The Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana today called IPFW’s redesignation as a “multi-system metropolitan university” the legislation with the most impact for Northeast Indiana to emerge from the 2015 Indiana General Assembly.
IPFW’s new metropolitan university status allows for more on-campus housing, awarding advanced graduate degrees and expanded research programs. It also calls for a new funding formula that recognizes IPFW’s unique adult and working-student profile.
Regional Chamber executive director Vince Buchanan thanked the region’s lawmakers for declaring IPFW the state’s first multisystem metropolitan university. “This could be transformative for all of northeast Indiana as IPFW is now able to offer advanced degrees in demand by local employers and take other steps to attract and retain students. The future of our region depends on graduates with skills that match our evolving economy.”
Buchanan says northeast Indiana’s elected representatives worked together to convince the General Assembly that IPFW’s new designation is crucial to the region’s future. “It’s a wonderful example of how the 10 counties of Northeast Indiana can come together and speak to the Statehouse with one voice. We’re sending a clear message about what is most important for the growth of Northeast Indiana.”
Buchanan also announced the Regional Chamber is honoring Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R-16) and Rep. Robert Morris (R-84) as the 2015 Legislator of the Year. Both were instrumental in providing critical leadership in helping IPFW achieve multi-system metropolitan university status. Rep. Morris filed HB1627 and worked tirelessly advocating for Northeast Indiana. Senator Long has been a longtime champion of Northeast Indiana and provided critical leadership to position the historic outcome for IPFW.
ABOUT THE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF NORTHEAST INDIANA
The Regional Chamber represents businesses and communities in a 10-county region of Northeast Indiana, focusing exclusively on state legislation and policies that impact the workforce, infrastructure and helping Hoosiers compete in a global economy.
