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South Bend Campus

South Bend Main Campus Elkhart

About the South Bend Campus

Welcome to Ivy Tech South Bend–Elkhart!

For more than 55 years, Ivy Tech has been a place where opportunity begins and futures take shape. At the South Bend-Elkhart campus we are proud to offer a high-quality, affordable education that empowers students to build meaningful careers, strengthen their communities, and pursue their ambitions with confidence.

At Ivy Tech, you can gain the in-demand skills that lead directly to sustainable careers or take advantage of a seamless, cost-effective pathway to a four-year degree. Our programs are designed with purpose — aligned to the needs of our region and driven by innovation. As Northern Indiana continues to lead in advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution, technology, and life sciences, we are evolving alongside these industries to prepare our students for the careers of today and tomorrow.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to you. Whether you are beginning your college journey, changing careers, or advancing in your current field, our faculty and staff are dedicated to your success every step of the way.

We are not only building credentials — we are building confidence, capability, and community. I invite you to discover what is possible at Ivy Tech South Bend–Elkhart and to join us as we shape the next chapter of excellence together.

– Dr. Patrick Englert, Chancellor, Ivy Tech South Bend-Elkhart

Fast Facts

15,290
Students Enrolled
(2024-2025 academic year)
Counties Served:
St. Joseph, Elkhart, and Marshall
Satellite Location
Elkhart
52
Academic Programs
(Campus & Satellite)
Employees
63
Faculty
83
Staff

Our History

Ivy Tech South Bend-Elkhart has been serving the area for over 50 years. It began in 1968 on West Sample Street in the old Studebaker plant while a nearby unused high school was enlarged and remodeled. Classes were moved to the renovated high school in 1969. A new campus opened in January 2000 at 220 Dean Johnson Blvd. Today, Ivy Tech's South Bend campus annually serves approximately 15,000 students. Students range in age from 16 to over 65, with a median age of around 27. 

The South Bend-Elkhart campus offers nearly 50 programs that lead to two-year associate degrees, one-year technical certificates, workforce certifications, or seamless transfer to a four-year institution. Programs are available in fields such as Health Sciences, Business, Information Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing.

Ivy Tech is committed to student success and provides an affordable, supportive, and flexible environment, particularly for non-traditional students balancing work and family responsibilities. The college offers low tuition, generous financial aid options, free books, and flexible scheduling. This focus on student support contributes to a high student satisfaction rate, with 92% of Ivy Tech students reporting they would choose the college again.

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 

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Ivy Academy

Collegiate Purple Star Campus

Tier 3 Purple Star BadgeIn July 2025, Ivy Tech South Bend was designated as a Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana (CPSI) campus by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. This award recognizes that the campus provides a supportive environment for U.S. military-affiliated students throughout their journey from application to graduation.

Administration

  • Patrick Englert, Ph.D., Chancellor
  • Chris Douse, Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
  • Katherine Kent, Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs
  • Lisa Wenzel, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Initiatives
  • Brooke Lichtenbarger, Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration
  • Melissa Colpitts, Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
  • Amber Ruszkowski, Vice Chancellor, Ivy+ Career Link & Community Partnerships
  • Mari Linn Wise, Vice Chancellor, Resource Development
  • Jeffrey Wesolowski, IT Director

School Deans

  • Violet Hawkins, Dean of Information Technology, Business & Supply Chain Management, and Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • Cyndy Keeling, Dean of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, & Applied Science
  • Shirley Bootz, Dean of Health Sciences, Public Affairs & Social Services, and Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
  • Amanda Thomas, Dean of Beacon Health Systems School of Nursing
  • Melissa Denton, Dean of Arts, Sciences, & Education

Find Contact Info in the Directory

Trustees

State Trustee: Jeremy Lugbill, Chief Executive Officer - Career Academy Network of Public Schools

Campus Board of Trustees:

  • Tina Patton, Board Chair; Retired Commerce
  • Jacqueline Barton, Specialized Staffing Solutions President
  • Gregg Fore, GG Media Group Partner
  • Kreg Gruber, Beacon Health System CEO
  • Dick Pfeil, Pfeil Inc. President
  • Nate Zolman, Zolman Tire, Inc. President
  • Breanna Allen, Ed.D., Tolson Center Executive Director
  • Radharani "Radi" Johnson, Merino Law Firm Director of Operations
  • Theodore Stevens, School City of Mishawaka Superintendent
  • Mary Nowicki, Jackel, Inc. Senior Manager
  • Billy Lerman, Steel Warehouse Corporate Vice President of Operations

Board Meetings

All campus board of trustee meetings are held at the South Bend campus unless stated otherwise.

2026

  • Monday, Mar. 16 at 2 p.m.
  • Monday, May 18 at 2 p.m.
  • Monday, July 20 at 2 p.m.
  • Monday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.