INDIANAPOLIS – Ivy Tech Community College announced it has selected Dr. Andrew W. Bowne for the position of Chancellor of the college’s East Central Region.  Bowne replaces Gail Chesterfield who retired from the college last month; he will begin his position on October 8.

Bowne will lead the college’s East Central region, which serves more than 9,000 students at three full-service campuses located in Anderson, Marion and Muncie, as well as other training and instruction sites located throughout the region.  The East Central region serves students in the counties of Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison and Randolph counties.

“I’m flattered to be selected as Chancellor for the East Central region,” said Bowne. “Ivy Tech Community College has a strong reputation of addressing the education and training needs of its students and the communities it serves.  I look forward to getting to know the students, faculty and staff, K-12 educators, higher education partners, and employers in the region.  I see tremendous opportunity in this region, one that’s made up of incredibly hard-working people and employers.  Together, we’ll change lives and, in the end, we’ll make Indiana great.”

Bowne has an extensive history of service to community colleges and for the past seven years has served as Associate Vice President/Executive Director of College Advancement for Grand Rapids Community College, serving more than 33,000 students in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  His fundraising leadership has resulted in over $30 million in local and private support, as well as an additional $32 million in federal, state, and local grants.

He has also served as Executive Director of Workforce Training and Economic Development at Grand Rapids Community College from 2003 to 2005, where he led customized training, continuing education, and job training programs that fundamentally repositioned the workforce training functions and dramatically improved financial performance and customer satisfaction.

“Dr. Bowne brings an extensive amount of experience in fundraising and workforce training, both of which will be instrumental in the development and growth of our East Central region,” said Thomas J. Snyder.   “We are pleased to have Dr. Bowne join our team as we build a world-class community college system in Indiana and create greater educational opportunities for all Hoosiers.”

Before joining Grand Rapids Community College, Bowne served as Training & Organization Development Manager at Shape Corporation in Grand Haven, Michigan from 2000 to 2003. He also served the Association of Commerce and Industry in Grand Haven, Michigan, as Executive Director from 1998 to 2000, Operations Officer from 1997 to 1998 and Training & Education Director from 1994 to 1997.  

Earlier in his career, he held human resources and training management positions for American Coil Spring Company and Dilesco Corporation, both in Muskegon, Michigan.  Bowne also served, in a grant-funded position, as Project Rehab’s Student Assistance Program Trainer.

Bowne began his career at Calvin College as a Resident Director and Assistant to the Dean.  Bowne has also taught as an adjunct instructor for Cornerstone University and Davenport University, teaching courses in management and leadership, strategy, and human resources.  

Bowne earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, where his doctoral research focused on the transfer of training. He also completed his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, as well as his Bachelor’s degree in Geography/Regional & Urban Planning at Western Michigan University.  Bowne is actively involved in the Council for Resource Development, most recently serving as Region V Co-Chair.  He serves as a coach and volunteer for Special Olympics, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and the Economic Club of Grand Rapids.

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.