The Herald Bulletin
INDIANAPOLIS — Ivy Tech Community College President Thomas Snyder has withdrawn his name as one of the four finalists for the position of chancellor of the State University System of Florida, according to a press release from Ivy Tech Community College.
“People (from Florida) approached me and thought I might be a good fit with what we’ve done at Ivy Tech,” said Snyder. He said Florida had 11 universities and boards compared to the 14 in Indiana.
Snyder was named Ivy Tech’s president in July 2007, said he thought about it for a week and decided to stay in Indiana.
“It seemed like a critical time for Ivy Tech,” he said. “I continue to be dedicated to leading the nation’s largest statewide community college. Ivy Tech is increasingly looked upon across the country as an example of an efficient and effective statewide higher education system. During these economic times, the college will become more visible as the future model for higher education,” said Snyder.
He said the college expects a spike in enrollment due to 162,000 Hoosiers unemployed.
Also, Ivy Tech received more funding under the last state budget, including $20 million for the Anderson campus. Jim Willey, head of the Anderson campus, and Gail Chesterfield, who directs the regional Ivy Tech campuses, will get together and draw up a plan as to how the money is spent.
Snyder said the Anderson campus will be expanded, and that will probably include a second campus along Interstate 69. Anderson Community Schools’ Ebbert Center will be utilized for Ivy Tech classes. Snyder said renovations are currently being done to the building.
Also, $500,000 of the money is being used immediately to set up dental hygiene classes at the Anderson campus. Those classes are on schedule to begin this fall.
