Ivy Tech Community College has appointed a new director to oversee the university’s network of partnerships with school corporations in Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Decatur counties.
Mark Schneider has been named director of K-12 initiatives, replacing Stephanie Ebbing of Jennings County.
As part of his job description, Schneider will manage the daily operation of the college’s K-12 initiatives, evolving K-14 partnerships and high school outreach programs such as dual-credit coursework.
Ivy Tech Columbus partners with 15 high schools, from which about 3,500 students enroll in dual-credit courses each year. Dual-credit courses are classes that are taken by students at their high schools for general college credit.
The campus also maintains dual-enrollment partnerships with four high schools, each contributing about 125 students to dual-enrollment courses yearly. Students enrolled in dual-enrollment class attend classes at the Ivy Tech campus while still in high school and can later transfer those credits to any in-state public university.
“Our partnerships with area school corporations offer students an outstanding opportunity to start the pathway toward a degree and better prepare for their futures while still in high school,” Ivy Tech Columbus Chancellor Steven Combs said.
Schneider already has experience in the academic sector. Before being hired at Ivy Tech, he held a number of positions at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.
At McDowell Education Center, Schneider worked as a social studies teacher and adult education night class teacher. He also served as Computer Based Credit Coordinator and Summer School Coordinator for BCSC.
Combs expressed his confidence in Schneider as the director of the university’s expanding programs.
“Mark’s experience will help us continue to build upon our already strong relationships with these schools to ensure we are providing the best experience possible for these students,” Combs said.
Outside of his experience in academic environments, Schneider serves on the City of Columbus Board of Zoning Appeals, is a graduate of Leadership Bartholomew County and is a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church.
As director, Schneider will be tasked with maintaining and expanding Ivy Tech Columbus’ regional influence through programs aimed at elementary, middle and high school students.
“Ivy Tech provides such an important resource in our community for students who want to advance their education,” Schneider said. “I look forward to joining their efforts and partnering with our area schools to help students chart their futures and get a step ahead through Ivy Tech.”
