Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette faculty member Caroline Camfield has received the Glenn W. Sample Founders Award for Excellence in Instruction, the College's highest statewide honor recognizing excellence in teaching.
Camfield, department chair of Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology in the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Sciences, was selected from a pool of campus-level faculty honorees across Ivy Tech's statewide system for her outstanding commitment to student success, innovative teaching practices, and leadership in engineering education.
“Caroline exemplifies the dedication and innovation that make our faculty exceptional,” said Dr. Aaron Baute, chancellor of Ivy Tech Lafayette. “Her commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences extends well beyond the classroom. Through her leadership, mentorship, and passion for engineering education, she is helping students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed while strengthening the programs that prepare our region's future workforce.”
Camfield joined Ivy Tech Lafayette in 2023 as assistant program chair for Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology after earning her Master of Science in Engineering Education from Purdue University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western Kentucky University. She quickly advanced into program leadership roles before becoming department chair.
In the classroom, Camfield emphasizes both technical knowledge and personal growth, encouraging students to think critically, embrace challenges, and develop as future engineers. Her commitment to continuous improvement also extends to emerging technologies. She has expanded her expertise in semiconductors and microelectronics to support new curriculum development and the integration of emerging technology into engineering courses at the Lafayette campus.
It has been a privilege to work at Ivy Tech Lafayette, where I get to support students and foster an environment in which they can learn together. My role allows me to do what I love most: encouraging people to learn and grow. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given at Ivy Tech Lafayette and for the support of the College’s leadership team and my colleagues along the way.
– Caroline Camfield
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Camfield serves as statewide curriculum committee chair for Engineering and Engineering Technology, helping lead course and degree improvements designed to strengthen academic programs and reduce barriers for students transferring to four-year institutions. She also supports professional development opportunities that help fellow faculty incorporate new technologies and instructional approaches into their classrooms.
Camfield is active in the Two-Year College Division of the American Society for Engineering Education, where she advocates for accessible pathways for community college students pursuing bachelor's degrees in engineering.
In addition to Camfield's statewide recognition, two other Lafayette-area educators received campus-level President's Awards for Excellence in Instruction. Dave Foley, adjunct faculty member, and Jason Newhouser, dual credit instructor at Rossville Senior High School, were recognized for their dedication to teaching and student success.
Across Indiana, Ivy Tech honored 57 faculty, adjunct faculty, and dual credit instructors through its annual President's Awards. The awards celebrate the dedication, innovation, and student-centered excellence of educators throughout the College's statewide system.
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.
