Four educators affiliated with Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis have been recognized at the college's 2026 President's Awards dinner, honoring their dedication to students, excellence in instruction and contributions to education in the Indianapolis campus’ service area. One of the four, Pike High School business teacher James "Matt" Jackson, also received a prestigious statewide award for his work as an Ivy Tech dual credit instructor (photo above).

Ivy Tech's annual President's Awards recognize outstanding faculty, adjunct faculty and dual credit instructors who demonstrate a commitment to student success and the highest standards of teaching.

  • Anthony Regulus Ford: Ivy Tech Indianapolis Honoree for Excellence in Instruction (full-time faculty), recognizing his contributions as an Assistant Professor of Informatics in the School of Information Technology.

  • Chad A. Sims: Ivy Tech Indianapolis Honoree for Excellence in Instruction (adjunct faculty), recognizing his contributions as an Adjunct Professor of Business.

  • James "Matt" Jackson: Statewide Dual Credit Award for Excellence in Instruction Winner, recognizing his work as a Business Teacher at Pike High School and Ivy Tech dual credit instructor.

___________________________________________________________

  • Gerald Maki: Excellence in Online Teaching Winner, Department Chair, English and World Languages

Our faculty are the heart of Ivy Tech, and we are incredibly proud to recognize the difference they make in the lives of our students every day. They do more than teach. They inspire, encourage, and support students as they pursue their goals and build their futures.

– Stephanie Amos, Ivy Tech Indianapolis Interim Chancellor

Bringing real-world experience into the classroom

Jackson, who teaches Ivy Tech Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LOGM) courses at Pike High School, received the Statewide Dual Credit Award for Excellence in Instruction, one of the College's top statewide honors.

Through a partnership with global logistics company XPO, Jackson gives students an opportunity to go beyond textbook learning and experience the realities of the supply chain industry. Students work with actual XPO technology, learn about supply chain operations from visiting company managers and explore real-world case studies using the company's analytics and performance metrics.

The hands-on approach helps students connect classroom concepts to the skills, technology and decision-making used in today's logistics industry while earning college credit in high school.

Recognizing excellence across the Indianapolis campus

Anthony Regulus Ford, assistant professor of Informatics in Ivy Tech Indianapolis' School of Information Technology, was recognized as a Glenn W. Sample Founders Award Honoree – Full-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Instruction.

With more than 10 years of teaching experience at Ivy Tech, Ford has taught 23 different courses across seven of the School of Information Technology's eight degree-granting programs. Known for his engaging teaching style and enthusiasm for technology, he incorporates an extensive collection of historical technology artifacts into his lessons, helping students see how the field has evolved.

Beyond the classroom, Ford contributes to campus and community initiatives, including Black Expo, JA JobSpark, SOMOS Ivy Tech and high school technology events. He also previously served as statewide vice chair for Ivy Tech's Cybersecurity program and continues to support curriculum development and innovation across the college.

Chad A. Sims, adjunct professor of Business, received the Gerald I. Lamkin Award Honoree– Adjunct Faculty Award for Excellence in Instruction.

Sims brings a unique combination of academic knowledge and entrepreneurial experience to his teaching. As the owner of a successful marketing agency, he connects classroom concepts in marketing and entrepreneurship to current industry trends and real business challenges. His courses incorporate project-based learning, practical assignments and coaching that encourage students to think creatively and approach challenges like entrepreneurs.

Sims is also recognized for creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to participate, build confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed. His commitment to students and the department extends beyond the classroom, as he continually refines his teaching approach and shares his professional expertise to support student and campus goals.

Ivy Tech honored 57 faculty members, adjunct faculty and dual credit instructors statewide with its 2026 President's Awards. The awards are a longstanding college tradition, celebrating the dedication, innovation and student-centered excellence of educators across Ivy Tech's statewide system.

In addition to Jackson's statewide dual credit recognition, this year's statewide award recipients include:

·       Glenn W. Sample Founders Award for Excellence in Instruction: Caroline Camfield, Department Chair of Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Lafayette

·       Gerald I. Lamkin Award for Excellence in Instruction: Deanna Dodds, Early Childhood Completion Specialist, Evansville

James "Matt" Jackson: Statewide Dual Credit Award for Excellence in Instruction Winner, recognizing his work as a Business Teacher at Pike High School and Ivy Tech dual credit instructor, poses with Dr. Marty Pollio, Ivy Tech President (left).

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.