Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington received two state awards for excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE). The CTE Awards for Excellence were presented by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Education in a ceremony held in Indianapolis in May.
Madison Becker, recent graduate, received an award for Excellence in the Postsecondary CTE Student category. She graduated with an associate degree in baking and pastry arts and is returning to finish her associate degree in culinary arts.
Becker volunteered in the campus kitchen more hours than any other student, participated in the Freeze Fest 2026 chili cook-off, and works at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen, among other experiences. She hopes to continue her career in a kitchen that encourages creativity and growth.
Madison exemplifies the very best of career and technical education. Her commitment, creativity, and work ethic set her apart, and this recognition reflects her bright future in the culinary industry."
– Martin Wolfger, PhD, LMHC, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
“Madison exemplifies the very best of career and technical education,” said Martin Wolfger, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Ivy Tech Bloomington. “Her commitment, creativity, and work ethic set her apart, and this recognition reflects her bright future in the culinary industry.”
The Lee J. Marchant School of Nursing at Ivy Tech Bloomington won an award for Outstanding Postsecondary CTE Program. The campus recently upgraded and expanded its training space and launched the college’s first evening nursing classes. The program currently admits 205 students annually and it graduated nearly 20 more students than the year before. Community partnerships and support were critical in making the expansion and evening classes possible, including IU Health.
These recognition awards highlight the achievements of CTE students, programs, partners, and counselors across the state who exemplify the qualities and opportunities of career and technical education.
About Indiana CTE
CTE provides relevant career and technical education programs of study that prepare students for high-skill, in-demand careers in fields such as advanced manufacturing, digital technology, healthcare, and agriculture. Indiana’s CTE team joined the Commission in July 2023 as part of House Enrolled Act 1002-2023.
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 post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech serves more than 200,000 students annually and offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training in more than 70 programs across Indiana. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is committed to providing affordable, high-quality education aligned with the needs of Indiana’s workforce.
