Ivy Tech Community College in Warsaw is adopting a new name to better reflect the entire community it serves.
On Tuesday, Ivy Tech’s Warsaw site became Ivy Tech Kosciusko County — bringing new programs to the campus.
“We’ve heard from community leaders in the county and decided this relaunch will better align with our commitment to all of Kosciusko County and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson, chancellor of Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Kosciusko County. “We’re aiming to improve access of high-quality education for all residents, regardless of location.”
Approximately 60% of students who attend classes at the Warsaw site live outside city limits, with 30% of those students attending from surrounding counties. After months of conversations with Kosciusko and other community leaders, college and community leaders agreed that changing the name would help highlight additional educational resources in the community.
As part of the relaunch, the Kosciusko County site will expand its 20-plus program offerings to include mechanical engineering and a “Business Degree in a Year” program, both launching this fall. The college also recently announced a new skills training course for CNC machining to support quick upskilling for working adults at the Orthopedic and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (OAMTC) this spring. Those interested in learning more about the programs can contact the Enrollment Center at 260-480-4101.
“I am so excited to offer the members of the Kosciusko County community the opportunity to earn their Associate degree in Business Administration in one year,” says Heidi Fowler, vice chancellor of academic affairs at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Kosciusko County. “Using this degree to move ahead in your career or get started as a project manager, supervisor or administrative assistant can provide someone the opportunity they need to have a great life in Kosciusko County.”
The Kosciusko County site was initially incorporated into Fort Wayne’s service area in 2017 to support workforce development in northeast Indiana. Local employers have told officials at Ivy Tech that a countywide approach will help them find a greater connection with the local campus.
“We have been working a long time to get the name of Ivy Tech to reflect the whole community in which the college is located and serves area population of students,” said Phil Metcalf, Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Kosciusko County campus board vice chair and mentor for lead evaluators at Cognia. “We are indeed a community college that serves Warsaw, Kosciusko County and the surrounding counties with many degree and certificate programs meant to enrich and enhance the residents’ lives in as many ways as possible.”
Ivy Tech has a mission to engage and support the educational and workforce needs of all Kosciusko County residents and beyond. The college believes this relaunch will not only better prepare students for the local job market, but champion community growth and long-term sustainability.
"Renaming our Warsaw location to Ivy Tech Kosciusko County reflects our commitment to serving the entire area and strengthening our connections with students, employers and the community,” said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “This change underscores our dedication to providing affordable, high-quality education that aligns with workforce needs, ensuring our students graduate with the skills to thrive in impactful careers.”
In the last two years, retention and enrollment rates grew at the site. The college anticipates a 3 percent increase in enrollment in the 2025-2026 school due to these relaunch efforts and new program offerings.
On March 25, the college will be hosting a registration fair at the Kosciusko County site for students and community members to sign up for summer and fall classes. Advisors will be on-hand from noon to 6 p.m. to help those interested easily register for classes. Anyone interested can RSVP for the free event at link.ivytech.edu/kcreg.