Lafayette Campus Faculty, Instructor Honored With Annual President’s Award

Three Lafayette campus faculty members and instructors were honored with Ivy Tech Community College’s President’s Awards:

• Bryan Thompson, Department Chair, English, Student Success & Communications, and Program Chair, Communications

• Katie Chynoweth, Program Director – CNA and QMA Programs, Faculty Fellow

• Brian Turner, Design, Project Lead the Way, Southmont High School

They were recognized for embodying the highest standards of teaching and inspiring success across Ivy Tech campuses.

Ivy Tech honored 57 faculty, adjunct faculty, and dual credit instructors with its annual President’s Awards. The award is a cherished Ivy Tech tradition, celebrating the dedication, innovation, and student-centered excellence of faculty and instructors from Ivy Tech locations throughout the state. 

Faculty Honoree

Bryan Thompson joined the Lafayette campus as an adjunct in the Communications program in the Fall 2021 and was hired as full-time faculty and Program Chair for that program in Fall 2022. In January 2024 he was promoted to the additional position of Department Chair for English, Student Success and Communication at Ivy Tech Community College – Lafayette campus. His work focuses on helping students build communication skills they can use in their classes, careers and everyday lives. Bryan earned his Master of Science degree in Communication from the Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University (2021) after having served twenty years in the U.S. Army rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. With his background in military leadership and a master’s degree in communication, Bryan combines real-world experience with academic theory, ensuring his students leave the classroom ready to apply what they’ve learned. 

Bryan believes in keeping his teaching methods fresh through experimentation. He uses a mix of interactive tools, real-world examples and even gamification to keep his students actively learning. Whether students are creating persuasive speeches or evaluating public speakers, his commitment to staying current with new teaching strategies ensures that his courses remain relevant.

Beyond the classroom, Bryan mentors students, and is actively involved in both campus and community initiatives, including supporting military-affiliated students through the Collegiate Purple Star Initiative and working with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office through their Jail Chemical Addiction Program.

Outside of work, Bryan is dedicated to his family. He’s been married to Rebecca for 25 years and together they have four children. His experience as a father and grandfather has helped shape how he connects with students. Bryan values strong relationships and works to pass the same principles of support and communication to those he teaches. His family is his biggest motivator.

Adjunct Faculty Honoree

Katie Chynoweth joined the Ivy Tech faculty as an adjunct instructor in the School of Health Sciences in 2023 teaching in the Certified Nursing Assistant Program as well as the Qualified Medication Aide Program. She became a Faculty Fellow in the School of Health Sciences in October 2024 and assumed the role of Program Director for the Qualified Medication Aide and Certified Nursing Assistant Program at the Lafayette Campus at that time.

Katie started her journey in healthcare by receiving her Emergency Medical Technician Basic from St. Vincent Hospital. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Saint Francis. and has worked in hospital settings that included Emergency Care, Progressive Care, Critical Care, and Pulmonology before entering the world of academia. While in the healthcare setting Katie served on multiple hospital committees ranging from shared governance to research and participated in unit-based education, often serving as a preceptor.

Katie’s love of teaching extends far beyond the classroom. She is deeply involved in faculty development, organizing community events, and collaborating with colleagues to enhance in the quality of education at Ivy Tech. Her commitment to the success of her students extends into community outreach, where she participates in healthcare initiatives and volunteers her time to support those in need. When not teaching Katie dedicates time to serving her church and youth in the community.