People of Indiana State

Sycamore alumnus Eric Garrett, ’99, turned his Indiana State experience into the foundation for a career built on vision, collaboration, and people‑first leadership. Now, as founder and CEO of The Garrett Companies, he leads a nationally recognized firm with more than $2.5 billion under construction—continuing to champion collaboration while partnering with Indiana State to support the next generation of business leaders.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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, 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.

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.

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.