Student Spotlight: Justin Stephenson

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We recently interviewed Justin Stephenson. He’s one of many of our inspiring and passionate students here at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. Read the below interview to get to know him a bit better.

  1. What is your field of study?

Justin: Mechanical Engineering

  • What did you enjoy about being on campus?

The Indianapolis campus is where I’m enrolled. I enjoy how close it is, and the professors I’ve had have all been so welcoming. Furthermore, the leadership (president, chancellor, and directors) have all been so nice and truly care about their programs, and the students in them.

  • What student life activities or associations are you involved in on campus?

Justin: I’m involved in a lot. I work in the Student Life office part-time as a social media coordinator, and I do the photography for events here while helping plan/execute many events as well. I’m also a part of the Student Government Association helping with marketing and events. I am the president of an organization called Brother 2 Brother here at Ivy Tech Indianapolis.

  • How did you decide on attending Ivy Tech? What drew you to community college?          

Justin: I originally decided after high school that I wasn’t going to go to college at all, but after working approximately 60 hours a week as a technician doing manual labor working on cars at a dealership for a year, it was looking rough. People were quitting or getting pay cuts only to put in their two weeks just to get their original payback, and it was an endless cycle, And I didn’t want any part of it! Luckily, I had some dual credits from my high school for Ivy Tech, so it was the first school that came to mind. I wanted a career switch too, so I decided to take up mechanical engineering. A community college suits me best being a part-time student. Getting acclimated to being a student again, it fits my learning style better and has lots of resources available.

  • How has your Ivy Tech education helped you to achieve your goals?

Justin: Ivy Tech is helping me achieve my goals by helping me become a better student and giving me an open door to countless job opportunities

  • Are you currently working in your field of study? What are your future plans?

Justin: Currently, my plans are to get into civil engineering. A few companies that specialize in civil engineering have come to visit my class making it easy to see who is looking to hire college graduates and less experienced hires to train to meet their needs.

  • Are there any stories you would like to share about working in your field? Have you had any positive student learning, internship, or apprenticeship experiences?

Justin: No internships yet, but I’m hoping to get one in the summer!

  • How did Ivy Tech help you get to where you are today?

Justin: I’ve never been an extrovert or student leader, and Ivy Tech and the Student Life department have really helped me come out of my comfort zone. I am extremely grateful for the things I’ve learned and the people I’ve met while studying here.

  • What is your advice for other students interested in Ivy Tech? Why should others consider attending Ivy Tech?

Justin: My advice differs from student to student but overall know your limits. It’s easy to make your own schedule, but it’s also easy to mentally overwhelm yourself and start doubting what you can and can’t do. People should consider Ivy Tech for many reasons … price, support, flexibility, and ease.  And by ease, I don’t mean the classes are easy, but it’s easy to get started and start working towards the degree or certificate you want. I do strongly believe that Ivy Tech has an amazing support system that most colleges do not have for their students.

  1. Do you have anything else that you would like to share?

Justin: Get involved! College is fun, and you’ll be surprised how much more you learn in a short period of time.

Ivy Tech Indianapolis receives grant to strengthen employer partnership(s) with Lilly and connect learners with opportunity

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Strada Education Network selected Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis to receive a grant through the Employer and Community College Partnership Challenge. Strada awarded this $400,000 grant as part of an effort to support innovative collaborations across the country between community colleges and employers. Ivy Tech also will participate in opportunities to share insights and learn from other community colleges and employers, through a community of practice.

Ivy Tech Indianapolis will partner with Eli Lilly and Company to strengthen existing apprenticeship programs and training pathways for a variety of positions within the company by prioritizing recruitment and support of Black students through the Skills First Program. The program will target roles that serve as pathways to family-sustaining careers, including positions within human resources, information technology, and research and development, as well as advanced manufacturing, instrument technician, and mechanic positions.

“With the generous support of Strada Education, our partnership with Lilly is strengthened. It will allow the College to incorporate additional professional development, leadership, and technology skills training, and provide students with tailored career coaching,” said Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, chancellor, Ivy Tech Indianapolis. “We are extremely grateful to Lilly for providing tuition assistance, paid internships, and considering our Ivy Tech students for job openings upon completion of the apprenticeship program,” added Esters.

In addition to Ivy Tech Indianapolis, 10 other colleges received grants:

  • Broward College, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Carl Albert State College, Sallisaw, Oklahoma
  • Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick, Rhode Island 
  • Green River College, Auburn, Washington
  • Honolulu Community College, Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, Indiana
  • MiraCosta College, North San Diego County, California
  • Pima County Community College, Tucson, Arizona
  • Salt Lake Community College, Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Surry Community College, Dobson, North Carolina
  • West Georgia Technical College, La Grange, Georgia

“At Strada, we believe in investing in innovative solutions that deliver results beyond completion,” Strada Education Network President and CEO Stephen Moret said. “Community colleges have long played a critical role by serving the dynamic needs of both learners and employers in their communities. We are thrilled to have the chance to support college leaders and employers who are coming together to provide timely opportunities for learners.”

Strada Education Network created this grant-making initiative to partner with community colleges to support stronger regional economies and communities. This represents Strada’s first major investment in the community college sector and a recognition that community colleges have a transformative capacity to address changing regional workforce needs. The initiative aims to improve employment and socioeconomic outcomes for students who historically have faced significant barriers to economic mobility.

“Community colleges are engines of opportunity with unique insight into local dynamics and needs,” Strada Impact President Ruth V. Watkins said. “We’re honored to both support and learn from these programs as we work to align measures of success beyond completion with the things that matter most to learners: career mobility and earning potential, meaningful work and the chance to contribute to their communities.”

Strada Education Network is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people take advantage of education and training after high school that helps them secure a good job, do meaningful work, contribute to their communities, and lead a fulfilling life. Strada helps students succeed beyond completion of a certificate or degree through its research, charitable grants, and social impact investments, as well as through the work of Strada-supported nonprofit organizations, CAEL, Education at Work, InsideTrack, and Roadtrip Nation, which directly serve learners and workers. Learn more at stradaeducation.org.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College 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 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 with the needs of the community. The College provides a 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.

Ivy Tech Indianapolis is the College’s largest service area, serving more than 28,000 students each year in Marion, Boone, and Hendricks counties. For more information about this location, visit IvyTech.edu/Indianapolis. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.

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Ivy Tech Foundation Receives a $250,000 Grant from the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI)

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Grant will support technical skill development and employability for justice-involved individuals in Marion County 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Foundation received a $250,000 grant in the first round of funding from the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI). The proposed initiative titled “ELEVATE: Change Starts Here” will provide resources to justice-involved youth and adults, incarcerated individuals, and individuals on parole/probation to reduce the rate of recidivism and provide access to high-quality education to support careers in high-wage, high-demand jobs in Marion, Boone and Hendricks Counties.

Through a coordinated partnership between Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, American Prison Data Systems (APDS), Shepherd Community Center, and Public Advocates in Community Re-entry (PACE), program participants will gain access to a holistic program aimed at helping justice-involved individuals. The partnership will provide educational opportunities for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals through Ivy Tech classes and curriculum, which will help set them up for success and continued educational pursuits. A dedicated career coach working with the Ivy+ Career Link model at Ivy Tech will provide additional educational opportunities and career pathway assistance, which weaves career readiness practices with academic coursework.

“The generous support from the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative is a prime example of what it means to be a true community advocate and partner, said Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, chancellor of Ivy Tech Indianapolis.”

“The ‘ELEVATE: Change Starts Here’ initiative directly aligns with Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ vision to be the ‘Campus Without Walls’—our continued commitment to leading the way toward educational and economic equality through strong community partnerships.” “Together, we are excited to be able to provide holistic assistance including educational opportunities and career readiness that will be a pathway to a better future for so many,” added Esters.

IAAQLI is a partnership between the National Urban League, the Indianapolis Urban League, and the African American Coalition of Indianapolis. IAAQLI was created in 2020 through a $100M grant to the National Urban League from Lilly Endowment Inc. The focus of funding is to help non-profit organizations implement IAAQLI’s goal, which is to support effective programs, policies, and ventures that will make measurable improvements in the daily lives of African Americans. 

For more information about this program, please contact Tracey Jackson, Executive Director of Workforce and Career Placement, at tjackson317@ivytech.edu or Michael Martin Drain, Director of Justice-Involved/ Elevate Program Director.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College 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 degree and short-term certificate programs, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College also offers courses and associate degree programs that seamlessly transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana and out of state for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.

About the National Urban League

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 92 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research, and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide.

About the Indianapolis Urban League

The mission of the Indianapolis Urban League is to empower African Americans and disadvantaged individuals to achieve social and economic equality and improved quality of living through programs, services, and advocacy in education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and housing.

About the African American Coalition of Indianapolis

The African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI) is a non-partisan collaboration of African-American civic, social, professional, service, and community organizations with a goal to educate and engage African Americans in the local, state, and national political process.

About the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative

The Indianapolis Urban League (IUL) in partnership with the African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI) and a variety of organizations has implemented the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI). Funded through a $100 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, the IAAQLI is mobilizing African American resources while also building collaborations and partnerships to elevate the quality of life of African Americans in Indianapolis/Marion County.

Ivy Tech Indianapolis Announces Next Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis has named Dr. Mark Lausch, Ed.D., MPH, as its next vice chancellor of academic affairs, effective January 3, 2023. Lausch comes to Ivy Tech from SUNY-Nassau Community College in Garden City, N.Y., where he served as vice president for academic affairs. 

Before joining SUNY-Nassau, Lausch served as associate vice president, Institutional Learning & Effectiveness and prior to that, as dean of the School of Health Education/Strategic Projects at Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wis. He also had a distinguished career at the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., where he rose from director of education to interim chief operating officer to ultimately chief learning officer/chief credentialing officer.

He earned a Doctorate in Education with a focus on instructional technology and a Master’s in Public and Community Health from Northern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Market Research with a dual minor in philosophy and ethics from Trinity Christian College. 

“I look forward to and am excited about partnering with Chancellor Esters, the academic affairs team and our internal and external communities to build on the great work already underway at the College and the positive, innovative work yet to begin,” said Lausch. “Students and the community must be at the center of everything that we do, and as such, collaborating with our K-12 and four-year institutions, building innovative industry partnerships, and leveraging relationships with community organizations will assure a strong education-to-work ecosystem for our communities, and I am excited to be a part of these efforts!”

Lausch brings to Ivy Tech Indianapolis extensive experience in providing college-wide leadership, supervision, guidance and direction for all educational program curricula, faculty and staff, instructional policies and procedures, and management and supervision of general education transfer degrees, occupational and workforce educational program, continuing education and workforce education.

Furthermore, he has significant experience in academic administration and as an ambassador to the community, external partners, industry and the surrounding region. And, he has a demonstrated record of accomplishment and impact in advancing issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, encouraging a culture of acceptance for diverse thought, and comfortably participating in and championing open dialogue on matters of importance to include a spectrum of political opinions. 

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Lausch. His extensive experience in academic affairs and demonstrated success with improving student outcomes and academic innovation is exactly what is needed to effectively lead academic affairs today,” said Dr. Lorenzo Esters, chancellor of Ivy Tech Indianapolis. “I am most inspired by the fact that Dr. Lausch is a futurist who understands the importance of academic innovation and campus-wide collaboration both of which are necessary to ensure that the campus is meeting the needs of students and employers today and into the future.”

Ivy Tech Indianapolis is the College’s largest service area, serving more than 28,000 students each year in Marion, Boone, and Hendricks counties. For more information about this location, visit IvyTech.edu/Indianapolis. 

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College 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 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 with the needs of the community. The College provides a 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 for the most up-to-date information. 

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2022 President's Award Winner-Dr. Terri Fleming

Ivy Tech Community College Honors Dr. Terri Fleming as Top Faculty Member

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Indianapolis, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College has honored Dr. Terri Fleming of Indianapolis as one of 39 individuals across the state selected to receive the 2022 President’s Award, the highest honor for Ivy Tech faculty and adjunct faculty.

The College honored each one of the winners for their exemplary work with students and the College community during the past year. A selection committee made up of alumni, past winners, State Trustees, faculty representatives, and college administration selected the honorees based on nominations from students, fellow faculty members, and Ivy Tech staff.

“The impact our faculty members have on our students extends far beyond the classroom,” said Ivy Tech President, Dr. Sue Ellspermann. “In addition to excellence in teaching, faculty members are often advisors, mentors, and role models for our students. Today, we are proud to recognize their excellence, passion, and dedication to Ivy Tech and the communities in which they live and serve.”

Charity Bowling, program chair for Respiratory Therapy, nominated Dr. Terri Fleming for being a positive role model who has worked hard to build relationships within the College and our community for nearly 20 years. She has taken the Healthcare Specialist Program to the next level by adding programs and certificates to improve the economy of the Indianapolis area. Most recently she has grown the Therapeutic Massage Program while gaining support from a large corporation. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in developing tools in her programs to assist students’ learning.

“She is an out-of-the-box thinker who understands the mission of Ivy Tech and the importance of her role as a leader for her students. Her worth ethic and drive to produce quality students who are prepared for the workforce are exceptional. Her positive attitude is infectious, and she is a joy to be around. Ivy Tech is lucky to have such a devoted faculty member,” wrote Bowling.

Now in its 42nd year, the President’s Awards Program recognizes faculty and adjunct faculty members from Ivy Tech locations throughout the state.

The College also honored Marquis E. Songer with the Glenn W. Sample Award Founder’s Award for Excellence in Instruction and Cynthia Carlson with the Gerald I. Lamkin Award. Sample and Lamkin are two former Ivy Tech presidents. Sample helped to found the College when it was called the Indiana Vocational Technical College and served as president from 1973-1980. Lamkin served as Ivy Tech president from 1983-2007, overseeing the growth of the College from a vocational school to the state’s community college.

The College also announced its first recipient of the Provost Award for Excellence in Honors and Teaching Service, Milan Andrejevich. The award is presented to a faculty member who has made significant contributions to the Ivy Tech Honors College in the areas of curriculum development, honors instruction, advisement and mentorship, assessment of student learning, multicultural experiences, and student research.

The winners of this year’s awards were as follows:

Glenn W. Sample Award

Marquis E. Songer – Assistant Professor and Program Chair, Machine Tool Technology (Terre Haute)

Gerald I. Lamkin Award

Cynthia Carlson – Associate Adjunct Faculty, Life Sciences (Anderson)

Provost Award for Excellence in Honors and Teaching Service

Milan Andrejevich – Professor, History (South Bend-Elkhart)

A full list of the statewide honorees is included below.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College 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 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 with the needs of the community. The College provides a 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 for the most up-to-date information.

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Faculty Honorees (by Ivy Tech location):

  • Anderson: Mark Robbins – Assistant Professor and Assistant Department Chair, Natural Sciences
  • Bloomington: Daniel James O’Neill – Assistant Professor and Program Chair of Anatomy and Physiology
  • Columbus: Amanda Burkman – Faculty, School of Nursing
  • Evansville: Andrea Jefferson – Associate Professor, Elementary and Secondary Education Program Chair
  • Fort Wayne: John Lynch – Program Chair, Accounting
  • Hamilton County: Nicol Bradberry – ProgramChair, Business
  • Indianapolis: Terri Fleming – Department Chair, Healthcare Specialist Programs
  • Kokomo: Tara Kaser – Assistant Professor of Education, Dean and Program Chair Education
  • Lafayette: Tami Andrade – Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Chair, School of Nursing
  • Lake County: Louis Fadel – Assistant Professor, Science Department
  • Lawrenceburg: Bradley Fentress – Associate Professor, Mathematics
  • Madison: George Tackett – Assistant Professor, Program Chair, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Sciences
  • Marion: Satyavathi Dronamraju – Faculty, Mathematics
  • Muncie: Holly Hudson – Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, School of Public Affairs and Social Services
  • Richmond: Gretchen Baumle – Associate Professor, Life Sciences
  • Sellersburg: Amanda Boley – Associate Professor, Psychology, Department Chair, Psychology, Psychology Outcomes Assessment Lead
  • South Bend-Elkhart: Linda R. Taylor, MSW, ICSW – Professor of Education, Department Chair for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education
  • Terre Haute: Marquis E. Songer – Assistant Professor and Program Chair, Machine Tool Technology
  • Valparaiso: Jennifer Furmanek – Dean of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Sciences

Adjunct Faculty Honorees (by Ivy Tech location):

  • Anderson: Cynthia Carlson – Associate Adjunct Faculty, Life Sciences
  • Columbus: Rebecca Morse – Adjunct Faculty, Math
  • Evansville: William Douglas Sprick – Adjunct Faculty, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Sciences
  • Fort Wayne: Timothy Spear – Adjunct Faculty, Nursing
  • Hamilton County: Kevin Jowitt – Adjunct Faculty, Criminal Justice
  • Indianapolis: Virginia Taylor Rosner – Adjunct Faculty, Fine Arts
  • Kokomo: Dennis Brunk – Adjunct Faculty, Life Science
  • Lafayette: Shannon Sullivan Hudson – Associate Adjunct Professor, Education
  • Lawrenceburg: Emily Johnston – Adjunct Instructor, Medical Assisting
  • Madison: Roger Ward – Adjust Instructor, Technology
  • Marion: Lakisha A’Shownda Fisher – Adjunct Faculty, Criminal Justice
  • Muncie: Steve Knote – Adjunct Faculty, Business
  • Richmond: Matthew Fulton – Adjunct Faculty, Engineering Services – HVAC/R
  • Sellersburg: Casey Okong’o – Adjunct Clinical Instructor, Nursing
  • South Bend-Elkhart: Mary Morgan – Adjunct Instructor, Human Services
  • Terre Haute: Linda Pearson PhD – Adjunct Faculty, Behavioral Sciences
  • Valparaiso: John Lohrentz – Adjunct Professor Cyber Security and CWCT Grant Program