pam Whitten said.
[Image: IU Trustee Melanie Walker smiling] pic.twitter.com/4BGnkMG4yf
— Indiana University (@IndianaUniv) August 1, 2021