Notes of Distinction: News from around IU Northwest

CUMU Visits IU Northwest

In February, IU Northwest welcomed Dr. Valerie Holton, Executive Director of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) to the campus. During her visit, Dr. Holton witnessed the great work and community partnerships that the campus has established throughout the region. From meeting with faculty, hearing about the Tolleston Opportunity Campus and even eating at J’s Breakfast Club, Dr. Holton’s visit gave her a quick, yet impactful glance of what it means to be a campus truly invested in its community.

“One of the things I’ve respected the most about Chancellor Iwama over the years is his commitment to the power of what it means for a campus to be committed to its community,” Dr. Holton said. “The opportunity to see this work in action was very exciting to me. I look forward to celebrating the work of IU Northwest, a model institution for recognizing and valuing the collective power and strength of campus-community partnerships.”

Mayor Melton meets with IU Northwest Board of Advisors

The IU Northwest Board of Advisors had the opportunity to meet with City of Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, where he presented his ‘Leading Gary to Greatness 100-Day Plan.’

At the meeting, Melton said, “Looking forward, I see many opportunities for IU Northwest and the City of Gary to partner. I see potential and growth…from athletics and academics to arts and culture and more. The opportunities are truly limitless.”

Dr. Tiffany Thompkins and Dr. Marjorie Carson to attend Faculty Women of Color conference

Dr. Tiffany Thompkins, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Dr. Marjorie Carson, Assistant Professor of Nursing, were selected among a group of IU women faculty to attend The Faculty Women of Color in the Academy national conference. The conference, which will be held in April in Arlington, Virginia, includes several professional development seminars as well as opportunities for women faculty to connect and grow their professional networks.

The conference serves as a venue for minoritized women faculty to cultivate their sense of identity and build community.

Dr. Stephanie Baranko-Lincoln accepted as Mosaic Faculty Fellow

Dr. Stephanie Baranko-Lincoln, Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing, was accepted as a Mosaic Faculty Fellow for the Northwest campus. The Mosaic Faculty Fellows program is a key component of the Mosaic Initiative, Indiana University’s Active Learning Initiative.

The program provides an opportunity across two semesters for faculty to explore active learning approaches, reflect on how they work and change in different learning environments and to contribute to the development of learning environments across Indiana University.

Dr. Marshelia Harris receives 2024 Summer Faculty Fellowship Award

Assistant Professor of Social Work Dr. Marshelia Harris is the recipient of the 2024 Summer Faculty Fellowship Award for Innovations in Curriculum and Student Success. Through her fellowship, she will coordinate an Adjunct Recruitment Fair and professional development workshops, which will serve as a platform for building stronger relationships and cohesion among university faculty.

Dr. Sharon Pratt and Dr. Jen Fisher selected as members of FACET

Dr. Sharon Pratt, Associate Professor of Education, and Dr. Jen Fisher, Assistant Professor of Biology, have been selected by a statewide selection committee to become members of Indiana University’s Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching (FACET). As members of the 2024 class, they have been identified as colleagues who have “made consequential contributions to our students and who demonstrate promise in further enhancing the effectiveness of our teaching and learning missions.”