Founded in 1964, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) is a regional campus of both Indiana University and Purdue University that is administratively managed by Purdue. One of two such partnerships between the
universities, IPFW is the fifth-largest public university in the state of Indiana.
Vice Chancellor George McClellan leads the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, comprised
of 100 full-time staff members across many departments, including the Office of Student Life, the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, and the Office of Admissions, among others.
At IPFW, diversity and inclusion are central values. Understanding the importance of these values when it comes to creating a healthy and happy work environment, McClellan shares, “[Diversity and inclusion] are reflected in
our approach to building and maintaining a top-flight staff and staff experience” that “includes hiring, supervision, professional development, decision making, communication, collaboration and celebration.”
This commitment to diversity and inclusion goes beyond just staffing practices at IPFW; it permeates all work done on campus.
Through a consistent and compelling belief in the necessity and power of diversity, Ken Christmon, associate vice
chancellor for diversity and multicultural aff airs, says that “[diversity] is the power that drives our minds and actions toward a collective consciousness that brings about change, excellence and the level of achievement that makes us a part of the higher education family!”
In addition to the intentional incorporation of diversity and inclusion with staff members, it is clear that all work done at IPFW and the division is focused on students first.
According to Kasey Price, director of student activities and special projects, “The IPFW division of Student Affairs
and Enrollment Management strives to include staff from diverse educational and employment backgrounds. This diversity within the division provides creative and innovative approaches to educating students inside and outside of the classroom.”
Their unceasing and meaningful commitment to diversity and inclusion is what makes the Office of Student Affairs
and Enrollment Management at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne one of this year’s “30+ Promising
Places to Work in Student Affairs.”
