Ivy Tech Bloomington wins three state awards for excellence in career education

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education recognized the campus and a student for outstanding achievements in culinary arts, fire sciences, and information technology

Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington is the recipient of three 2025 Indiana Awards for Excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE). The awards were presented by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education in a ceremony held in May.
 
Ivy Tech Bloomington, the City of Bloomington Fire Department, and the Monroe Fire Protection District won an Award for Outstanding Postsecondary Partnership for their collaborative new Fire Sciences Academy program. The Academy brings together educational and emergency service professionals to provide firefighters in training with hands-on experience, Ivy Tech credentials, and a direct path into fire service careers.

The Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program won an Award for Outstanding Postsecondary Program of Study. The program prepares students for careers in the food service and hospitality industries. Students get hands-on experience in the campus student-run restaurant by hosting coffee shops, lunch service, and through internships at French Lick Resort. Culinary and baking and pastry programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
 
Anthony Shields, recent graduate, received an Award for Excellence in the Postsecondary Student category. He graduated with an associate degree in cloud technologies. Shields is transferring to Western Governors University to pursue his bachelor’s degree in cloud technologies.
 
“These incredible achievements are a direct result of the outstanding leadership of Deans Sarah Cote and Chris Caroll, along with Department Chairs Stacy Strand, Rodney Taylor, Jason Endris, and Nick Laplante,” said Martin Wolfger, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Their unwavering dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence continue to set a high standard for Ivy Tech Bloomington.”
 
Recognition awards for excellence highlight the achievements of CTE students, programs, partners, and counselors across the state who exemplify the qualities of and opportunities of Career and Technical Education.
 
Ivy Tech Bloomington offers more than 40 career and four-year transfer programs, with courses that start multiple times per year for quick entry and graduation. To get started, apply for free online at ivytech.edu/bloomington, call 812-330-6013, or email [email protected]. For information on free, short-term training programs at Ivy Tech Bloomington, visit ivytech.edu/bloomington/NLJ.