Ivy Tech Community College has appointed Chris Hoke, Superintendent of Northwestern Consolidated School District of Shelby County, to the Campus Board of Trustees for the college’s Columbus service area.
Hoke joins the eight-member board that guides the college, which includes approving the campus’ budget and serving as student and community advocates. He will represent Shelby County, which is included in the Ivy Tech Columbus service area. Ivy Tech Columbus serves Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, Johnson, and Shelby counties.
“Chris will provide the college and our campus with a unique perspective that includes his experience in education and in the Shelby County community,” Ivy Tech Columbus Chancellor Dr. Steven Combs said. “Along with our other board members, Chris will help ensure Ivy Tech is preparing students to succeed academically and professionally.”
Ivy Tech’s State Board of Trustees appoints campus trustees with the aim of keeping the campus in touch with the needs of its service area. Board members represent various economic sectors, including commerce, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
“Ivy Tech’s strong presence throughout Indiana, and specifically in Shelby County, offers Indiana residents an accessible pathway to higher education and better careers,” Hoke said. “As a member of the campus board of trustees, I look forward to advocating for Shelby County and all students in the Columbus service area as the college continues to shape its academic programs and career readiness training to meet modern needs.”
Hoke has served as superintendent of Northwestern Consolidated Schools of Shelby County for seven years. He has more than 20 years of experience in education and previously worked as a mechanical engineer.
He earned an education specialist degree from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in secondary education from Ball State University. He completed his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Purdue University. He is a past president of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers for the Advantage Shelby County program.