Bloomington, Indiana – Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington has earned statewide recognition for its commitment to career-focused education, receiving three major honors at the 2025 Indiana Awards for Excellence in Career and Technical Education. The awards, presented by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education during a special ceremony in May, celebrate achievements in programs that prepare students for high-demand careers across Indiana.
The Bloomington campus was acknowledged for its innovation, strong community partnerships, and student success through three separate awards: Outstanding Postsecondary Partnership, Outstanding Postsecondary Program of Study, and an individual award for a standout student.
One of the most notable achievements was the Outstanding Postsecondary Partnership award, shared by Ivy Tech Bloomington, the City of Bloomington Fire Department, and the Monroe Fire Protection District. Together, they launched the Fire Sciences Academy, a new program that combines classroom learning with hands-on field experience. The program is designed to give aspiring firefighters a clear path from education to employment, equipping them with Ivy Tech credentials and real-world training alongside fire service professionals.
This partnership reflects Ivy Tech’s strong focus on connecting students with immediate career opportunities. “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.”
Another award-winning program at the college was Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, which received the Award for Outstanding Postsecondary Program of Study. This program trains students for careers in food service and hospitality, fields that are both vital and growing across the state. The hands-on experience is a key part of the training, with students working in the campus’s student-run restaurant, hosting coffee shops, serving lunch, and participating in internships at French Lick Resort.
The program is also backed by national accreditation. Ivy Tech’s culinary and baking and pastry programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation, further adding to the program’s credibility and value in the job market.
In addition to program and partnership recognition, Ivy Tech Bloomington celebrated student success through Anthony Shields, who earned the Award for Excellence in the Postsecondary Student category. A recent graduate with an associate degree in cloud technologies, Shields is continuing his education at Western Governors University to complete a bachelor’s degree in the same field.
His accomplishment showcases the type of student Ivy Tech serves—motivated individuals seeking real-world skills that lead to further education or direct employment in high-demand sectors. Shields’ journey is an example of how Ivy Tech programs can open doors and set students on a trajectory for long-term success.
These awards are part of a broader effort to celebrate and promote Career and Technical Education (CTE) across the state. The Indiana Awards for Excellence highlight the top students, educators, programs, and community partners who represent the best of what CTE has to offer. Ivy Tech Bloomington’s multiple recognitions show its leadership in preparing students not just to graduate, but to thrive in today’s workforce.
Ivy Tech Bloomington currently offers over 40 career-focused and transfer programs, with flexible course start dates throughout the year. This allows students to begin their education quickly and move toward graduation or employment without unnecessary delays. The college also provides free, short-term training programs to help individuals rapidly gain skills in key areas.
Anyone interested in learning more or applying to Ivy Tech Bloomington can visit ivytech.edu/bloomington, call 812-330-6013, or email [email protected].
With its recent state-level recognition and continued focus on collaboration, innovation, and student achievement, Ivy Tech Bloomington stands as a leader in career and technical education—preparing students for the future while meeting the workforce needs of the community today.
