Indiana governor honors Shepherd’s Jay Height with Sagamore of the Wabash award

January 27, 2025

Governors in Indiana recognize outstanding leaders who have made a lasting difference in the state with a unique award: The Sagamore of the Wabash.

Gov. Eric Holcomb recently recognized one such leader who has spent three decades working to break the cycle of poverty in Indianapolis – Shepherd Executive Director Jay Height.

Anyone who spends more than a few minutes interacting with Height knows how deeply committed he is to his family. Even his email signature lists the names of his “wonderful wife, fabulous kids, and amazing grandsons and granddaughters.”

So, it was fitting that Height was surrounded by his family when Gov. Holcomb presented him with the award at the Indiana Statehouse.

In becoming a Sagamore of the Wabash, Height joins such well-known names as former Indiana University President Herman B Wells, original American astronaut Gus Grissom, Anderson University President John Pistole and entertainer David Letterman.

What is a Sagamore?

Here’s how Indianapolis-based Sagamore Institute describes the honor: “The award carries with it a new assignment — counselor to the sitting governor.  The term ‘sagamore’ itself was used by Indiana’s first citizens (the Algonquin-language Delaware Tribe) to describe a lesser chief to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice.”

Wisdom and advice. Any leader would do well to seek both from Shepherd’s own wise counselor, Jay Height.

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