Valparaiso, IN – Ivy Tech welcomed Dr. Marty Pollio, the 10th and newest president of Indiana’s statewide community college system, to campus today as part of his “100 Days of Listening, Learning and Leading” plan. The plan is designed to build relationships with students, faculty, staff and community partners across the state and chart a clear path forward for Dr. Pollio as he ensures Ivy Tech’s alignment with Indiana’s educational and workforce goals. During his visit, Dr. Pollio met with campus leadership, students and employer partners and hosted a community listening session. Highlights of the listening session included strong focus on community partnerships, high school dual credit enrollment and more.

“As Indiana’s community college and workforce engine, Ivy Tech must stay closely connected to the people and communities we serve,” said Dr. Pollio. “Listening directly to students, employers, and community partners helps us better understand their evolving needs and challenges and ensures we deliver education and training that meet today’s demands and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.”

“Having Dr. Pollio on campus gave our students, faculty, staff and community members a meaningful opportunity to share their experiences and ideas for continuous improvement,” said Aco Sikoski chancellor of Ivy Tech Valparaiso Campus. “Dr. Pollio’s focus on listening first and building relationships sets a strong tone for collaboration as we work together to advance student success and meet workforce needs across our region.”

Dr. Pollio started visiting campuses and communities in the southern part of the state prior to his official start date of July 1, 2025. Out of the 19 campuses, Dr. Pollio has already completed visits to five other campuses including Sellersburg, Lawrenceburg, Evansville and Terre Haute.

As president of Ivy Tech, Dr. Pollio serves as the chief executive officer of Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution, which enrolled more than 200,000 students in the 2024-25 academic year. Dr. Pollio champions the implementation of Higher Education at the Speed of Life, the College’s strategy to deliver 50,000 annual credential completions aligned with the needs of Indiana’s workforce. He leads a team of nearly 7,000 faculty and staff across the College’s 19 campuses in Indiana and online and oversees major institutional initiatives that strengthen academic quality and improve student retention, completion, and employment and transfer outcomes.

Dr. Pollio joined the College on July 1, 2025, after a nationally recognized tenure as superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), one of largest urban public-school districts in the United States. In his eight years of leadership, JCPS increased its high school graduation rate and nearly doubled its postsecondary readiness rate while reducing achievement gaps.

Central to Dr. Pollio’s educational philosophy is a deep commitment to preparing students for success at work and in life. At JCPS, he directed the Academies of Louisville, a nationally recognized initiative that embedded career pathways into the high school experience. He previously led similar efforts while serving as principal of Jeffersontown and Doss high schools, where he drove improvements in student achievement by bridging academic instruction with hands-on, work-based learning opportunities.

Dr. Pollio holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Indiana University, a Master of Science in health education from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and Management from the University of Louisville. He took office on July 1, 2025. For more information on Dr. Pollio and his 100 day plan, visit IvyTech.edu.

MEDIA NOTE: Photos and video from the visit can be accessed. Please credit Ivy Tech CAMPUS.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.

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