Ivy Tech Announces New Campus President
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIvy Tech Community College has named Steven Combs president of its Columbus campus. Combs most recently served as Ivy Tech's interim chancellor and vice chancellor for the Columbus region. Ivy Tech Community College names Dr. Steven Combs as Columbus campus president
Columbus, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College has selected Steven Combs, Ph.D., as Columbus campus president. Combs most recently served as interim chancellor and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs for the community college's Columbus region.
Combs will report to the regional chancellor, Chris R. Lowery. The focus of the local campus president will be outreach to the local community. In addition, campus presidents will manage the day-to-day operations while fostering a campus climate that is consistent with the College’s core values. The campus president consults with regional administrators to achieve policy objectives and goals for building new and varied community outreach and partnerships, as well as expanding the availability of the College’s instructional and student support services to the community.
“I am honored to have been asked to serve in this leadership role,” Combs said. “I have come to appreciate the collaborative spirit in which Columbus and surrounding communities work. I am excited to continue our efforts in helping students achieve their educational goals.”
In 1993, Combs began his Ivy Tech career in 1993 as a professor at the Evansville campus. In 2010, he was hired as dean and professor in the School of Applied Science and Engineering Technology at Ivy Tech’s Lafayette campus. He then came to Columbus in 2012 to serve as the region's vice chancellor of Academic Affairs.
Combs holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in industrial education and a doctorate in higher education administration and leadership. His field of expertise is technology, including advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, mechanical design technology, robotics, web programming, computer-aided design, and technical graphics.
From 1987 until 2011, he served with the United States Army Reserve and retired as a Major in the Adjutant General Corps. He served as Chief of Command and Control for the United States Transportation Command and Chief of Policy and Plans for Joint Task Force Alaska.
During his academic career, he has been the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award, given by the National Association of Industrial Technology, and the President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction, given by Ivy Tech Community College. He is an honorary inductee of Phi Theta Kappa, the largest honor society in higher education serving two-year colleges offering associate degree programs, and an inductee into Epsilon Pi Tau National Honorary for Science and Technology.
Dr. Combs has written 14 textbooks and workbooks and has given numerous presentations for international associations, conferences, and college and university symposia.
“Steven has the skills necessary to lead our operations in Columbus and the surrounding communities of Greensburg, Seymour, Nashville, North Vernon, and Scottsburg.” Lowery said. “He is a proven leader and has a strong track record of pulling people together to move organizations forward.”
A graduate of Leadership Lafayette, Combs is a member of Columbus Sunrise Rotary, Columbus Economic Development Board, Columbus Education Coalition, Reserve Officer's Association, and Association of the Century.
Combs resides in Columbus with his wife Nikki A. Combs, who is an adjunct psychology faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College and IUPUC.
About Ivy Tech Community College Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its communities. In addition, its courses and programs transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
Source: Ivy Tech Community College