Ivy Tech Bloomington News

Ivy Tech student launches barbecue business in Entrepreneur program

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington is accepting applications for the fall 2023 Entrepreneurship Certificate program, which helps students start and run their businesses in just three classes. Current student, Amber Racoma, started Mama Dukes Hawaiian Barbeque with her late mother’s recipes that she began learning as a teenager.

“I cook and serve Hawaiian barbecue food that the locals in Hawaii love to eat with aloha,” she said. “I quit my full-time job in September 2022 to pursue mine and mother’s dream.”

Racoma says the entrepreneurship program has helped her in numerous ways. “This course has provided me so many resources and tools to get my business launched,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting any of this, nor to launch until May.”

Since the first course, Racoma has obtained her LLC, earned her Food Protection Manager Certificate, got into One World Commissary that she learned about on an experiential field trip, and connected with other entrepreneurs. She is in the process of getting her license and additional industry certifications.

Currently, Racoma offers catering service and cooks hot lunches during the week. Her business can be found on Facebook and Instagram at Mama Dukes Hawaiian Barbeque.

Together with the Ivy Tech Bloomington Cook Center for Entrepreneurship and the Indiana Small Business Development Center, the Entrepreneurship program prepares students to get their business off the ground. “We partner to guide students through virtually any aspect of starting and running a business,” Sueann Graham, Ivy Tech Bloomington Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program Chair said. “We also provide opportunities for funding.”

The program has assisted in the launching of numerous businesses across Indiana. “For those who did not start their business right away, they were able to secure a great position in a small business utilizing their entrepreneurial skills,” Graham said.

Ivy Tech’s Entrepreneurship program is offered in partnership with Regional Innovation and Startup Education (RISE), and students are provided resources and networking opportunities to launch a successful startup or grow an existing business. Classes begin Aug. 21.

For more information and to apply, fill out an online inquiry or contact program chair Sueann Graham at sgraham116@ivytech.edu or 812-330-6361.

About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College (ivytech.edu) is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Ivy Tech Bloomington receives $3,300 equipment donation from C&M Conveyor

Alumni Mitch Brown makes the gift as a way to give back

L to R: Christine Griffith, faculty; Trina Sterling, Center for Lifelong Learning assistant; Glenn Gross, facilities; Mitch Brown, Innoveyance; Eric “Reno” Reynolds, facilities

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington received a custom conveyor donation valued at $3,300 from C&M Conveyor in Mitchell, Ind. Alumni and C&M employee, Mitch Brown (2016), made the gift as a way to give back to the college. The new roller equipment will be used to store clay for ceramics classes offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning.

“Every semester, we order 2,500 pounds of clay and didn’t have a safe way to store it,” said Trina Sterling, Ivy Tech Center for Lifelong Learning assistant. “Glenn Gross with facilities called C&M for a solution and spoke with Mitch, who offered to design, build, paint, and deliver the equipment at no cost. We are greatly appreciative of this generous, custom donation and for the support of Ivy Tech.”

As a student nearing graduation, Brown made his career connection with C&M at a campus career fair. He was hired to do parts installation and now works as Parts & Service Manager for C&M’s partner company, Innoveyance.

“I credit the faculty and career services teams at Ivy Tech for their guidance and for pairing me up with C&M,” Brown said. “I’m thrilled to provide this unit to my school. I just want to give back to a place that helped me get where I am in my career and education.”

Brown is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Indiana University East.

Ivy Tech Bloomington offers more than 40 career and four-year transfer programs, with courses that start multiple times per year for quick entry and graduation. To get started, apply for free online at ivytech.edu, call 812-330-6013, or email askBloomington@ivytech.edu. For information on tuition-free programs at Ivy Tech Bloomington, visit ivytech.edu/bloomington/NLJ.

Ivy Tech and Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship partner to offer Indiana College Core

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington and the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship have partnered to help students get a head start on college by offering the Indiana College Core in high school. The credential is a 30 credit hour general education core of college credit guaranteed to transfer between Indiana public colleges and universities.

“By providing students with early college experiences while in high school, we can provide students with an affordable way to get a head start on college-level coursework, as well as their transition to and success in the rigor of college-level courses,” said Angie Evans, Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship Principal. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Ivy Tech Bloomington in this new capacity and hope to see more of our students earning the Indiana College Core each year.”

Students take high school and Ivy Tech classes at the same time through dual credit or dual enrollment. Earning the core provides students the chance to Start As a Sophomore at Ivy Tech or other public colleges, having already completed the first year of college credits.

“Earning the Indiana College Core in high school is a chance for Academy of the Science and Entrepreneurship students to reduce college costs by more than $5,000 and increase their college success rates,” said Joe Hughbanks, Ivy Tech Bloomington Director of K-14 Initiatives. “It is truly a testament to the Academy’s vision that they implemented this pathway to put their students in position to succeed in the next phase of life after high school.”

The Academy is the ninth school in Ivy Tech Bloomington’s service area to join early college at Ivy Tech. Other early college high schools include Bloomfield, Bloomington High School North, Eastern Greene, Loogootee, Martinsville, Mitchell, Paoli, and West Washington.

For more information, visit https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/special-programs-for-students/high-school-programs/indiana-college-core-in-high-school/.

Ivy Tech Community College offers more than 70 career and four-year transfer programs, with courses that start multiple times per year for quick entry and graduation. To get started, apply for free online at ivytech.edu, call 812-330-6013, or email askBloomington@ivytech.edu. For information on tuition-free programs at Ivy Tech Bloomington, visit ivytech.edu/bloomington/NLJ.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College (ivytech.edu) is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Ivy Tech providing free FAFSA filing help at College Goal Sunday

Financial aid professionals will be volunteering at Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington for College Goal Sunday on Feb. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. College Goal Sunday is free and assists college-bound students and families apply for financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“We want to eliminate barriers in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and help students access available financial aid to help pay for college,” said Patt McCafferty, Ivy Tech Bloomington Director of Financial Aid.

The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships, and federal student loans at most colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools nationwide. The state deadline for filing the FAFSA is April 15 in order to be eligible for most Indiana financial aid.

“We want students to capitalize on every opportunity they can that makes going to college affordable, no matter what field or industry they pursue or where they find themselves on their educational journey,” said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech. “Ivy Tech is proud to host events like College Goal Sunday that align with the goals of the State of Indiana and the Commission for Higher Education, as we strive to achieve a statewide FAFSA completion rate of at least 60 percent this year.”

College Goal Sunday doubles the help offered

“The event on Feb. 26 will be the first of two College Goal Sunday events ISFAA is offering this FAFSA filing season.” said Bill Wozniak, co-chair of College Goal Sunday. “We hope all Hoosiers take advantage of College Goal Sunday, file the FAFSA, and get one step closer to fulfilling their educational goals.”

“Students who don’t complete their financial aid paperwork properly and on time are often very disappointed when they find out how much financial aid they lost,” said Wozniak. “This is why the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association not only continues to provide College Goal Sunday but offers two events during the year. If our assistance gives students a better chance at education beyond high school and less debt, we’re fulfilling our mission.”

What students should bring

Students should attend College Goal Sunday with their parent(s) or guardian(s), and parent(s) should bring completed 2021 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other 2021 income and benefits information. Students who worked should also bring their income information. Students 24 years of age or older may attend alone and bring their completed 2021 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 Form or other 2021 income and benefits information. Students and parent(s) are encouraged to apply for their U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs at www.studentaid.gov before the event.

Volunteers will walk through the online form line-by-line and answer questions as needed. All sites offer FAFSA online capabilities and many have Spanish interpreters. A complete list of sites is available at www.collegegoalsunday.org.

Attendees may win a scholarship from College Goal Sunday

Students who attend College Goal Sunday and submit a completed evaluation form will automatically be entered into a drawing to win one of five $1,000 scholarships. The winners will be notified in spring and scholarships will be sent directly to the higher education institution selected by the winning students.

College Goal Sunday is a cooperative, charitable effort of the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association (ISFAA). It is provided in cooperation with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, and is funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc. and INvestEd.

Ivy Tech Bloomington is located at 200 Daniels Way on the west side of Bloomington. For more information about College Goal Sunday, visit www.collegegoalsunday.org.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech offering free Girls Write program

Ivy Tech Community College is accepting applications for Girls Write, a new creative writing program that starts March 20. Girls Write is an inclusive program designed to foster a love of reading, writing, and sharing at no cost. Girls and gender non-conforming writers with diverse experiences in grades five through nine are encouraged to apply. Applications close March 10.

“Girls Write will provide a free, supportive, and empowering environment for young girls to explore their writing, meet other writers, and form a community,” said Dr. Emily Bobo, Girls Write Director and Ivy Tech Bloomington Professor of English. “There are many reasons why a girl might not write; I want to remove money and gender from that list of potential reasons.”

Girls Write will meet four times at Ivy Tech Bloomington on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates: March 20, April 3, April 17, and May 1. Dinner will be provided to participants.

“I hope to offer this class each semester,” said Bobo. “In this first class, our group will read ‘My Sister’s Bones’ by Cathi Hanauer, who will join us virtually for the final session.”

For more information and to apply for this free program, visit www.ivytech.edu/locations/bloomington/special-programs/girls-write/.

Bloomington High School North students have chance to start college early at Ivy Tech

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington and Bloomington High School North have partnered to give students the chance to start college early by earning the Indiana College Core (ICC) in high school. The ICC is a 30 credit hour general education core of college credit guaranteed to transfer between Indiana public colleges and universities.

“The Indiana College Core is an excellent opportunity for students to get a jump start on their future,” said Matthew Stark, Bloomington High School North Principal. “The ICC also allows students to expand their major or complete college at a reduced cost. We are excited to be a partner in this endeavor.”

Students take high school and Ivy Tech classes at the same time through dual credit or dual enrollment. Completing the core provides students the chance to Start As a Sophomore at Ivy Tech or other public colleges, having already completed the first year of college credits.

“Earning the Indiana College Core in high school is a chance for Bloomington High School North students to reduce college costs by more than $5,000 and increase their college success rates,” said Joe Hughbanks, Ivy Tech Bloomington Director of K-14 Initiatives. “It is truly a testament to Bloomington High School North’s vision that they implemented this pathway to put their students in position to succeed in the next phase of life after high school.”

“We are proud of the many relationships and intentional programming that our teams are building together with our K-12 partners,” said Jennie Vaughan, Ivy Tech Bloomington Chancellor. “Dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities create additional pathways to college completion for Hoosiers in our communities, and reduces college costs for students and families.”

Bloomington High School North is the eighth school in Ivy Tech Bloomington’s service area to join early college at Ivy Tech. Other early college high schools include Bloomfield, Eastern Greene, Loogootee, Martinsville, Mitchell, Paoli, and West Washington.

For more information, visit https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/special-programs-for-students/high-school-programs/indiana-college-core-in-high-school/.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech offering Society for Human Resource Management® course

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington is offering a 12-week Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®) certification preparation class. The course starts Feb. 20 and will be held Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Students can attend the class via Zoom or in-person at Ivy Tech Bloomington.

To be eligible for the SHRM®-CP and SHRM®-SCP exams, participants must meet specific educational and work experience criteria at the time of application. For details on eligibility, visit shrmcertification.org/eligibility.

SHRM®-certified professionals report a greater understanding of necessary skills. This is an opportunity to demonstrate qualifications and become a recognized expert in human resources. Students will learn how to apply HR principles to real-life, ethical practices, and employee relations.

Short term training classes like SHRM are hosted by Ivy+ Career Link Workforce Training. This program takes the employee-employer relationship to a new level with opportunities to skill-up existing employees. Whether you are a small business, a start-up, or an enterprise level company, Ivy Tech will work with you to provide targeted professional development to help employees in your organization do their best work.

For cost information and registration, visit www.ivytech.edu/bloomington/careerlink.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech offering Project Management Professional® course

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington is offering an eight-week Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification preparation class. The course starts Feb. 28 and will be held virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The course is intended for individuals who wish to obtain a PMP credential from Project Management Institute (PMI®). Prior to taking the PMP exam, PMI requires proof at least three years of project management experience and 35 contact hours of project management education. However, the course is open to anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of project management.

PMP® certification is a way to build skills and knowledge that are transferable between industries, market segments, and geographic locations. This is an opportunity to enhance career and earning potential.

Short term training classes like PMP® are hosted by Ivy+ Career Link Workforce Training. This program takes the employee-employer relationship to a new level with opportunities to skill-up existing employees. Whether you are a small business, a start-up, or an enterprise level company, Ivy Tech will work with you to provide targeted professional development to help employees in your organization do their best work.

For cost information and registration, visit www.ivytech.edu/bloomington/careerlink.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Mitchell High School students to start college early at Ivy Tech Bloomington

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington and Mitchell High School have entered into a partnership that provides students the chance to start college early by earning the Indiana College Core (ICC) in high school. The ICC is a 30 credit hour general education core of college credit guaranteed to transfer between Indiana public colleges and universities.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Ivy Tech to provide our students with the Indiana College Core,” said Dr. Jeff Bond, Mitchell High School Principal. “Ivy Tech has been a fantastic group to work with, providing cutting-edge technology with real-world applications.”

Students take high school and Ivy Tech classes at the same time through dual credit or dual enrollment. Earning the ICC provides students the chance to Start As a Sophomore at Ivy Tech or other public colleges, having already completed the first year of college credits.

“Earning the Indiana College Core in high school is an opportunity for Mitchell High School students to significantly reduce college costs and increase their college success rates,” said Joe Hughbanks, Ivy Tech Bloomington Director of K-14 Initiatives. “It is truly a testament to Mitchell High School’s vision that they are implementing this pathway to put their students in position to succeed in the next phase of life after high school.”

Mitchell High School is the seventh school in Ivy Tech Bloomington’s service area to join early college at Ivy Tech. Other early college high schools include Bloomfield, Eastern Greene, Loogootee, Martinsville, Paoli, and West Washington.

For more information, visit https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/special-programs-for-students/high-school-programs/indiana-college-core-in-high-school/.

Ivy Tech Bloomington and Martinsville High School partner to offer Indiana College Core

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington and Martinsville High School have partnered to give students the chance to start college early by earning the Indiana College Core in high school. The credential is a 30 credit hour general education core of college credit guaranteed to transfer between Indiana public colleges and universities.

“Martinsville High School is very excited to partner with Ivy Tech and help our students make the most of this opportunity,” said Jeff Bell, Martinsville High School Principal.

Students take high school and Ivy Tech classes at the same time with dual credit or dual enrollment. Earning the core gives students the chance to Start As a Sophomore at Ivy Tech or other public colleges, having already completed the first year of college credits.

“Earning the Indiana College Core is an opportunity for Martinsville High School students to significantly cut college costs by more than $5,000 and increase their college success rates,” said Joe Hughbanks, Ivy Tech Bloomington Director of K-14 Initiatives. “It is truly a testament to Martinsville’s vision that they established and implemented this pathway to put their students in position to succeed in the next phase of life after high school.”

Martinsville High School is the sixth school in Ivy Tech Bloomington’s service area to join early college at Ivy Tech. Other early college high schools include Bloomfield, Eastern Greene, Loogootee, Paoli, and West Washington.

For more information, visit https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/special-programs-for-students/high-school-programs/indiana-college-core-in-high-school/.

Ivy Tech Bloomington receives more than $24,000 from Circle of Ivy for spring projects

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington received $24,088 from Ivy Tech Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy, Circle of Ivy, to fund six spring semester projects. Circle of Ivy awarded a total of $263,649 for 84 projects statewide.

Circle of Ivy raises funds to diminish barriers to higher education for Ivy Tech students. Women’s philanthropy at Ivy Tech has a statewide reach with a focus on campus needs and projects that positively impact students.

Ivy Tech Bloomington received funding for projects that will invest in students, technology, instructional materials, and global travel.

Funding will be released for the following purposes:

$6,000 to increase faculty participation in Alternative Spring Break
$5,000 to purchase new stone carving tools for students in fine arts 3-D sculpting classes
$4,000 to underwrite Chicago day trip for students in accelerated studies program
$3,180 to purchase new virtual reality headsets for the campus Joan Olcott Library
$3,000 to support Bloomington E-Sports engagement for students
$2,908 to expand the Biology Outdoor Learning Lab on Profile Pkwy

“This organization has done so much over the years and continues to provide transformative experiences for Ivy Tech students,” said Courtney Roberts, President of the Ivy Tech Foundation. “When women join together, we are a force for good. We are so proud of all the projects that have been funded by the Circle of Ivy.”

Since its inception in 2015, Circle of Ivy has grown to more than 1,000 members. They have raised more than $1 million to assist with 384 projects.

To learn more about Circle of Ivy, visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy.

About the Ivy Tech Foundation
The Foundation’s most important function is to provide support for Ivy Tech Community College beyond state appropriations and student fees. Its overall program of work focuses on meeting student needs. Invest IN Ivy Tech, a $285 million statewide fundraising campaign, provides greater opportunity for each of the College’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Learn more at ivytech.edu/InvestINIvyTech.

Ivy Tech offering introductory welding course in Martinsville

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington is offering a Welding 100 course in Martinsville, Ind. The course starts Jan. 17, 2023 and will be held Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Martinsville High School. Grant-funding with the state’s Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready grant covers the cost of tuition for eligible students.

In partnership with Martinsville High School, Martinsville Chamber of Commerce, and Structural Components Fabrication, Ivy Tech is offering the WELD 100 course with plans to expand to MIG, TIG, and Stick courses. Future plans include the opportunity to earn a full Structural Welding Certificate entirely in Martinsville.

Welding 100 provides a basic study and application of commonly used welding processes as well as blueprint reading, OSHA 10-hour and welding safety, weld joint design, welding terminology, and welding quality control. Students prepare to take nationally recognized certification exams that qualify them for work in the field.

For more information and to apply, fill out a free application online at ivytech.edu/applynow or email Darrin Dayhoff at ddayhoff1@ivytech.edu.

Ivy Tech accepting applicants for Entrepreneur Certificate program

Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus in partnership with Regional Innovation and Startup Education (RISE) is accepting applications for the spring 2023 Entrepreneur Certificate program. In three courses, students will be provided resources and networking opportunities to launch a successful startup or grow an existing business. Classes begin Jan. 17.

“We partner with the Ivy Tech Cook Center for Entrepreneurship and the Indiana Small Business Development Center to guide students in proof of concept, market research, business model canvas, marketing, and virtually any aspect of starting and running a business,” Sueann Graham, Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship program chair said. “We also provide opportunities for funding.”

Benefits of the certificate program include a cohort-style education, business networking, making pitches for funding, and creating business plans. This program has assisted in the launching of numerous businesses across Indiana.

“Our students have graduated and gone on to start successful businesses,” Graham said. “For those who did not start their business right away, they were able to secure a great position in a small business utilizing their entrepreneurial skills.”

For more information and to apply, fill out an online inquiry or contact program chair Sueann Graham at sgraham116@ivytech.edu or (812) 330-6361.

Ivy Tech Bloomington Chancellor Jennie Vaughan announces retirement

After nine years of dedicated leadership as Chancellor and more than 25 years of service at Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington, Jennie Vaughan will retire from her position on May 15, 2023. During her tenure, the campus expanded its reach in the communities it serves, saw record credentials awarded, built unique partnerships, and added new programs to serve the workforce needs of south central Indiana. The College will conduct a nationwide search for the next Chancellor and details will be made public in the near future.

“Providing opportunities for students to achieve their career goals and improve their lives has been my life’s work in higher education. Seeing our graduates walk across the stage at Commencement is the highlight of my tenure as Chancellor,” Vaughan said. “Together with community and business leaders, trustees, legislators, and faculty and staff, we have built solid paths forward for Ivy Tech graduates. It has been an absolute pleasure over the past 25 years to support student and community success, and I’m confident the team will continue this impactful work.”

Under Vaughan’s leadership, the campus increased accessibility to high-quality education beyond Bloomington city limits, offering career certification courses in Bedford at the StoneGate Arts & Education Center, the Brown County Career Resource Center, the North Lawrence Career Center, and Ivy Tech Mooresville, among others. More than 5,600 students have completed industry-based courses at these locations.

During her time, the campus added key programs, including the award-winning Pathway to Licensure in partnership with Monroe County Community School Corporation, automotive technology at the Monroe County Airport, biotechnology certificates, the Smithville Center for Computing & Informatics, the Biology Outdoor Learning Lab, guaranteed admissions programs, Early College at area high schools, the Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship, expansion of the Lee J. Marchant School of Nursing, expansion of radiation therapy to the Lafayette campus, and offering the only Ivy Tech homeland security and public safety program in the southern third of the state of Indiana.

She ushered in partnerships with area employers, including Cook Group, French Lick Resort, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane Army Ammunitions Activity, Artisan Electronics, Baxter, Boston Scientific, Catalent, German American Bank, General Motors Bedford, Indiana University Health, LeHigh Hanson, Old National Bank, IU Credit Union, and Smithville, among others.

“Chancellor Vaughan has done all the right things for this campus and community. She built a strong team, serving as leaders in addressing the higher education and workforce needs of the region,” said Connie Ferguson, Chair of the Bloomington Campus Board of Trustees. “Chancellor Vaughan has left a legacy of success and our board and the community will forever be grateful for her tireless leadership.”

Under Vaughan’s leadership, the campus secured critical financial support through the Ivy Tech Foundation with two capital campaigns totaling $14.8 million. Fundraising addressed essential needs, such as tuition and emergency funding for students, program growth, and expansion and renovation of the main campus. Students were awarded 2,179 scholarships totaling more than $1.1 million.

“Chancellor Vaughan’s leadership has resulted in deep community, employer and educational partnerships, programming, and outcomes for Ivy Tech Bloomington,” said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College. “Throughout her long career with Ivy Tech, Chancellor Vaughan demonstrated her deep commitment to both students and employees creating a culture of care that is special at the Bloomington campus. We thank her for her service and wish her the best in her retirement.”

Vaughan served on a number of advisory boards, including the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, Bloomington Health Foundation, Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, The Mill, Regional Opportunity Initiatives, and Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

She received the Community Philanthropy Award from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County in 2022 and the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction by Phi Theta Kappa in 2020 for her outstanding support of student success. She also won the Franklin Initiative Golden Key Award in 2016 and was recognized as a Women Excel Bloomington honoree in 2015, both by the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.

About Jennie Vaughan
Prior to being named Chancellor on May 1, 2014, Vaughan worked in a variety of positions, including Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Executive Director for Administration, and Executive Director of Human Resources. She has more than 40 years of experience in higher education, beginning her career at the University of San Francisco as Registrar and Director of Operations. Vaughan earned her Master of Public Administration from American Military University, completed graduate coursework toward a Master of Arts in Education at the University of San Francisco, and earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational behavior from the University of San Francisco.

West Washington High School students to start college early at Ivy Tech Bloomington

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington and West Washington High School have entered into an Early College partnership that enables all students to earn college credits in high school. Students now have the opportunity to get a head start on their post-secondary education, including earning the Indiana College Core (ICC). The ICC credential is a 30 credit hour general education core of credit guaranteed to transfer between public colleges and universities.

With the Early College program, students are enrolled in high school and college simultaneously, saving time and money on their college education. Students will earn college credits through dual credit, dual enrollment, and other forms of credit such as Advanced Placement.

“Early College enables us to promote postsecondary access and success while saving on college costs which are very important for students,” said West Washington Jr-Sr High School Principal, Angela Girgis. “As a small rural school, Early College ensures that West Washington High School students receive the same significant advantages typically only offered by larger high schools.”

West Washington is the fifth high school in Ivy Tech Bloomington’s service area to join Ivy Tech’s Early College program. Other Early College high schools include Bloomfield, Eastern Greene, Loogootee, and Paoli.

Earning the ICC provides Ivy Tech Early College students the chance to Start As a Sophomore in college after high school graduation.

“This credential [ICC] can provide the benefit of significantly reducing college costs and ensuring college success,” said Ivy Tech Bloomington Director of K-14 Initiatives, Joe Hughbanks. “It is a testament to West Washington’s vision that they established and implemented this pathway to put their students in position to succeed in the next phase of life after high school.”

For more information, visit ivytech.edu/programs/special-programs-for-students/high-school-programs/.

About Ivy Tech Community College Ivy Tech Community College (ivytech.edu) is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.