Ivy Tech Community College names Dr. Patrick Englert chancellor of South Bend-Elkhart campus

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College today announced the appointment of Dr. Patrick Englert as the new chancellor of the South Bend-Elkhart campus, effective immediately. Englert has served as interim chancellor for the campus since March 2024 and was selected after a national search.

"Dr. Englert has been an incredible addition to the South Bend-Elkhart campus, and we are delighted to announce his appointment as chancellor,” said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president, Ivy Tech Community College. “We have full confidence in Chancellor Englert’s commitment to educational excellence, student success, and alignment with the region’s employers supporting key industries including advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution, technology and life sciences. We look forward to the great strides the South Bend-Elkhart campus will continue to make under his leadership.”

Englert has 20 years of experience in higher education. He joined Ivy Tech in 2022 as the statewide community college system’s vice president of student success and retention strategy. In this role, Englert provided leadership and strategic counsel to the College’s 19 campuses across the state on matters impacting student success and retention strategy. He also oversaw key services and initiatives such as academic advising, testing and assessment, tutoring, library and wraparound services and the IvyAchieves program. Englert serves on several committees and advisory boards at Ivy Tech, including the College’s work to transform the student experience to foster improved student success – a core goal of its Higher Education at the Speed of Life strategic plan.

“I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I have received from both the campus and the broader community, and I could not be more honored and humbled to serve South Bend-Elkhart as chancellor,” said Englert. “My career has largely been spent working in the areas of student affairs and student success. I am excited to work with the dynamic South Bend-Elkhart faculty and staff to continue building a vibrant campus community while creating new opportunities for every student to succeed.”

“Dr. Englert is a highly effective and accomplished educator. His experience in student success and retention is a tremendous asset to his new role as chancellor of Ivy Tech South Bend-Elkhart,” said Jeremy Lugbill, member of the Ivy Tech State Board of Trustees and superintendent at Career Academy Network of Public Schools. “Patrick deeply understands the flexibility and support that our students need to achieve academic and career success while balancing work, school and family responsibilities. At a time when affordable, employer-aligned education and training has never been more important to individual and community prosperity, we are fortunate to have a thoughtful and student-centered leader in Chancellor Englert.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Patrick Englert as the new chancellor of Ivy Tech South Bend-Elkhart. Dr. Englert’s commitment to building strong partnerships and fostering an inclusive campus environment align perfectly with our goals. His focus on increasing retention rates, developing key community partnerships and enhancing our academic programs will be instrumental in continuing to drive our campus forward. We look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to our students, faculty and the broader community,” said Tina Patton, chair, Ivy Tech South Bend-Elkhart Campus Board of Trustees.

Prior to joining Ivy Tech, Englert held faculty and administrative roles with Bellarmine University and Sullivan University in Louisville, Ky., and Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Western Kentucky University, a Master of Education from the University of Louisville and a doctorate in education and social change with a concentration in higher education from Bellarmine University.