Ivy Tech's support of Indiana's advanced manufacturing careers

When the material in his engineering-focused math course gets dry, Associate Professor Ron Walling starts sharing stories about his 30-year career at Cummins and how the material his students are learning would apply.

"Sharing my background can help students understand what's possible," Walling said. "Ivy Tech gives students a foundation to keep learning and succeeding. I like seeing students start from a place of not knowing and get to a place of understanding and growing."

More than five years ago, Walling, Associate Professor of Engineering Technology and Department Chair, took on a faculty position at Ivy Tech in Columbus. He grew up in Texas in a family that owned a manufacturing business, earned his PhD in mechanical engineering, and spent 30 years working for Cummins and traveling the world for his career. 

It's this type of high-caliber faculty with relevant work experience that elevates Ivy Tech's School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science. In Indiana, the advanced manufacturing and logistics sector is a quarter of the state's GDP. 

And the 25 programs in the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science are popular, with enrollment above 8,000 students each year. In fact, there was 8% growth from last year to the 2025-2026 school year. The biotechnology program in particular saw 76% growth since last year. 

One opportunity is the Lilly Scholars program, which can lead students to a job in biotechnology, smart manufacturing, or industrial technology. The scholarship covers all tuition and fees, as well as an opportunity to apply for full-time employment after graduation. 

Elizabeth Lynn Karamanos, a current Lilly Scholar hoping to complete an associate degree by the end of this academic year, is looking to work in industrial technology with automation and robotics. 

"The goal would absolutely be to work for Lilly," said Elizabeth. "I grew up in Indianapolis, and I have known the many ways they help our community. They have given so much to me."

Another opportunity for students is the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation grant, which supports manufacturing students statewide who secure an internship with a $3,000 scholarship.

For high school students, Ivy Tech campuses offer different options to expose students to opportunities in advanced manufacturing, engineering and applied science. On the Terre Haute campus, they have an annual Cob & Cog event that introduces students to the academic programs and unique careers available. Students come to campus, tour the labs, meet faculty, and connect with representatives from local industry partners. 

"We work with high schools across our region to provide Ivy Tech college-credit courses that align with what students experience at the event. Cob & Cog gives the students a day to showcase what they've learned and discover how those skills can lead them to earning a degree that partners in our region look for," says Molly Joseph, Dean, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science at Ivy Tech Terre Haute.