Ivy Tech President welcomes new campus

LOGANSPORT, Ind. (WLFI) - After opening in January, Logansport's new Ivy Tech campus was dedicated Friday.

Local lawmakers and leaders from Ivy Tech toured the new facility.

Logansport Mayor, Mike Fincher, said several areas around Logansport were looked at before deciding on the current location along US Highway 24. He said the new campus is a huge benefit to the community.

"This is a great opportunity for Logansport and Cass County and surrounding communities to expand their education and to make their lives better. This is just a great opportunity for everyone," said Fincher.

Logansport Campus Vice Chancellor and Dean Kevin Bostic said enrollment for this semester is 1,400 students, a number that was predicted for 2016.

A few short months after being open, the campus is already looking to expand on its additional acreage. Bostic said with the high enrollment numbers, more parking spaces are needed.

"Next Monday we are going to the Area Plan Commission here in Cass County. We've had to add some parking spots. We will be expanding out the back. We're going to add an additional 180 spaces," said Bostic.

Ivy Tech President Thomas Snyder said the new campus is a 'true partnership' between the state and the Logansport community.

"We're growing because truly there is a need throughout the state and there is a need in this region, both new workers looking for new careers, you people out of high school and dislocated workers," said Snyder.

Bostic said students and faculty have adapted well to the new environment.

"Students have had very positive feedback. They love the new technology. They love the new student space. We've had some operation changes we have had to do. Sometimes when staff hears that we have to change they are kind of a little bit resistant, but it's for the better," said Bostic.

Bostic's hope is that students' persistence and graduation rates will increase because of the new facility.