BLOOMINGTON – Ivy Tech Community College has selected Joshua Farrington, assistant professor of philosophy in the School of Arts, Sciences, & Education at the Bloomington campus as the recipient of the 2020 Glenn W. Sample Founder’s Award for Excellence in Instruction. The award is the highest honor the College can bestow upon a faculty member.
“Josh was everywhere, always engaging with students on campus [pre-pandemic]. I would see him in the library, the commons, and in the classroom captivating his students in discussion,” said Chancellor Jennie Vaughan. “In higher education, we know that students who make connections are more likely to succeed, and by all accounts, Josh is an engine for student success.”
Farrington began teaching at Ivy Tech Bloomington just one year ago after teaching at another campus. He quickly became a favorite instructor of students. In his award nominations, students and staff indicated his ability to make genuine connections in a relatable and engaging way.
“As a student, Ivy Tech gave me a chance and changed my life,” said Farrington. “My ultimate goal has been to give back to the community college that helped me find my vocational calling in life.”
Farrington began his own education at Ivy Tech, taking classes after high school graduation. He completed all of his general education courses at the community college and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and political science from Indiana University in 2006. He earned his master’s degree in philosophy with a graduate certificate in clinical bioethics from Indiana University in 2012.
Farrington’s specialization is teaching Plato’s “Republic” and Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics.” He co-authored an article titled “The Pursuit of Happiness: A Philosophical approach to Treatment Beyond an Eating Disorder.” He has delivered multiple talks on Plato, Aristotle, Academic Excellence, Ethics in Leadership, and Student Retention.
The winner of the statewide Ivy Tech Glenn W. Sample Founder’s Award for Excellence in Instruction is selected among the 18 President’s Award recipients from campuses across the state. It is presented annually to just one full-time faculty member who best typifies the teaching and learning mission of the College.
The recipient of the Founder’s Award receives a commemorative Ivy “Oscar” made from Indiana limestone, handmade by an Ivy Tech alum, plus a $1,000 grant for instructional supplies and materials as prize for winning the campus President’s Award.
Classes start again on Aug. 24 at Ivy Tech and students can apply for free and sign up for classes now. Visit ivytech.edu/bloomington for more information.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
