Chris Hoke
Ivy Tech Community College – Columbus is adding a new individual to its eight-member board.
The college announced Chris Hoke, Superintendent of the Northwestern Consolidated School District of Shelby County, has been appointed to the campus Board of Trustees for the Columbus service area.
The board’s duties include approving the campus budget and “serving as student and community advocates.” Hoke will represent Shelby County, which is included in the Columbus service area that also serves Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings and Johnson counties.
Board members also represent various economic sectors, including commerce, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
“Chris will provide the college and our campus with a unique perspective that includes his experience in education and in the Shelby County community,” said Ivy Tech Columbus Chancellor Dr. Steven Combs.
Hoke has served as superintendent of the Northwestern Consolidated Schools for seven years and has more than 20 years of experience in education. Prior to that, he worked as a mechanical engineer.
His education includes a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, a master’s degree in secondary education from Ball State University and an education specialist degree from Indiana State University.
Hoke is a former president of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and volunteers for Advantage Shelby County, a two-year scholarship program “specifically aimed at raising educational attainment and workforce readiness.”
Advantage Shelby County is a partnership between the city of Shelbyville, Shelby County and Ivy Tech. The program provides scholarship funds to Shelby County students to cover tuition costs not met by state, federal or institutional aid. In return, students are required to either perform 10 hours of community service per semester or “fulfill a program work requirement” with a Shelby County company.
Combs said at a previous board meeting that Hoke was recommended at the request of Advantage Shelby County.
“Ivy Tech’s strong presence throughout Indiana, and specifically in Shelby County, offers Indiana residents an accessible pathway to higher education and better careers,” said Hoke in an official statement. “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.”
