Ivy Tech board names Sue Ellspermann as new president

INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WISH) – The board of Indiana’s community college system has hired a new president.

Ivy Tech Community College’s trustees met Wednesday afternoon, and voted to replace for outgoing President Thomas Snyder with Sue Ellspermann as the new Ivy Tech President.

Former Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann was widely believed to be the leading candidate for the job. She resigned from Republican Gov. Mike Pence’s administration in March after a reported rift between them.

Pence appoints all members of the Ivy Tech board and has said Ellspermann is a great candidate for the position.

“I offer my heartfelt congrats to Ellspermann on her selection as Ivy Tech president and offer my thanks to outgoing president Tom Snyder,” Pence shared on his Twitter account.

Ellspermann was the founding director of the Center for Applied Research and Economic Development at the University of Southern Indiana.

Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers released the following statement about naming Ellspermann as president.

“As Ivy Tech Community College begins its second decade as Indiana’s statewide community college, it will be well served by a strong leader like Sue Ellspermann to bring a new era of vision and goal-focused action in service to Hoosier students and our state’s workforce. “I commend the Ivy Tech Board of Trustees for their serious and thoughtful process to select the college’s next president. Sue understands Indiana’s education and workforce needs and the importance of collaboration with business and state leaders to take Ivy Tech to the next level. I look forward to working with her to improve the outcomes for Ivy Tech students.”

Snyder is retiring this summer after overseeing Ivy Tech’s more than 30 campuses since 2007.

Indiana Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb issued the following statement:

The Ivy Tech Board of Trustees has made an outstanding selection for the next president of their college. Sue’s successful career in the private sector, in academia, and in state government has made her uniquely qualified to lead Ivy Tech at this very time.  As Lt. Governor, Sue led on education and workforce development issues and understands the vital role Ivy Tech plays in preparing Hoosiers for the jobs of the 21st century. I look forward to our continued work together serving the citizens of Indiana on this most important front.