Bloomington, Indiana – Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington has welcomed back one of its own, naming Chera Finkbiner as the new vice chancellor of finance. For Finkbiner, the appointment marks both a professional milestone and a deeply personal return to the place where her higher education journey began.
Finkbiner’s career has come full circle. She first joined Ivy Tech Bloomington years ago as a front desk clerk, a position that would serve as the foundation for a long and successful career in higher education administration. Now, after holding leadership positions across several major universities, she returns to the institution that first opened doors for her.
“It’s incredibly meaningful returning to Ivy Tech, where I began my career in higher education, truly a full-circle moment. As a graduate, I know firsthand the transformative power of an Ivy Tech education,” Finkbiner said. “It changed my life and opened doors for me to earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and grow my career in higher education. I’m thrilled to be back in Bloomington and look forward to contributing to the community in a positive and impactful way.”
Before her return to Ivy Tech, Finkbiner served as the senior director of business operations at the University of Texas at San Antonio. In that role, she oversaw a wide range of financial and operational functions, including budget management, shared services for administrative and executive offices, capital projects, real estate, facilities, and campus operations. Her work there demonstrated both her financial expertise and her commitment to improving institutional efficiency.
Her professional experience also extends to leadership roles at Indiana University and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Across these positions, Finkbiner managed large-scale financial operations, led teams through organizational changes, and implemented major process improvements to strengthen institutional performance.
“Chera’s expertise in higher education business and finance will strengthen our ability to serve our students and the community,” said Chancellor Erik Coyne. “We look forward to her leadership in advancing long-term operational sustainability and supporting student success.”
Finkbiner’s educational background mirrors her professional dedication. She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Accounting from Ivy Tech Bloomington—an experience she credits for shaping her future. From there, she pursued both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Leadership Development in Finance at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Her professional credentials also include certifications in business analytics from Cornell University and a LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt, reflecting her continuous drive for learning and excellence.
Her return to Ivy Tech Bloomington symbolizes not only a homecoming but also a renewed commitment to supporting students in the same way the college once supported her. As vice chancellor of finance, Finkbiner will play a key role in guiding the institution’s fiscal strategies, ensuring sustainable growth, and helping strengthen the college’s mission of accessibility and student success.
Ivy Tech Bloomington continues to expand its impact across the region, offering more than 40 career-focused and four-year transfer programs. The college’s flexible course scheduling—designed to meet the needs of both traditional and nontraditional students—allows learners to start classes multiple times throughout the year. It also provides free short-term training programs to help individuals gain valuable workforce skills quickly and affordably.
For Finkbiner, this new role is more than a professional achievement; it’s a personal reminder of the transformative nature of community education. Her story reflects the mission of Ivy Tech itself—a place where education opens doors, builds careers, and empowers individuals to return and give back to the communities that helped them grow.
To learn more about Ivy Tech Bloomington’s academic and training programs, prospective students can apply online at ivytech.edu/bloomington, call 812-330-6013, or email [email protected]. Information about the college’s free, short-term training opportunities can also be found at ivytech.edu/bloomington/NLJ.
