Ed Pease: A Legacy of Public Service, Law, and Leadership
From the halls of the U.S. Congress to the leadership of major academic and fraternal organizations, Ed Pease has built a multifaceted career defined by a commitment to civic duty and institutional growth. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on May 22, 1951, Pease has spent decades navigating the intersections of law, politics, and community development.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Pease's journey began in Terre Haute, where he graduated from Gerstmeyer High School in 1969. He pursued higher education with a focus on the humanities and law, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University Bloomington in 1973. He furthered his legal expertise by obtaining a Juris Doctor (a professional degree in law) from IUPUI in 1977. Between 1978 and 1984, he continued his academic development through post-graduate studies at Indiana State University.
Legal and Political Career
Pease's professional trajectory is marked by a steady ascent through local and state governance. His early legal experience included serving as a law clerk to the Attorney General of Indiana from 1974 to 1975. He later practiced law in Brazil, Indiana, where he served as an attorney for the Clay County Department of Public Welfare and held the position of City Attorney for Brazil in 1980.
His transition into state politics saw him serve as a member of the Indiana Senate from 1980 to 1992. Parallel to his political rise, Pease held significant administrative roles at Indiana State University, serving as an assistant to the president and later as general counsel from 1984 to 1993, followed by a tenure as vice president for university advancement from 1993 to 1997.
Tenure in the U.S. Congress
During his time in the U.S. Congress, Pease focused on infrastructure and national security. His key legislative achievements included securing an increased share of transportation funding for Indiana and boosting investments in the U.S. military. He was also instrumental in preserving the historic downtown Federal Building in Terre Haute. On the national stage, he served on the House Judiciary Committee during the proceedings that introduced the articles of impeachment for President Bill Clinton.
Despite these successes, his congressional years were marked by a series of personal hardships. Pease experienced a burglary of his apartment, a mugging at a subway station in Arlington, Virginia, and the discovery of a deceased person outside his residence. Brian Kerns, Pease's former chief of staff and eventual successor, suggested that these distressing events may have influenced Pease's decision to retire from office.
Community Leadership and Fraternal Contributions
Beyond politics, Pease has been a lifelong advocate for youth development and fraternal brotherhood. An Eagle Scout, he has received some of the highest honors in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), including the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, the Silver Buffalo, Silver Antelope, and Silver Beaver Awards. He also served as the chairman of the National Order of the Arrow Committee and was named the 2015 BSA National Alumnus of the Year.
Pease has also been a pivotal figure in the American college fraternity movement. He served as the international president of Pi Kappa Alpha from 1988 to 1990 and was a two-term president of the North American Interfraternity Conference, where he received the Gold Medal. Notably, he established the Theta Omicron chapter at Indiana State University as the first and only "dry" (alcohol-free) fraternity house on campus, fostering a culture of integrity and excellence that led to numerous Smythe trophies and Intramural Cup wins.
Later Career and Board Governance
Following his departure from public office, Pease transitioned into the private sector as the senior vice president of government relations for Rolls-Royce plc North America, eventually serving as a consultant for the firm. His commitment to education came full circle in 2018 when he was appointed chairman of the board of trustees at Indiana State University.
Key Facts
- Education: BA from Indiana University Bloomington; JD from IUPUI.
- Political Roles: Member of the Indiana Senate (1980–1992) and member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- University Leadership: Former General Counsel and VP for Advancement; 2018 Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Indiana State University.
- BSA Honors: Eagle Scout and recipient of the Silver Buffalo, Silver Antelope, and Silver Beaver Awards.
- Fraternal Leadership: International President of Pi Kappa Alpha (1988–1990) and Gold Medal winner of the North American Interfraternity Conference.
Below is a summary of Ed Pease's diverse professional milestones.
| Sector | Key Role/Achievement | Period/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Government | Indiana Senate | 1980–1992 |
| Government | U.S. Congress | House Judiciary Committee member |
| Academia | Indiana State University | General Counsel & Board Chairman |
| Corporate | Rolls-Royce plc North America | SVP of Government Relations |
| Community | Boy Scouts of America | National Alumnus of the Year (2015) |
| Fraternal | Pi Kappa Alpha | International President (1988–1990) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Ed Pease's primary achievements in Congress?
Pease is recognized for increasing Indiana's transportation funding, boosting U.S. military investment, and saving the historic Federal Building in Terre Haute. He also served on the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment process of President Bill Clinton.
How did Ed Pease contribute to Indiana State University?
Pease served as an assistant to the president, general counsel, and vice president for university advancement. In 2018, he reached a leadership pinnacle as the chairman of the board of trustees.
What is Ed Pease's connection to the Boy Scouts of America?
An Eagle Scout, Pease served as the director of the Wabash Valley Council and held several high-level awards, including the Silver Buffalo and Silver Beaver. He was also the 2015 BSA National Alumnus of the Year.
What impact did he have on the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity?
Pease served as the international president of Pi Kappa Alpha and established the Theta Omicron chapter at Indiana State as a dry fraternity house, emphasizing integrity and academic/athletic excellence.
What did Ed Pease do after leaving political office?
He entered the corporate sector as the senior vice president of government relations for Rolls-Royce plc North America and later worked as a consultant for the company.