NAFSA’s report finds that international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed $42.9 billion and supported 355,736 to the U.S. economy during the 2024-25 academic year.

During that time, Indiana Tech’s international students generated $24.1 million and supported 95 jobs within an 11-county area. That is the most of any other university within the region and fifth-most in the state.

Currently, 450 students from 55 different countries are pursuing degrees at Indiana Tech, a university traditionally known for welcoming students from all around the world to pursue life-changing education. In fact, Indiana Tech was awarded a seal of excellence from the Institute of International Education (IIE)’s Open Doors in November 2024 for its commitment to international education.

“Indiana Tech’s continued strength in international enrollment reflects the relevance of our academic programs and the appeal of both our campus and the Fort Wayne community. International students enrich our university in meaningful ways. They broaden perspectives, strengthen our global learning environment and help prepare all students for leadership in an increasingly interconnected world,” said Dr. Steve Herendeen, senior vice president for strategic enrollment management at Indiana Tech.

For the state of Indiana, international students generated $997.5 million and supported 8,349 jobs during the 2024-25 academic year.

The coalition includes Indiana Tech, Indiana University Fort Wayne, Ivy Tech Community College, Manchester University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Trine University and Vincennes University.

The partnership includes:

• Guaranteed admission: FWCS students with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher will receive direct admission to all seven coalition schools. Students with GPAs between 2.0 and 2.5 will be reviewed considering factors, such as academic improvement, leadership activities and personal circumstances.
• Free dual credit courses: All coalition institutions are waiving tuition for FWCS students taking identified dual credit courses through FWCS. Students can earn college credits while still in high school at no cost to families, giving them a head start on their college degree and potentially saving thousands of dollars.
• Early college experience: Dual credit students will receive student ID cards, access to college libraries and tutoring services, campus visits and exposure to college life through summer programs and guest speakers. Teachers will receive professional development from university faculty to ensure students get a true college-level experience.

“Fort Wayne Community Schools has long partnered with local colleges and universities to provide college credit to our students, but this agreement takes these partnerships to a new level, ensuring all students have access to college courses before graduating from high school,” FWCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel said.

Indiana Tech Senior Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management Dr. Steve Herendeen (pictured far right) applauded the vision to bring this coalition together.

“Indiana Tech is grateful for the opportunity to work with Fort Wayne Community Schools and our higher education colleagues on this exciting initiative,” Herendeen said. “Indiana Tech is committed to increasing affordability and access for students and help improve the college-going rate in our city and state.”

He added, “Indiana Tech has witnessed the positive impact on college enrollments when students have early access to college courses and when barriers such as cost are reduced, we also know that when students gain a head start on college, their confidence levels grow and attending college becomes real.”

The partnership focuses on helping students feel connected to college before they graduate. Coalition schools will work directly with FWCS counselors to guide students and families through the college application process, financial aid opportunities and scholarship options. The three-year agreement represents a shared commitment among Fort Wayne’s educational institutions to invest in the community’s future by ensuring local students have clear, affordable pathways to college degrees and career success.

Students and families interested in learning more about the opportunities available should contact their school counselor.

This special visit day gives you an in-depth opportunity to learn about the region’s premier destination for engineering and computer science education. You will learn about our robust programming, which includes several ABET-accredited degree programs and a cybersecurity degree that is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

You will also get to tour our newly renovated Zollner Engineering Center, a state-of-the-art learning environment, well-equipped with modern labs and equipment where students gain top-notch, hands-on experience. We’ll even have some hands-on activities for you to participate in with our faculty members.

Finally, we’ll get you up to speed on Indiana Tech’s admissions process before you enjoy lunch in our dining hall.

Indiana Tech has been long known as a leading provider of online education. Now, it’s becoming a leader in delivering innovative, hands-on engineering education—creating learning opportunities once thought impossible with online education. 

“This is an important distinction for our university, and it validates that we are on the right path with our approach to online engineering education,” said Dr. Lucy Yang, dean of Indiana Tech’s Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. “Moving forward, the world can expect more of the same from Indiana Tech as we develop further opportunities for busy working students to acquire advanced technical skills through the convenience of online engineering education.”

Indiana Tech’s online classes are accelerated, with most lasting only six weeks. EET students receive an at-home lab kit to master engineering concepts in a hands-on fashion. Their learning is reinforced by virtual labs and simulations presented in a digital environment. Online students are supported by Tech Live sessions; weekly online opportunities hosted by the professor to answer questions, elaborate on course material and build community within the class.

An EET degree benefits those who develop and maintain electrical and electronic systems and can create diverse career paths in areas like manufacturing, telecommunications and power distribution. Also in the online environment, Indiana Tech offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (with concentrations in computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial and manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering) and an Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

“Not only does this robust form of education help individuals earn promotions and improve their earning potential, but it also helps companies upskill their workforce and strengthen their organizations,” Dr. Yang said.

The results, released today in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are based on a survey of 199 colleges and universities. In all, 76 of those institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with Indiana Tech included among the medium universities with 3,000 to 9,999 students.

Indiana Tech won honors in two categories this year:

• Job Satisfaction and Support
• Compensation and Benefits

“Being recognized again as one of the nation’s Great Colleges to Work For is a tremendous honor, and it speaks volumes about the positive culture we’ve built at Indiana Tech. Our faculty and staff are the heart of this university, and their dedication to supporting students and one another is what makes this a truly special place,” said Indiana Tech President Dr. Karl W. Einolf. “To be recognized for both job satisfaction and support, as well as compensation and benefits, reaffirms our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported and inspired to do their best work every day.”

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.

The Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all current and previously recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website at GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.

Effective immediately, more than 200,000 employees working for IMA-member companies throughout Indiana can enroll in selected undergraduate or graduate certificate programs at a 20% reduction in tuition. Indiana Tech worked with IMA to identify certificates that support employee upskilling, reskilling, retention and promotion for those within the manufacturing industry. Those certificates include:

Undergraduate

• Additive Manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence
• AI and Business Innovation
• Battery Management Systems
• Business Analytics
• Construction Management
• Cybersecurity
• Human Resource Management
• Management
• Marketing
• Printed Circuit Board Layout
• Production Management
• Programmable Logic Controllers
• Supply Chain Management

Graduate

• Business Analytics
• Data Analytics and Cybersecurity
• Human Resource Management
• Information Management and Cybersecurity
• Management
• Marketing
• Organizational Leadership
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Supply Chain Management and Cybersecurity

“This is an outstanding opportunity for many employees within Indiana’s manufacturing workforce to upskill in their current role or prepare for a next-level position,” said Dr. Steve Herendeen, Indiana Tech senior vice president for strategic enrollment management. “Manufacturing is an integral part of our state’s economy, and this agreement will strengthen our manufacturing base while helping individuals bolster their skill sets and improve their careers. That’s something Indiana Tech is proud to be a part of.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Indiana Tech to bring high-quality, job-ready educational programs to our members throughout Indiana,” said IMA President/CEO Andrew Berger. “This partnership offers an extensive selection of training, helping our members cut costs while providing a powerful career advancement tool for their employees.”

Employees of IMA member companies can find more details or apply at indianatech.edu/ima or indianamfg.com/programs. For more information about this partnership, contact:

• Katie Parrish, executive director of strategic initiatives, at 260.344.4439, or kmparrish@indianatech.edu
• James Pruett, admissions representative, at 463.800.4415, or jdpruett@indianatech.edu.

Founded in 1901, the Indiana Manufacturers Association advocates for a business climate that creates, protects and promotes quality Indiana manufacturing jobs.

The Leepoxy Award for Teaching Innovation was established in 2008 by community supporter and owner of Leepoxy Plastics, Larry Lee. It is given annually to a full-time faculty member who:

• Challenges students to continuously progress to higher levels of thinking
• Engages students in active learning activities
• Connects to students in innovative ways to positively impact their experiences at Indiana Tech

Led by Dyer, Indiana Tech’s Sport Management program has six graduates working for major league sports teams in North America. In addition, Dyer led the development of a sport management lab on the second floor of the Cunningham Business Center prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year. The classroom was enhanced to include new technology, audio and video upgrades (including six 75-inch displays) and a completely modernized student seating arrangement. The new environment is better equipped for project-based discussions and activities, group-based work and executive-style presentations.

“The newly outfitted classroom is such a welcoming space for students. We use a lot of video and web content in our sport management courses, so the upgraded television and sound system help to enhance the student’s experience,” said Craig Dyer, associate professor and department chair of sport management.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Professor Dyer. His innovation and commitment have created a great momentum for the Sport Management program and made it one of the university’s most popular programs,” said Dr. Kathleen Hanold Watland, Indiana Tech vice president for academic affairs. “The addition of sport management lab has provided an immersive and collaborative experience for our students,  giving them a specialized space where they could get more engaged with their coursework.”

One grant, awarded by the NSF, is part of a collaborative national initiative intended to strengthen STEM education at the high school level. The project, titled “Collaborative Research: A Semiconductor Curriculum and Learning Framework for High-Schoolers Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Game Modules, and Hands-on Experiences,” will be led at Indiana Tech by Dr. Xiaoli (Lucy) Yang, dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. Dr. Yang will be collaborating with professors from the University of Maine and Southern Methodist University. The project will run from Aug. 19, 2025, through May 31, 2028.

Bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines including semiconductors, AI, gaming and education, the project seeks to create an engaging and accessible learning framework for high school students. The aim is to spark early interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by introducing key concepts through interactive and hands-on experiences.

The second grant, also awarded by the NSF, is for another collaborative project—this time with Fairfield University and Prairie View A&M University. The aim of the project is to advance ethical education in the field of AI. Indiana Tech’s Dr. Changhao Chenli, Professor Zhaojun (David) Li, and Dr. Yang will lead the work.

As AI continues to shape both personal and professional aspects of modern life, the project focuses on preparing students to approach AI development with a strong ethical foundation. The initiative will run from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028.

Finaly, the Ball Venture Fund awarded the Talwar College a grant to launch an AI-powered platform and deliver in-person tech education to senior communities in the Fort Wayne area. This innovative program is designed to help seniors confidently navigate the digital world through hands-on training and personalized AI support—bridging the technology gap in meaningful ways. Dr. Yang is leading the work on this project with a team that has yet to be determined.

“These grants reflect the incredible momentum and impact of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. By bringing together leading-edge research in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, ethics and education, we are not only advancing innovation but also making technology more accessible—from inspiring high school students to preparing future engineers to supporting our senior community. We are honored by this support from the National Science Foundation and the Ball Venture Fund, and excited to see the positive difference these projects will make.”

Indiana Tech is expanding its impact in preparing Indiana’s workforce for high-demand careers. The university was awarded nearly $1 million in Workforce Ready Grant funding for 2025—the sixth straight year it has received support from Indiana’s Next Level Jobs program.

The new funding comes as Indiana Tech adds two new undergraduate certificates to its grant-approved lineup, for a total of 15 Workforce Ready Grant-approved programs. The new additions this year are:

• Business Analytics
• Financial Services

The Workforce Ready Grant covers the full cost of tuition for eligible Hoosiers seeking certificates in fields such as business, health sciences, information technology, manufacturing and more. Indiana Tech offers career-focused certificate and degree programs in an online format designed to fit busy schedules. Students take one six-week online class at a time and make rapid progress toward program completion.

“Our new Workforce Ready offerings reflect where the job market is headed—analytics, AI, financial services, allied health and public safety,” said Dr. Steve Herendeen, senior vice president for strategic enrollment management. “With nearly $1 million in funding this year, we can help even more Indiana residents gain the skills employers need right now.”

For details on all Workforce Ready Grant-approved certificates at Indiana Tech and to learn more about eligibility requirements, visit academics.indianatech.edu/workforce-ready or contact the Warrior Information Network at 888.832.4742 or cps@indianatech.edu.

Through this agreement, Indiana Tech students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science (a new program which begins Fall 2025) and meet program standards will gain synchronous acceptance to Manchester University, where they will be able to continue on a seamless path to earn a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Manchester University.

This innovative program integrates the first year of PharmD coursework into a student’s third and fourth years of the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science, making it possible to complete three degrees in seven years instead of the standard eight.

“Indiana Tech is excited to partner with Manchester University on this pathway agreement,” said Dr. Anne Gull, dean of Indiana Tech’s College of Arts and Sciences. “For students who want to pursue an advanced, in-demand career in the pharmaceutical field, this is an outstanding opportunity for them to learn from the very best in a groundbreaking program that has achieved overwhelming success since its inception. In addition, this agreement aligns strategically with Indiana Tech as we work to develop more programming for students who wish to pursue health-related careers.” 

“Manchester University is proud to partner with Indiana Tech to create a first-of-its-kind, transformative educational pathway for future pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists,” said President Stacy Young, PhD, of Manchester University. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preparing students for meaningful, high-impact careers in a rapidly evolving industry, all right here in Fort Wayne.”

Founded in 2012, Manchester University’s PharmD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. It has a proven track record of impressive outcomes; a recent statistic from the university indicates 97.8% of PharmD graduates are employed or in residency within six months of graduation.

Indiana Tech developed its B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science in response to market analysis that points to a growing demand for well-trained professionals in areas like research and development, regulatory affairs, quality control and pharmaceutical sales.

Associate professor of biology, Dr. Michael Bechill, is director of the program. He specializes in medical microbiology and immunology and serves as director of the Summit Biofilm Institute. With expertise in clinical infections, his research focuses on novel drug development and biofilm antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Diane Calinski, chair of pharmaceutical and graduate life sciences, serves as the coordinator at Manchester University.

Those interested must apply to Indiana Tech first; qualifying students will then transition to Manchester University in their second year of undergraduate studies.

Contact Dr. Michael Bechill at mpbechill@indianatech.edu

Contact Dr. Diane Calinski at dmcalinski@manchester.edu

Learn more about the pathway to PharmD here: academics.indianatech.edu/pathways/pharmd-pathway

Learn more about Indiana Tech’s B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science here: academics.indianatech.edu/programs/pharmaceutical-science-bs