INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College has appointed Dr. Patrick Rouse as its new vice president of advanced manufacturing, engineering and applied Science. Dr. Rouse brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in higher education, defense, and aerospace, with a strong focus on manufacturing and engineering program development.
In this statewide leadership role, Dr. Rouse will oversee Ivy Tech’s School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science. He will guide the development of academic programs and skills-based training aligned with Indiana’s evolving workforce needs and key industries, including the college’s first-in-the-nation smart manufacturing and digital integration program.
“Dr. Rouse’s strategic vision and passion for student success will be a tremendous asset to Ivy Tech,” said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “His leadership will enhance our workforce programs and elevate the role Ivy Tech plays in preparing the talent pipeline for one of Indiana’s key industry sectors.”
I’m excited to join Ivy Tech at a time when the College is leading the way in fueling Indiana’s economy through workforce innovation. The opportunity to impact students across the entire state by connecting education directly to industry needs is both inspiring and deeply aligned with my professional mission.
– Dr. Patrick Rouse, Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science
Dr. Rouse most recently served as director of workforce and continuing education for the engineering and advanced technology program at Macomb Community College in Michigan. There, he managed a $32 million budget including grants and contracts and led a team of 40 faculty and staff. He partnered with more than 400 global companies to serve over 3,200 students through industry-aligned workforce development programs. He also played a key role in positioning Macomb as a Department of Defense contractor and launched the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Training Initiative to meet specialized workforce needs in the defense sector. Dr. Rouse worked closely with the Center for Advanced Automotive Technology (CAAT), a National Science Foundation-funded center housed at Macomb, to drive electric vehicle workforce initiatives tied to Michigan’s mobility goals.
Dr. Rouse previously served as program operations manager for engineering, manufacturing and industrial technologies at Oakland Community College, where he collaborated with faculty to modernize curricula and align programs with rapidly evolving industry standards.
“My goal is to train individuals and industry at the pace of technological innovation by listening, learning and creating customized training that opens doors to high-demand careers,” Rouse said. “I believe in building pathways that not only meet workforce needs but empower students from every background to thrive.”
Dr. Rouse is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He holds a Doctor of Education and a Master of Education in higher education leadership, as well as a Bachelor of Science in business administration, all from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration in finance from the University of Michigan.
“I see tremendous opportunity to deepen Ivy Tech’s proactive engagement with industry and community partners,” Rouse said. “By aligning programs with real-time workforce demands, we can offer students meaningful, accessible pathways into Indiana’s most critical and emerging industries.”
For more information about Ivy Tech’s School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science, visit ivytech.edu.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
