Indiana State University’s Board of Trustees met for the last time in the 2024 calendar year to approve several action items that will impact the greater Terre Haute community, offer Indiana State students more first-class educational opportunities, and bestow the naming of the Early Childhood Education Center to an honorable Indiana State faculty member.
Indiana State’s Board of Trustees also approved eligible students to receive their degrees at winter commencement on December 14.
“This weekend marks a significant milestone at Indiana State University. We are proud to celebrate the success of our students by awarding 586 degrees to deserving Sycamores during our winter commencement. At the same time, we remain steadfast in our mission to plan strategically for the future, always prioritizing the best interests of our students and the University. I am particularly pleased to see the expansion of world-class educational opportunities in one of our most populated colleges, reflecting our commitment to a forward-thinking curriculum. By aligning with in-demand job trends, we are ensuring our students are well-prepared to excel in the workforce. Additionally, the naming of a building in honor of one of our Sycamores’ groundbreaking achievements speaks volumes about the quality of education, faculty, and alumni here at Indiana State. This recognition is a testament to the enduring legacy of excellence we foster within our community,” said Mike Godard, President of Indiana State University.
Disposition of surplus real estate
After unanimous approval, Indiana State will dispose of 116 vacant off-property lots and parcels in Terre Haute, Indiana, generally within an area North of Sycamore Street, south of 3rd Avenue, west of 13th Street, and east of 9th Street. A resolution will be forwarded to the Governor of Indiana, who will determine that the properties are no longer necessary for Indiana State. In accordance with Indiana Code, two uninterested appraisers will determine the real estate value.
New undergraduate major approved
Indiana State University’s College of Arts and Sciences will now offer a Bachelor of Science in Forensics degree, which offers students unique options.
The new baccalaureate program will incorporate Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, Criminology and Investigation, Statistics, and Legal Studies courses to develop skilled, professional graduates whose competence in problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, investigation, and scientific laboratory procedures can be applied to immediate employment or advanced study.
The major, which requires 58-74 credits, has two pathways that can be completed in four years. The Forensic Science pathway includes additional advanced science coursework with hands-on laboratory components to prepare students for careers as forensic specialists or analysts in crime labs or for graduate studies in Forensic Science. The Forensic Studies pathway requires fewer total credits and provides flexibility for students to customize their degree by choosing from extensive elective options, enabling them to pursue careers in a variety of other settings such as the DNR, environmental risk areas, and local health departments.
In today’s workforce climate, jobs in forensic science are already in high-demand with data from the Department of Labor, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Department of Workforce Development indicating a projected growth rate of over 9% for forensic science jobs in the next decade nationally. Indiana's Department of Workforce Development pegs the projected statewide growth at 12% by 2031.
Dr. Christopher Olsen, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs: “Indiana State University is always looking ahead to see how we can best prepare our students for the in-demand jobs of tomorrow through robust academic programs that stay ahead of national trends and feature extensive hands-on experience. Our new B.S. in Forensics leverages our existing expertise of world-class faculty within the College of Arts and Sciences and expands our established reputation for being a talent development pipeline to the national and state economy.”
Naming of the Jan McCarthy Early Childhood Education Center
Indiana State University’s Early Childhood Education Center will proudly be named the Jan McCarthy Early Childhood Education Center after a legendary Sycamore and an icon within higher education known as the founder of early childhood education nationally, Dr. Jan McCarthy. McCarthy is credited with establishing the early childhood education program at Indiana State.
McCarthy earned faculty emeritus status from Indiana State University, where she taught from 1962 to 1992. Her decorated career includes chairing the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the President of the Council for Professional Development, the National Association for Education of Young Children, and the U.S. National Committee of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education.
Her groundbreaking work is recognized nationally. McCarthy is a two-time recipient of the State of Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash (1991 and 1992). At Indiana State University, she was a member of the Bayh College of Education Dean’s Advancement Council, and her philanthropic spirit has been felt through her generous donations to the Bayh College of Education.
She received the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award from Indiana State in 1983 and the March On! Award in 2010.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Dr. McCarthy for many years. Her knowledge of early childhood education is second to none and her decades of significant contributions to the field are undeniable. It is little wonder Dr. McCarthy is often referred to as a “pioneer in early childhood education.” To be able to honor her lifetime of achievements in early childhood education through the naming of our center is truly a win-win. Not only are we able to honor Dr. McCarthy’s remarkable legacy, but our exceptional center focused on high-quality education now has a namesake of excellence,” said Brad Balch, Dean of the Bayh College of Education.
“Dr. McCarthy is more than deserving of this historic honor. Her work, nationally and at Indiana State, continues to advance achievements in the critical field of early childhood education. Her impact is still felt through her generous giving and through her former students who became deans of education at universities nationwide. It’s only right that a facility that will improve childcare accessibility and early childhood education within our community, a program which she started, be named after such a trailblazer like Dr. Jan McCarthy,” said Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement/CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation.