Ivy Tech Community College names Erik Coyne as Chancellor of Bloomington campus

Ivy Tech Community College announced today that Erik Coyne will become chancellor of Ivy Tech Bloomington effective May 1. Coyne will leave his position as chief operating officer of a private software company, which he co-founded, to join the College. Coyne, a Monroe County native and product of Monroe County public schools, holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from National War College, a Master of the Arts in Public Administration from Bowie State University, a Master of Science in Military Operational Arts and Sciences from the Air Command and Staff College, Air University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He is a 24-year veteran and retired colonel of the United States Air Force. During his military service, he initially oversaw Air Force installation support programs and later served in a variety of key positions including Deputy Legal Counsel in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and lead one of the Air Force’s largest base legal offices.

“Erik will take decades of experience across numerous sectors to lead our Bloomington campus and continue our work to revolutionize higher education,” said Ivy Tech President, Dr. Sue Ellspermann. “His goals will align to the College’s new strategic plan, Higher Education at the Speed of Life, producing more graduates, securing more workforce-aligned partnerships, continue improving the student experience, and launching initiatives that will provide pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers for all students.”

“Being invited to join the Bloomington campus as Chancellor is truly humbling and an incredible honor,” said Coyne. “I look forward to following former Chancellor Jennie Vaughan’s example in working alongside the outstanding faculty and staff to serve our students and communities and build upon the Bloomington campus tradition of excellence.”

“Erik is a true visionary with impeccable leadership skills. He is passionate about the region,” said Campus Board Chairwoman, Connie Ferguson. “He was raised here, lived here, and chose to come back here to live, raise his family, and make a difference in the community and the state of Indiana. His thoughtful, problem-solving approach and entrepreneurial spirit will serve the campus, employers, and community well.”

“Erik’s background in the private sector and military bring an important perspective to Ivy Tech given the College’s workforce alignment mission,” said Bloomington-area State Board Trustee, Gretchen Gutman. “This will complement the strong academic leadership that already exists on the Bloomington campus.” 

Coyne is a published writer, a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bloomington, and an adjunct professor of public policy at Indiana University.

About Erik Coyne, Colonel, U.S. Air Force (retired)

Born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, Erik attended Monroe County public schools and following his graduation from high school, received a nomination from Senator Richard Lugar to attend the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Upon graduating from the Air Force Academy, Erik began his military career overseeing Air Force installation support programs and earned a master’s in public administration from Bowie State University.

While in the Air Force, he attended law school at the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he was Editor in Chief of Law Review and graduated magna cum laude. Following law school, he began his legal career as a military attorney, or JAG. An Iraq War veteran, Erik deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM where he led attorneys and paralegals from all services ensuring enemy detainees received timely and appropriate reviews of their cases according to international law. With assignments around the world, Erik served in a variety of key positions, to include Deputy Legal Counsel in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and leading one of the Air Force’s largest base legal offices. Erik earned two additional master’s degrees in military and strategy focused studies from National War College and Air Command and Staff College, where he was a distinguished graduate in both programs. A published writer, he received numerous awards and decorations throughout his 24-year military career.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Erik and his family returned to Bloomington, Indiana where he has served as the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of the software company Folia, serves on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington Board of Directors and is an adjunct professor of public policy at Indiana University.