David Fulton, Chancellor, IU East ‘The future of IU East will be exciting and meaningful as we make a real difference in improving the lives of families and the well-being of the communities we serve.’ —IU East Chancellor David Fulton

In a time when the state has fewer resources to spend, we must be strategic in the changes we make. We must remain sensitive to our students’ need for affordability yet maintain the quality services we now offer.

Through the IU East strategic management process, we have been engaged in a thoughtful and deliberative effort to determine the character and direction of these changes. The Institutional Action Plan that has been created and approved by the campus lays out specific strategic initiatives supported by goals and objectives.

Under the first initiative, IU East is working to change the educational aspirations of the citizens in our region. We are collaborating with local organizations to ensure individuals realize the importance of an education and the opportunities that are available to them in their communities.

Through programs like Twenty-first Century Scholars and Community in Schools, IU East lends a hand in coordinating and providing mentors for young students in the region. With the Dual Enrollment program, high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to take courses for both college credit and to fulfill their high school requirements, giving them a head start on a college career.

We have recently altered our admissions practices requiring individuals to have evidence of adequate preparation for college work. And, in addition, we have established an Honors Program giving area scholars the opportunity to reach new levels of academic excellence.

Next, IU East is broadening and revising the academic opportunities and the delivery of these opportunities. We have expanded our borders to include students in Lawrenceburg, where residents had the desire to obtain higher degrees but did not have the access. We have committed to helping Henry and Fayette counties meet the varying and ever-changing educational needs of their communities through collaboration with the newly established Henry County Post Secondary Education Council, Inc. and the Community Education Coalition.

Through reciprocity, we have opened the door to neighboring Ohio residents, increasing the availability of programs.

As the state mandates that state universities focus on four-year degrees and minimize the associate degrees and remedial courses they offer, it is imperative that we partner with the community colleges in Indiana and Ohio. By working together, transfer students will have a seamless transition from a two-year program to a four-year.

The Office of Career Planning and Placement has taken a lead role in the third initiative of increasing student engagement by growing the number of internships and service-learning opportunities available. In addition, student participation is also increasing through the new entrepreneurship center and student group, SIFE, (Students in Free Enterprise).

Under another initiative, IU East continually strives to provide an environment that promotes diversity by supporting events like the recent visit by Julian Bond and monthly lecture series sponsored by the Women’s Commission and Multicultural Affairs. IU East is also currently developing a diversity calendar to highlight all of the diverse programming offered on campus throughout the year.

We are striving to attract a broader population of students and faculty. Moving On, an annual summer program that helps the middle and high school minority students overcome the traditional challenges faced when trying to excel in school, is part of that effort.

In addition, the campus is determined to enrich the lives of the citizens in the region by providing opportunities for cultural, educational and economic growth. With this new initiative collaboration with cultural organizations like the Richmond Art Museum and Civic Theatre, partnerships with P-12 schools in teacher professional development and connections between local businesses and the entrepreneurship center are all vital components.

And finally, we have committed to raising $2 million for the “Campaign for Community.” The dollars raised with the campaign will supply us with the resources to shape the economy of the region by creating jobs, enhancing cultural opportunities, advancing student lives through scholarships and preparing the region for tomorrow.

The future of IU East will be exciting and meaningful as we make a real difference in improving the lives of families and the well-being of the communities we serve.