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Campus Transformation

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A Game Changer

Ivy Tech Community College is a game changer for Indiana. The opportunities students have at Ivy Tech Community College expand their horizons, allowing them to see the world in new ways, to dream bigger, and to achieve those dreams. As an integral part of their communities, Ivy Tech Community College campuses and instructional sites provide talented graduates to fill the growing needs of area employers for highly skilled employees. And those jobs create better lives, better families, and stronger communities. Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Region is providing what students and employers need in Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, and Tipton counties—and its impact continues to expand. 

Meeting Area Needs

As a part of the Ivy Tech Community College family, Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Campus has been preparing students for further education or careers in the region for more than 40 years, now offering more than 30 academic, technical, and professional programs. During that time, it has expanded beyond its 1976 “Main Building,” acquired new and repurposed buildings around the city, renovated space, shifted functional areas from one building to another, all to accommodate changing needs and growth, without a major investment in the Kokomo physical plant for more than 25 years. Classes and labs have been scattered around the community, which is neither convenient for students nor conducive to a cohesive academic experience. Ivy Tech has long recognized the importance of updating the Kokomo Campus and has been planning for major improvements for a number of years.

An Opportunity for Transformation

Thanks to a $40 million appropriation in state funding approved by the Indiana General Assembly in June 2017 and an expected $3 million in philanthropic support from friends and supporters, the years of anticipation are over. Over the next 18 months, Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Campus will undergo a $43 million transformation into a vibrant, highly functional campus that reflects the excellence of the institution. Key instructional areas that will be impacted by the investment in students and outcomes include:

  • Health Sciences and Nursing programs - $12,000,000
  • Automotive, Diesel Lab and Agriculture programs - $7,000,000
  • Technology programs - $8,000,000
  • Campus Infrastructure - $16,000,000

The Time is Now

This one opportunity will redefine Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Campus as an educational leader, an economic development power, and an innovator in meeting workforce needs in the region. The importance cannot be overstated. By supporting this once-in-a-lifetime project, you can be a part of the positive impact for years to come.

Student Testimonial


Jim Montgomery

President, Phi Theta Kappa
Criminal Justice, Class of 2018

"Speaking on behalf of my fellow Phi Theta Kappa members, I can say we are all very excited about the Kokomo Campus transformation project. The importance of a new walkable, student-focused 'campus' with state-of-the-art facilities cannot be overstated. This project will impact students for years to come." 

Kokomo Tribune: A $43 MILLION MAKEOVER: Construction moving forward at Ivy Tech 

Great evening at Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo on Aug. 23, 2018! Celebrating 50 years of serving Kokomo with a campus undergoing a $43 million transformation. Several hundred leaders from the five counties served by Ivy Tech Kokomo gathered for the festivities where those who have donated so far were cheered for their support. At the finale, the current total of $1,706,307 was announced from the "quiet phase" of the campaign. Now it's public! On to $3 million!

Check out the great coverage of this exciting time for Ivy Tech Kokomo in the Kokomo Tribune here! 

Make sure you check out the great photos from the event here! 

Karen McLean

'89 Ivy Tech Alumna
NIPSCO Public Affairs Manager
Campaign Chair

“With this project, we have an incredible opportunity to redefine Ivy Tech as an educational leader, an economic development power, and an innovator in meeting workforce needs in north central Indiana. The leadership team understands that this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have a positive impact on our communities that will resonate for years to come. We are excited to come together to encourage our fellow community leaders, neighbors, friends, and co-workers to support the Kokomo Campus transformation.” 

Dean McCurdy, PhD 

Chancellor - Kokomo
Ivy Tech Community College

"Our new facilities will benefit students directly by providing them with more opportunities to graduate on time, more employment options, and more transfer options, and will allow our faculty to provide an even better educational experience for students. It will be a team effort across our service area to see this important project through to completion."

Sue Ellspermann, PhD

President
Ivy Tech Community College

"Ivy Tech put the Kokomo project at the top of its capital request list because this campus has not had the kind of upgrade that our other campuses across the state have had. It was always in our long-term plan to really create a college campus feel, and this appropriation - bolstered by some local dollars - will make that possible, providing an environment that will attract students and support their success."