News release from IPFW:
Karen VanGorder promoted to Executive Director of Continuing Studies
(October 13, 2014) — Karen VanGorder has been promoted to Executive Director of the Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). Carl Drummond, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, recently made the announcement. The university conducted a national search to fill the position left vacant when the former DCS Executive Director retired on June 30, 2014.
VanGorder has served in various leadership positions at IPFW and DCS since 2006. She served as Director of Online Learning and was assistant to the DCS Executive Director. During her tenure as Director of Online Learning, IPFW was named #3 in the nation for Online Programs for Veterans by US News and World Report.
Prior to that, she was a business advisor with the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center (NEISBDC), hosted by the Division of Continuing Studies at IPFW. Most recently, she was IPFW’s interim Chief Information Officer from January 2014 until the new CIO came on board in July.
“My vision for the division is to improve the connections between IPFW and the region. Whether it is a short-term training course, high school dual credit, an online degree, or the Accelerated MBA, we are working hard to align the division with the university strategic plan. We want regional data to assist us in making decisions. Local economic developers, business leaders, CPAs, CIOs, bankers, and others will receive a survey to help us understand the needs of the region.” VanGorder said.
VanGorder is a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne and an alumna of IPFW with bachelor and master’s degrees in business administration. She also is a CPA and has past leadership experience with two area colleges where she was recognized for outstanding student retention. While with IPFW DCS, she received the University Continuing Education Award for Most Creative Program in 2006 and the Indiana University New Program Award in 2010 for IPFW’s Accelerated MBA program.
About IPFW
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), is the largest university in northeast Indiana, offering more than 200 prestigious Indiana University and Purdue University degrees and certificates. More than 13,000 students of diverse ages, races, and nationalities belong to the IPFW family. The 688-acre campus in Fort Wayne is home to over 9,900 degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students. Through IPFW’s partnerships with area high schools, almost 3,300 high school students take dual credit courses, simultaneously earning both high school and college credits. IPFW is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access University accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Learn more about us at ipfw.edu.
Related Images:
