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Sponsored Programs

Welcome to the Sponsored Programs Office!

The Sponsored Programs Office (SPO) supports the greater Ivy Tech Community College by ensuring successful submission, award, and management of sponsor grant funding. The SPO team encourages an environment of collaboration, helping local campuses become successful in their grant endeavors. Their overarching role is to provide administrative support to project directors to ensure the college remains in compliance with state/federal/private funding regulations as well as sponsor expectations.

The function of Sponsored Programs Office is as follows: 

  • Partner with local campus and system office teams on grant submission and management 
  • Provide training and technical assistance to campuses throughout the life of their grant 
  • Review grant reports, including progress and close out reports 
  • Maintain strong partnerships with sponsors 
  • Create collaborative learning spaces through Communities of Practice around larger grant programs 
  • Share best practices, sector updates, and resources for managing grants  

The SPO team plays specific roles in the three major phases of grants management: pre-award, post-award (grants management), and close out. The three phases are explained here and include resources, training/technical assistance, and required guidance.   

Contact Us: Please email statewide-sponsoredprograms@ivytech.edu with any questions.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ACROSS IVY TECH

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ACROSS IVY TECH

The Sponsored Programs Office team works in tandem with campuses and the Ivy Tech Foundation throughout the grant life cycle. For more information about the Ivy Tech Foundation, please visit the website.

The Roles & Responsibilities table lays out the typical responsible parties for each task in the grant application and management process.

When a grant is awarded to a specific campus, that campus’ team manages its grant award with support from the SPO team.

The SPO team also manages a portfolio of grants awarded to the Systems Office on behalf of Ivy Tech or multiple campuses.

There are situations where roles are interchangeable, and situations in which all three parties are included.

In everything, communication is key to success!

MEET THE TEAM

Adam Abner

ADAM ABNER

Controller

Adam returned to Ivy Tech in September 2021 after serving as Executive Director of Risk Management and Internal Audit at BMV. He had previously spent five years as internal auditor at Ivy Tech. Adam studied Finance and HR at Ball State University and holds a Master of Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA.) In his current role, Adam is responsible for leading annual financial statements, tax reporting, implementing GASB standards, coordinating SBOA audits, and grant accounting. He enjoys traveling, having been to over 15 countries, as well as cycling, downhill skiing, games (board and video), and spending time with family.
Jaclyn Wengerd

JACLYN WENGERD

Executive Director of Grant Development

Jaclyn has been with Ivy Tech’s Grant Management team since May 2018. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from IU and is pursuing her master’s degree in Library and Information Science. Prior to joining #TeamIvy, Jaclyn worked as a Grant Developer for the City of Indianapolis. In her current position, Jaclyn assists with reviewing grant proposals and helping the central and southern campuses (Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville, Hamilton County, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Lawrenceburg, Madison, Sellersburg and Terre Haute) with all aspects of managing grant awards. Outside of Ivy Tech, Jaclyn enjoys reading, hiking, overly-sweetened coffee, and time with friends and family.
Silvia Luy

SILVIA LUY

Receivables Specialist, Grants Accounting

Silvia joined Ivy Tech in September 2022. She earned her degree in Accounting from the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey.

Before joining Team Ivy, Silvia worked as an administrative assistant and treasurer in the education field, and has also spent time as a corporate tax accountant.

 
Kelly Peckham

KELLY PECKHAM

Executive Director of Sponsored Programs Administration

Kelly joined Ivy Tech in December 2021 after serving as a budget and finance administrator at Ball State University for over eight years, first in the Center for International Development and then in Sponsored Projects Administration. She also has over a decade of experience in nonprofit finance and operations management as well as direct programming support. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Manchester College. In her current role, Kelly is responsible for ensuring college grant fund accounting records are properly maintained and accurate, and oversees all grant billing, receipting, and fiscal reporting activities. Kelly enjoys baking, hiking, kayaking, time with family, and board games (particularly word games like Scrabble and Boggle).
Nichole Stitt

NICHOLE STITT

Assistant Vice President of Sponsored Programs

Nichole returned to Ivy Tech in January 2023 after serving as a Senior Consultant with Moser. She has previously spent 7 years as Assistant Vice President of Curriculum at Ivy Tech, primarily working with the School of Health Sciences and Arts, Sciences, and Education. In her current role, Nichole is responsible for leading and overseeing all grants administration and other collegewide initiatives within Business Affairs. Outside of Ivy Tech, Nichole enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling.
Bree Eggleton

Bree Eggleton

Grants Officer

Hailing from the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, Bree Eggleston has quickly found herself at home in the Hoosier State. Whether exploring Indianapolis or enjoying spending time with her three dogs and stand-up comedian husband, Cavin - she is having a great time. Bree is easy to pick out of the crowd with her bright pink hair and enthusiastic laughter. Bree loves details, whether it's line items in budget reports or obscure movie trivia, she is the person who hopes to have the answer. If she had to give a TEDTalk, it would be on why Bridgerton is the best show in the world and why fried pickles make the best snacks. Her guiding phrase is “Throw kindness around like confetti”. 
Suzie Miles

Suzie Miles

Grant Accountant

Suzie joined Ivy Tech in July 2024 as a Billing Specialist and assumed the responsibilities associated with Perkins Funds invoicing.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s of Business Administration; both obtained at Western Governors University.  Prior to joining Ivy Tech, Suzie worked in a variety of accounting positions.  Outside of work, Suzie enjoys spending time with family, outdoor activities, and traveling.
Heather Vasquez

HEATHER VASQUEZ

Grants Officer

Heather joined Ivy Tech in December 2009 and served in a variety of capacities, including IT Procurement/Compliance Specialist, Assistant Director of IT Procurement, Assistant Director of Strategic Sourcing, and recently assumed the responsibilities of Sponsored Programs Grants Officer.  Heather brings skills and experience to the Sponsored Programs team in Workday, Procurement, and Contract Management.  Heather earned her Associate Degree from Ivy Tech. In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her miniature dachshunds, and hiking.
Bambi Strzechowski

Bambi Strzechowski

Billings Specialist, Grants Accounting

Bambi is excited to begin the next chapter of her career with Ivy Tech as Billing Specialist. For the past six years, Bambi has worked as a Financial Operations Associate. She provided remote accounting services to several small business owners. She specialized in implementing process improvements. The most fulfilling aspect of the position was helping her clients. Bambi has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Northeastern Illinois University. Outside of work, Bambi enjoys spending time with her three daughters. Her hobbies include hiking, gardening and crocheting.
Madison King

Madison King

Director of Accounting and Reporting

Madison joined Ivy Tech in May 2024. She studied at Ivy Tech Community College before transferring to Indiana University Kokomo where she earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance. Prior to joining Ivy Tech as an employee, Madison worked in public accounting for Bucheri, McCarty & Metz LLP in Kokomo. In her current role, Madison assists with financial statements, tax reporting, and financial reporting for grants. Outside of work, Madison enjoys poetry, gaming, and spending time with her friends and family. 
Jaya Rutland

Jayla Rutland

Director of Programmatic Award Compliance

Jayla joined Ivy Tech in September 2024, as the Director of Programmatic Award Compliance. Previously, Jayla led program integrity audits for the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) and held various auditing positions at the Indiana State Board of Accounts, focusing on transparency and accountability in government operations. With a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Ball State University and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Saint Francis, Jayla combines strong academic credentials with extensive professional experience. Recognized for exceptional leadership and community service, Jayla is committed to fostering compliance and integrity within educational and governmental programs. In her spare time, Jayla enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, trying new recipes, and traveling.

 
Machelle Edwards

MACHELLE EDWARDS

Grants Officer

Machelle joined Ivy Tech in February 2023 as a Grant Project Manager. Since she thoroughly enjoyed being a part of #TeamIvy, when the grant was completed, she jumped at the chance to transition into her current role of Grants Officer. In this role, she will collaborate and work
alongside Sponsored Programs to successfully maintain and improve grant-related activities. Her enthusiasm to learn and grow with Ivy Tech is seen as a true asset. She offers years of experience in office, project, and database management. During her years in office administration, she developed and implemented numerous data organization systems, managed all procedures, and supervised daily operations. Machelle attended Harrison
College and is a lifelong Delaware County resident. In her off-hours, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and friends.

 

  • The pre-award process, when a grant application is submitted to a sponsor, sets the stage for successful grant management. This process requires collaboration and review from the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO) and the Ivy Tech Foundation. Team members interested in submitting a grant proposal should connect with the Ivy Tech Foundation and the SPO as soon as they are aware of a grant opportunity.

    Ivy Tech’s policy is that all grants are submitted to the SPO for review and feedback at least two weeks prior to the grant due date. This deadline provides the SPO enough time to go through the required review processes, respond to applications and ensure submitted proposals are high-quality and financially viable.

    The SPO and Ivy Tech Foundation clarified the grant submissions and approvals policy.

    Highlights of the policy include:

    • All proposals must be submitted no later than 9am Eastern two weeks prior to the sponsor’s grant proposal deadline.
    • The complete, final application packet must be submitted by 9am Eastern five full business days prior to the grant deadline for final compliance review.
    • Private grants under $100,000, concept papers, and letters of intent will no longer require Systems Office Foundation and SPO pre-approval and review. The Foundation will still require A copy of the final, completed application will still be required versions for grant tracking purposes.
    • All grant award notifications, letters, agreements, or contracts (regardless of dollar amount or funder) should still be sent to the SPO and Foundation teams.


    The full policy is available in the Financial Management Manual.

  • Indirect Cost Rate
    Ivy Tech recently received an updated federally approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (‘NICRA’ or ‘IDC’) that will go into effect on Friday, July 1, 2022. The rate will change from 50% to 53% of all salaries and wages.

    Please review the Memorandum sent out June 27, 2022 for more details.

    Pre-Award Process
    Changes have been made to the pre-award process in terms of thresholds and review requirements.

    Please refer to the Financial Management Manual for details.