Bloomington, Indiana – Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington has been honored with the inaugural Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana (CPSI) award, marking a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to support veterans, active-duty service members, and military families. The recognition, jointly awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), highlights the campus’s strong commitment to providing comprehensive resources and programs tailored to the needs of military-connected students.
“We are honored to be recognized as a leader in the community for providing outstanding support to our military-affiliated students,” said retired U.S. Air Force Col. Erik Coyne, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Bloomington.
This prestigious designation places Ivy Tech Bloomington among the first colleges in the state to be officially recognized for its military-friendly initiatives under the CPSI program. Ivy Tech Bloomington achieved Tier 2 status, reflecting its fulfillment of numerous standards across a wide range of service areas.
To qualify for the CPSI recognition, institutions must meet a series of benchmarks—37 standards spread across eight major categories. These include core requirements such as offering specialized admissions guidance, promoting military-related resources, delivering student support services, and fostering career and community engagement opportunities. The award also evaluates how well a school communicates with military-affiliated students and assists with their financial and institutional needs.
The CPSI program was established through Senate Enrolled Act 384 in 2023, aiming to formally recognize and encourage schools that go above and beyond in supporting military students. Designations remain in effect for three years and serve as a clear signal that an institution understands and is prepared to meet the unique challenges and opportunities military-connected students face.
Ivy Tech Bloomington’s offerings are especially appealing to service members and their families thanks to the college’s flexible schedule and variety of career pathways. The campus provides more than 40 programs, ranging from career-ready certifications to transfer opportunities for four-year degrees. Students can begin coursework at several points throughout the year, allowing for faster entry and completion—an important feature for individuals balancing education with military service or family responsibilities.
Beyond traditional academic programs, Ivy Tech Bloomington also offers free short-term training options, giving students a chance to upskill quickly and efficiently. These opportunities can be especially valuable to veterans transitioning to civilian careers or spouses looking to reenter the workforce.
With the CPSI designation in hand, Ivy Tech Bloomington continues to reinforce its identity as a welcoming and resource-rich environment for the military community. As Chancellor Coyne put it, the recognition is not just an award—it’s a reflection of the college’s broader mission to serve every student with excellence, compassion, and purpose.
To learn more or to apply, visit ivytech.edu/bloomington, call 812-330-6013, or email [email protected].
