TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College today announced that Terre Haute Chancellor Lea Anne Crooks will retire effective May 28, 2027, concluding a distinguished career of service to Ivy Tech and West Central Indiana.
Crooks has served as chancellor of the Terre Haute campus since 2017. Crooks began her career with Ivy Tech in 1993, having served in roles including Executive Director of Corporate College, Executive Director of Human Resources, and Campus President.
"Lea Anne's leadership has had a lasting impact on Ivy Tech Terre Haute, our students, and the communities throughout West Central Indiana," said Dr. Marty Pollio, President of Ivy Tech Community College. "We are grateful for her years of dedicated service and wish her all the best in retirement."
"I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together and incredibly fortunate to be retiring from a career and institution I dearly love,” said Crooks. “It’s been an honor to serve the students, faculty, staff, and communities of West Central Indiana. I am leaving behind a strong leadership team and a campus that is well-positioned for continued success in the years ahead."
Under her leadership, Ivy Tech Terre Haute strengthened its role as a critical provider of education and workforce training, helping thousands of students achieve their academic and career goals. During her tenure as Chancellor, Crooks solidified Ivy Tech Terre Haute as a critical partner in the region’s higher education landscape and economic growth priorities. The campus significantly increased student retention rates, resulting in the highest rates among all Ivy Tech campuses this past academic year, led the College in adopting 9-week course models, and spearheaded enrollment and facility expansions in nursing, sonography, paramedic science, respiratory therapy, precision agriculture, and diesel technology programs.
In 2017, the College named Crooks as chancellor of the Terre Haute campus after splitting it from the Evansville region. Since that time, the Terre Haute campus, which includes the Greencastle learning site, has grown to an annual enrollment of over 9,000 students and more than 2,500 annual completions. With the successful completion of the Invest IN Ivy Tech campaign, the campus secured more than $12 million to support Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle students.
The College will begin a comprehensive search for its next Terre Haute campus chancellor in the coming months. The search process will include engagement with campus and community stakeholders to identify a leader who will build upon the campus's strong foundation and continue advancing Ivy Tech's mission of student success, workforce development, and community impact.
The College plans to name a new chancellor in advance of Crooks' retirement, with the successful candidate expected to begin serving as Terre Haute chancellor no later than June 1, 2027, with the exact start date to be determined at a later date. Additional details regarding the search process will be announced in the coming months.
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.
