Rendering of the Capital Campus lobby at 1619 Massachusetts Ave. NW, which will serve as a hub for the Indiana University community in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of SmithGroup.

As Indiana University expands its national impact and real-world opportunities for students through its new Capital Campus in Washington, D.C., an experienced higher education leader has been hired to lead that growth. Don DeMaria started his role as executive director Feb. 16.

The Capital Campus, announced in March 2025, aligns with IU’s strategic plan of providing valuable experiences to students, leading research and innovation, and demonstrating its service to Indiana and beyond.

Don DeMaria, executive director of Indiana University's Capital Campus in Washington, D.C. Photo by MB Photo Solutions “With our new Capital Campus, we can provide even more transformational opportunities for our students while creating a hub for faculty-led research and collaboration,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “Don DeMaria brings not only extensive connections in Washington, but a track record of success building a robust program for a leading university right in the heart of our nation’s capital.”

The Capital Campus is an eight-story building that puts students, faculty and researchers in the heart of national and international affairs. Located near embassies, peer institutions and headquarters of national institutions, the building includes offices, classrooms, meeting rooms and two floors for residential living that can accommodate 40 students and foster a sense of community. It is expected to start hosting academic programs this summer.

“We can show people how we’re changing the world every day, by providing students experiential learning opportunities and showcasing the work of our world-class faculty,” DeMaria said.

DeMaria was the founding director of the University of Georgia’s Washington Semester Program, which started in 2008 and combines coursework, internships and residential living. As director, he oversaw all aspects of the academic, career and student life operations.

“Seeing the impact on students from a D.C. experience and the opportunity to do something really bold and ambitious at a great institution like IU was really attractive,” DeMaria said.He said the challenge of building a Washington, D.C., campus for IU plays to his strengths in program development. In other roles with Georgia, DeMaria served as assistant director of its honors program, where he led efforts to enhance experiential learning opportunities, and was director of the Learning Communities Initiative.

His ties to Washington extend to his undergraduate education; he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from The George Washington University.

DeMaria speaks with people about IU's new Capital Campus during a February reception. Photo by MB Photo Solutions DeMaria said one of his first priorities is to meet the faculty, staff and students of IU programs that already operate in the area to learn about their experiences. He also wants to explore ways the programs can collaborate and cultivate new opportunities to ensure that all IU students have access to a Washington, D.C., experience. Other important steps include spreading the word about the Washington campus and its programs across IU; meeting with leaders from all IU campuses to identify opportunities for all undergraduate and graduate students; and developing the Capital Campus brand, DeMaria said. The strategic direction of the campus building and how it’s developed will be part of the process of determining and meeting needs, he said.

DeMaria also wants to get alumni in the Washington area involved, whether by speaking to classes or by providing internship and networking opportunities.

He said he’s excited about leading IU’s Capital Campus development as a transformative experience for students.

“It’s an opportunity for them to engage in experiential learning in a really in-depth way,” DeMaria said. “It’s a great place for them to immerse deeply in their work. They build a professional portfolio and make direct connections between their classroom and professional experiences.”

Molly Connor was appointed interim deputy executive director of the Capital Campus in January. She will serve in that role while maintaining her role as director of federal relations.

Kirk Johannesen is an internal communications writer for the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing,