Ivy Tech Community College Richmond is pleased to announce that Heather Wierzbinski-Cross, MSN, RN, CNE, has been selected as its new Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
Wierzbinski-Cross brings more than a decade of experience in higher education and a longstanding commitment to Ivy Tech and the students it serves. She joined the Richmond campus in 2014 as a full-time nursing faculty member and has since advanced through several academic leadership positions, including Department Chair for Nursing, Dean of the School of Nursing, and most recently, Dean of the Schools of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Her leadership experience also extends across the statewide Ivy Tech system, where she has served as Interim Vice President of Health & Nursing and Interim Assistant Vice President for Nursing.
Heather has built an impressive career at Ivy Tech, and her journey reflects a deep commitment to our students, our faculty, and the mission of this college. Her experience as an educator and leader, combined with her understanding of our campus and the communities we serve, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our academic programs and prepare students for success. I look forward to the leadership she will bring to this next chapter for Ivy Tech Richmond.
– Dr. Chad Bolser, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Richmond
Wierzbinski-Cross holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Indiana University East, where she graduated with High Distinction in her undergraduate program. She is also a Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing.
Before joining Ivy Tech, Wierzbinski-Cross spent seven years as a registered nurse at Reid Hospital & Health Care Services, gaining clinical experience in intensive care, obstetrics, wellness, infusion services, and case management.
In addition to her work in higher education, Wierzbinski-Cross maintains an active role in professional nursing and regional healthcare leadership. She has served as a reviewer for the Journal for Nurses in Professional Developmentsince 2014 and is a member of the Reid EMS Training Institute Paramedic Program Advisory Committee. She also serves on the Reid Health Governing Board, chairs the Quality Committee at Reid Health, and is a member of Reid Health’s Community Wellbeing Committee. Her professional service also includes membership on the Eastern Indiana Area Health Education Center (EI-AHEC) Board of Directors and the Indiana Center for Nursing (ICN) Board of Directors.
Throughout her career at Ivy Tech, Wierzbinski-Cross has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, faculty development, student achievement, and workforce preparation. Her combination of academic leadership, clinical experience, and involvement in regional healthcare organizations will support the continued advancement of academic programs and opportunities for students throughout the region.
As Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Wierzbinski-Cross will help guide the Richmond campus’ academic priorities, support faculty and program development, and advance Ivy Tech's mission of delivering accessible, high-quality education aligned with the needs of students, employers, and the community.
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.
