VALPARAISO – The American Association of Community Colleges has appointed Dr. Countance Anderson of Ivy Tech Community College to its Commission on Student Success. Anderson serves as vice chancellor of Student Success for Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso campus and Michigan City and La Porte sites. The Commission on Student Success is one of AACC’s nine commissions that exist for community colleges across the country to collaborate on important topics.
“Each commission is vital to community college issues and priorities,” Anderson said. “The Commission on Student Success is the lifeline bridging students from the goal of higher education attainment to employment in the workforce.”
Anderson joins nine other employees across the state who will represent Ivy Tech on various AACC commissions. Her knowledge in community college leadership extends beyond her experience in the state of Indiana. Prior to Ivy Tech, she served as vice president for Student Success and Services at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill., as well as the director of registration and orientation at Jackson State Community College in Jackson, Tenn.
“We are extremely excited to have our own vice chancellor for Student Success serving at the national level,” chancellor of Ivy Tech’s Valparaiso campus Aco Sikoski said. “Her experience and expertise will have a great impact on student success for community colleges across the country and on the communities we serve here in northwest Indiana.”
Anderson recognizes the important role community colleges will play in our nation’s workforce in light of the global pandemic.
“Historically, community colleges have been able to serve the community in ways other institutions may not,” Anderson said. “Because our mission is so closely tied to the workforce needs of the service area, community colleges are often able to be more agile in their course offerings and student support efforts.”
Indiana’s most affordable classes are at Ivy Tech and will offer both face-to-face and virtual options this fall. Whether prospective students are working toward a certificate to join the workforce quickly, earning an associate degree or earning credits that easily transfer to four-year universities, Ivy Tech is the most affordable option for college students. Fall courses begin Aug. 24 at Ivy Tech and those interested can apply for free at ivytech.edu/apply-now.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College serves communities across Indiana, providing world-class education and driving economic transformation. It is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering high-value degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its communities, along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
