The search for a new chancellor at Indiana University Northwest in Gary has four finalists, interim chancellor Vicki Romans-Lagunas said Friday. She spoke to a group of Northwest Indiana school superintendents at a legislative update luncheon.
She said a new chancellor could be in place by July 1. Former chancellor Ken Iwama, who served in the role since 2020, resigned last year to become vice president for regional campuses and online education.
IU Northwest’s new chancellor will report to Iwama.
IU Kokomo Chancellor Mark Canada is chairman of the 13-member search committee.
The finalists have already made one campus visit.
Meanwhile, Romans-Lagunas said enrollment and interest in IU Northwest is growing on the campus of about 3,000 students.
She said enrollment was up 3.4% over spring 2024. Applications were up 14% and admissions increased 19%.
A new strategic enrollment management team was helping drive the increase, Romans-Lagunas said. She said a team of about 30 staff members works to find ways to keep students engaged and support them in their academic and personal lives.
Michelle Coughlin, director of student teaching and field experiences, said there are 25 student teachers in 15 districts this year. Next year, she said the projection is 39 student teachers and more schools would be needed.
Coughlin said IU Northwest School of Education faculty are all trained in the Keys of Literacy curriculum used by the state Department of Education.
The School of Education is hosting a teacher hiring fair from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 4 in the Savannah Center.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.