Ivy Tech Community College and Tracy Davis

By Tabitha Ervin
FWIS Editorial Director

Tracy Davis is the new Executive Director of Community Relations and Diversity, Equity and Belonging at Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne/Warsaw. She started this role in May, and I was able to connect with her recently after a few months on the job on-site at her office to discuss how it's going and what the role means for the college. Tracy has been at Ivy Tech for over 8 years and was previously the Community Engagement Director. In this new role created by Chancellor Kim Barnett-Johnson, Ph.D, Davis will work to create an inclusive environment on campus and with community partners, looking outward as well as inward to promote diversity initiatives, according to a news release from Ivy Tech.

Davis has five staff helping her lead this work throughout the 11 counties served by the college.

Davis says so far she’s enjoying meeting new colleagues and learning what everyone does on campus. In addition to connecting with community partners and supporting workforce development, she will be focusing on creating an environment of belonging throughout the counties.

We also discussed the changing economy and how many students are seeking certifications in trades and not always a degree program, especially how jobs are shifting. Ivy Tech offers various options for every level of student seeking opportunities to learn. As we walked the halls, I was able to pick up literature on some of their offerings that I had not been aware of previously as connected to continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Davis has been able to spend time speaking with student groups both on campus and outside of the school to learn about them, and she also shares the various opportunities available to them in addition to financial aid and student support, especially for those considered nontraditional students.

Davis shared that the average age of students is 27 and many live in the local areas close to the campus. She shared that all students are welcome to participate in the commencement activities, including those who earn certificates and not just associate degrees.

She looks forward to continuing to create space and connections for all groups in a variety of ways including student groups with intentional connections for all.