Even though Rick Soria just received the Vice Chancellor position at the Ivy Tech Community College in Michigan City, he has already established a well-known role in and around Northwest Indiana. He is very excited about his goals for Ivy Tech and does not mind a few challenges along the way.
“There are several goals [at Ivy Tech] one of which concerns getting my finger on the pulse of our campus family; what are their needs? What are their wants? What are their desires? That to me is primary to understand what it is that this campus family would like to see happen here.”
From renovations to welcoming new students, Soria does his best to stay involved and all of his hard work has contributed to success. He regularly attends community events and steadily assists those in Ivy Tech. Dual credit is also offered to high school students who are interested in attending Ivy Tech or want to take some introductory courses for Purdue or Indiana University.
“Part of my role is to serve as a community liaison: attending chamber events, being out in the community, attending subcommittees within chambers, meeting with economic development leaders all over La Porte County, talking and working with local mayors and also working with campus department heads on a daily basis.”
With three separate degrees- business, mortuary and law- Soria is also thinking about attending Indiana State University for a doctorate in educational leadership. Knowledge has always been a love of his and continues to be so with his professional involvement at Valparaiso University, where he received his law degree; he also serves as an ambassador who recruits and promotes VU’s law program.
As the Vice Chancellor, Soria shares that he is the ears and eyes of the chancellor. He makes his rounds every morning to check on classes and make sure those attending are smiling when they notice him taking note of their lesson. If social happenings occur inside or outside of La Porte County, Soria is there to talk to those involved and share the great news about the Ivy Tech students and staff.
“I think it’s very important to have a personal relationship with students and staff; presence means a lot so as vice chancellor I make sure to visit classrooms and our department offices.”
Along with promoting Ivy Tech as the Vice Chancellor and supporting VU as an ambassador, Soria raises awareness about animal welfare. Each year, he picks a humane society to donate to and plans for a holiday party at his home. Usually, about $3,000-$5,000 is donated to a predetermined animal organization.
“Animal welfare is one of the causes I love to raise awareness about. At our home, we host a holiday party that benefits the local humane society. Instead of bringing a host gift, the invites include a wish list. We do a lot with the American Cancer Society as well. A team always convenes in October for the breast cancer walk. We also help out the American Red Cross with blood drives."
Many individuals are thankful to work with Rick Soria on a regular basis while others are astounded by all the amazing things he does for his community, whether it is near or far. He is truly a wonderful individual to speak with and holds so much great potential for the future.
Whenever the Ivy Tech in Michigan City holds their open houses, please make sure to stop by and say hello to all the smiling faces ready to greet you!