October Employee Spotlight: Mary Henehan

How long have you worked for Ivy Tech? 

On October 2, I celebrated my 22nd work anniversary. Over the years, I’ve held various positions that have offered me an array of leadership and learning experiences.

What other positions have you held with the college?

My first position was Director of Community Campuses. I managed 14 sites in the nine-county region with six full-time direct reports, 35 part-time staff, and hundreds of adjunct faculty. The Chancellor at the time said I ran a small community college. The Ivy Tech White Pages still list this title.

My next position was Director of Instruction. I collaborated with campus presidents, site managers, deans, and program chairs to achieve course alignment and minimize the impact on students with canceled courses. I coordinated with departments to provide student services at the sites. I recovered students lost to other regions. I helped facilitate the implementation of eight-week courses for our campus. 

Tell us about your team and what they do?

Although I do not have direct reports, I work with the Indianapolis Sponsored Programs Team under Loukisha Anderson's leadership. Our team includes Grant Project Directors for Bowen Scholars, Nina and Ignite Scholars, TRIO SSS, and TRIO Upward Bound at Ben Davis. These directors work with specific student populations and offer support for success.

What is your specific job on that team? 

My current position is Director of Grant Support and Perkins Grant Administrator. My role is to support and guide all Indianapolis campus grant project directors in budget management, compliance, and reporting. I love that my work connects me with employees in many functional areas of the College: Academic Affairs, Finance, Ivy+Career Link, Development, Student Success, Facilities, Enrollment Services, Information Technology, Diversity, Equity, and Belonging, Human Resources, as well as Systems Office. Additionally, I manage the Indianapolis Perkins grant, which benefits Career and Technical Education (CTE) with state-of-the-art equipment, professional development for faculty, and four employees who support CTE. It is the largest grant the Indianapolis campus receives annually.

Tell us why you like working at Ivy Tech?

Ivy Tech provides opportunities for students to earn credentials and gain skills, leading them to improved employment that benefits themselves and their families. Together, we all play a role in our students’ success.

What else would you like us to know about you?

My daily goals are to make someone smile or laugh, walk 5000+ steps, drink water, spend time outside, read for pleasure or information, connect with people, read scripture, and pray. I strive to be a person of integrity. 

A few years ago, I researched community college students who were food insecure. The students and I co-presented the findings to the College, community members, and decision-makers. The impact of this award-winning work is evident in the expansion of our campus food pantry. I continue to volunteer for food insecurity and poverty-related initiatives.