Impact of Ivy Tech

Our opinion
Herald-Times
August 26, 2007

Growth in enrollment from 2,663 to 5,018 over a five-year period is just part of the story of the transformation of Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus.

There are more statistics to point to in telling the story of phenomenal growth since the campus’s new building was completed in 2002. For instance:

In 2002, a total of 368 class sections were taught. In 2007, the number is 981.

In 2002, there were no distance education courses offered. In 2007, 176 sections are offered.

In 2002, only 39 credit hours were eligible for transfer to Indiana University. In 2007, 400 credit hours qualify for transfer.

In 2002, the college attracted $275,000 in grant funding. In 2007, more than $3,450,000 in grant funding is coming to the campus.

Other numbers show how the college has meshed with Monroe County employers on its missions of work force development and become a full partner with Indiana University in serving students who want to transition to a four-year school.

Since 2002, 18 new associate degrees have been added. At least six of them are in the area of life sciences, including a radiation therapy degree designed with the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute in mind. Another degree is in hospitality, which will help prepare workers for the French Lick-West Baden resorts and casino.

In addition, 11 full degrees now transfer to IU, meaning students can continue their studies at the four-year school as a junior when they leave Ivy Tech.

With all this success, Ivy Tech Bloomington Chancellor John Whikehart says: “The piece I’m most proud of is the civic engagement piece.”

He’s referring to an initiative begun in the 2003-2004 academic year that stands on three legs: individual volunteering, service learning and using institutional resources in support of the greater community. The initiative has enhanced quality of life for the community and for Ivy Tech’s students.

The return of IU students to classes gets the most discussion this time of year and should because of the sheer numbers involved. But the impact of Ivy Tech on Monroe County and area communities should not be lost. It’s huge and growing.

More about Ivy Tech
August 26, 2007

INITIATIVES ADDED SINCE 2002

Center for Civic Engagement

Center for Lifelong Learning

Host for Small Business Development Center

Center for Life Sciences

Leased space at the Depot and Liberty Drive

HoosierLink program with IU Bloomington

DEGREE ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS WITH IU

Biotechnology

General studies

Kinesiology

Six liberal arts degrees

Nursing

Criminal justice

NEW ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Six liberal arts degrees

Health information technology

Biotechnology

Business administration

Early childhood

Education

Hospitality

Human services

Kinesiology

Paramedic science

Paralegal studies

Radiation therapy

Respiratory care