People of Indiana State
University Marketing
Sharing Our Sycamore Stories!
At Indiana State University, we’re a vibrant, close-knit community of high-achieving students, faculty, staff, and alumni who make a real difference – on campus, in the community, and around the world.
Whether it’s through hands-on volunteer work in Terre Haute, global service initiatives, innovative startups, or careers that shape industries in business, healthcare, transportation, and journalism, Sycamores are creating positive change every day.
Indiana State makes these stories possible through challenging, relevant academic programs, expert faculty with real-world experience, advanced technology and learning resources, and a friendly, supportive college environment. Learn the stories behind the people of Indiana State, and discover what’s possible when you go all in as a Sycamore!
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Eric Garrett ’99
When Eric Garrett crossed the Hulman Center commencement stage in 1999, he was ready to build something meaningful. Today, as founder and CEO of The Garrett Companies, he leads a nationally recognized firm with more than $2.5 billion under construction and a people-first culture that’s earned national “Best Places to Work” recognition. “It’s really important for me to put my employees first,” he says. “Collaboration is everything."
With 20 Sycamore alumni on his team and an immersive internship program for current students, Garrett continues to collaborate with Indiana State to support the next generation of business leaders.
Natalie Yarema
For Natalie Yarema, studying nursing at Indiana State has been hands-on from the start, including experiences such as ambulance ride-alongs, community health clinical, and apprenticeships with Union Hospital. Practical learning opportunities like these turn knowledge and practice into confidence and preparedness, leading to highly skilled and compassionate care.
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Justin Holland
History buff Justin Holland has turned his fascination with the past into meaningful, real‑world learning to share with future students. The Social Studies Education major found at Indiana State a close‑knit community, supportive faculty, and a teaching program that matched his passion with exceptional learning opportunities.
Abigail Crane
From day one at Indiana State, Elementary Education major Abigail Crane found herself gaining experience in real classrooms, learning from knowledgeable teachers, and discovering her passion for enriching young minds. Now, Abigail is ready to join generations of Sycamore educators who have uplifted Indiana students, families, and communities for generations.
Dylan Myers
From flying before he could drive to maintaining Blackhawk helicopters in the U.S. Army, Sycamore Dylan Myers has always been interested in aviation. Now a senior double major in Professional Aviation Flight Technology and Aviation Management at Indiana State, he’s building confidence, skill, and a future he’s passionate about.
Bryce Maxwell
Bryce Maxwell, '25, found his passion for supply chain management through the guidance of his professor, Dr. Concetta DePaolo. Initially unaware of the major, he excelled during an internship at Cummins, Inc., which led to a full-time position. Maxwell credits Indiana State University for providing countless opportunities to learn and grow as a young professional.
Professor Cassandra Dodge
Professor Cassandra Dodge, U.S. Air Force veteran and assistant professor of cybercriminology and security studies at Indiana State, brings a family legacy of military service, and career interests in computer technology and criminology, to her work with Sycamores in and out of the classroom.
Daelyn Dunston
For Sycamore alumna and graduate student Daelyn Dunston, ‘25, the package engineering lab at Indiana State University is more than just a workspace where she is earning two degrees in five years – it's also where her exciting future is taking shape, one innovative prototype at a time.
Professor Emeritus Arthur Halpern
Indiana State University Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Arthur Halpern, PhD, didn't slow down in retirement. Instead, he transitioned from the lecture hall to a home lab, where he began publishing research on chemical thermodynamics. Halpern's passion for lifelong learning demonstrates that curiosity doesn't retire — it evolves.
Shanisa Stinson
Shanisa Stinson, '25, is turning her passion for helping others into purpose. With a heart for healing and a vision for impact, the Master of Social Work graduate is charting a career as a school social worker to help uplift and empower the next generation.
Jackson Taylor
Sycamore athlete Jackson Taylor, a double-major in finance and economics, has departed the baseball diamond and entered the business world as a recipient of the prestigious Orr Fellowship. Now he's spending two years working with an Indianapolis company in preparation for a career of value and impact.