Indianapolis –  Ivy Tech Community College announced today that the Honors Learning Community at the college’s Central Indiana region has been named as a recipient of the 2012 Idahlynn Karre International Exemplary Leadership Award by The Chair Academy, an organization dedicated to advancing academic and administrative leadership training world-wide. The International Exemplary Leadership Award is given to an individual or group, who has demonstrated advancements in academic and administrative leadership at their institution.

The Honors Learning Community will be honored at the Chair Academy’s 21^st Annual International Conference, Leading to a Brighter Future, in Atlanta, Georgia on March 28, 2012.

“As part of its mission to promote high academic standards and encourage lifelong learning, Ivy Tech has recognized the value of having an honors program for high achieving students,” said Dr. Kaye Walter, Chancellor for the Central Indiana region of Ivy Tech. “The Honors Learning Community was tasked with taking this vision and developing a model, not just for the region, but for the College statewide.  Through their passion and driven leadership, the Honors Learning Community allowed us to have the HONORS Program in place, with students enrolled for the spring 2012 semester.  This group of dedicated individuals demonstrates the commitment, innovation and leadership that will ensure student success at all levels and embodies the spirit of this award.”

Led by Dr. Mary E. Borst, Director of the Honors Program at the Central Indiana region of Ivy Tech, the Honors Learning Community was nominated by Dr. Kaye Walter and Dr. Kathleen Lee, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Central Indiana region of Ivy Tech, for their work in establishing the HONORS Program.  The Honors Learning Community was formed in January 2011 and asked to explore what an Honors Program would look like at Ivy Tech – Central Indiana.  The group researched and drafted a program and curriculum, resulting in the launch of the HONORS Program in the spring of 2012, with 27 students enrolled in three course sections.

“It is a great honor to be recognized for this achievement,” said Borst. “I credit the exceptional commitment and hard work of the Ivy Tech Honors Learning Community, as well as the ongoing support of College leadership, for being able to meet our goal of designing and launching a quality Honors Program within a short time frame.”

Ivy Tech’s HONORS Program is the most affordable honors program in the state.  There is no additional cost to apply for the program and Ivy Tech’s tuition is nearly half the cost of other state schools.  In addition to the cost savings, students who participate in the program benefit from the smaller class sizes, with more direct contact and mentoring from the faculty.  The HONORS Program have special advisors assigned to work directly with the students in the assisting them course scheduling and registration.  The program also offers the opportunity to participate in travel and global experiences.

The Chair Academy began in 1992 with the International Conference for Chairs, Deans, and Other Organizational Leaders. The Academy is not designed for college presidents, rather for all leadership positions from mid-level and above. During the early 1990s, academic chairs and deans were the primary participants of the Academy. However, since 1995, program offerings have been expanded to include all midlevel organizational leaders from post-secondary institutions.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.