Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington awarded an Honorary Associate of College and Community Service to Debra Vance at the annual Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Indiana University Auditorium. Vance was honored for her significant contributions to the community and success of the Bloomington campus.
In her acceptance speech, she thanked the college for the special recognition and encouraged the Class of 2026 to reflect on their accomplishments, thank those who helped them reach this milestone, and start the next chapter of their lives.
“Now it’s time for you to go out and be great,” said Vance.
Vance had a 44-year career at Ivy Tech with an unwavering commitment to community and student success.
Debra has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students, colleagues, and community members, leaving a lasting legacy at the college."
– Chancellor Erik Coyne, JD, Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
“Debra has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students, colleagues, and community members, leaving a lasting legacy at the college,” said Chancellor Erik Coyne, Ivy Tech Bloomington. “Her decades of leadership, advocacy, and service exemplify the very best of Ivy Tech’s mission and values.”
Vance began her career serving students at Ivy Tech in 1981 as an accounting clerk at the Indianapolis campus. She started her service at the Bloomington campus in 1987, where she served in multiple financial aid roles before being appointed director of outreach in 2003. In 2010, she assumed the role of executive director of diversity, equity and belonging, where she worked to advance a culture of connection and inclusion across both the campus and the state. Vance retired in 2025.
Her connection to Ivy Tech is further reflected through continuing support for the campus and through her family’s contributions, with her husband Bill’s work with Ivy Tech and her son, Robert, also previously serving the college.
About Ivy Tech Bloomington
Ivy Tech Bloomington offers more than 40 career and four-year transfer programs, with courses that start multiple times per year for quick entry and graduation. To get started, apply online at ivytech.edu/bloomington email askBloomington@ivytech.edu. For information on free, short-term training programs, visit ivytech.edu/bloomington/NLJ.
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.
