Harolyn G. Torain ’71 was the first USI alumni to serve as chair of the USI Board of Trustees. While currently retired, she has over 32 years of educational administrative experience.
A graduate of USI, Torain completed her bachelor’s degree in biology in 1971. She later went on to receive a master’s degree in secondary education from Indiana University in 1973. Her career in education has included junior high school science teacher, junior and high school science department chair, assistant director of high school evening division, and middle and high school assistant principal.
In her efforts to focus on students, Torain often supervised student activities including service programs, class meetings, cheerleading and senior honors nights. She created an academic honors program and a Saturday school program. She also served as administrator for special education case conferences.
As an administrator, she worked to develop and implement policies to help faculty and staff, as well as the school. Torain evaluated teacher performance, developed and implemented effective attendance policies, institutionalized performance improvement plans, and supervised clerical, clinic and department staff. Her role within the schools provided an organized approach to the Performance Based Accreditation and the North Central Association visitation.
Torain also has served as human relations coordinator, summer school principal, and supervisor of buildings, grounds, budgets and cafeteria operations. She created a computerized textbook rental procedure, inventory and budget procedure.
Following retirement, she has worked extensively with her church to make a positive difference in the lives of others. She draws people and cultures together through mission work in Guatemala and Okinawa, Japan, and through volunteer work as a docent at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
She also has been active in the community, serving on many boards and committees including Phi Delta Kappa, Citizen’s Commission for Indiana Courts, Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ, Association for Loan Free Education, Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Indianapolis Association of Supervisors, Specialists, Consultants and the George Washington High School Evening Division.
She and her husband, Stephen, reside in Indianapolis.