Meet Your Dean: Dr. Terri Fleming

In November, Dr. Terri Fleming was promoted to dean of the School of Health Sciences (SoHS) at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. 

Prior to her appointment, Dr. Fleming served as the School's assistant dean. She joined Ivy Tech as an adjunct faculty member in 2003 and became a full-time SoHS faculty member in 2012. 

Dr. Fleming earned a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Indianapolis, an M.S. in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University, and an Ed.D in Organizational Leadership—Higher Education Leadership from Grand Canyon University. 

Ivy Tech puts the spotlight on SoHS in February, and Ivy Tech Indianapolis is excited to shine a light on its newly promoted dean. To learn more about Dr. Fleming, we sat down with her to hear more about her passion for teaching and training, her top priorities for the School, and upcoming initiatives she is most excited about implementing.

Tell us a bit about your background.

My passion for education has been a driving force throughout my career, motivating me to share my knowledge and positively impact the lives of others.

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I committed myself to teaching and mentoring, using my healthcare expertise to inform my approach. As a health educator for Indiana University Health, I worked closely with various communities, focusing on raising health awareness and equipping individuals with the tools to make informed decisions about their health. Over the past 27 years in higher education, I’ve held a variety of roles, including program administrator, academic advisor, student mentor, and faculty. Through each of these positions, my primary goal has been cultivating an environment of academic success, ensuring every student has the support and resources they need to thrive.

In all aspects of my work, I am driven by a deep sense of dedication to creating positive, lasting change in the lives of students and the communities I serve.

What inspired you to pursue a career in health sciences?

Growing up, I was always drawn to hospital television shows. The fast-paced environments, the teamwork, and, most importantly, the way doctors and healthcare professionals could make a real difference in people’s lives fascinated me. Watching these shows, I was inspired by how much of an impact one person could have on another's health and well-being. This sparked my interest in the health sciences field, where I could combine my passion for helping others with the opportunity to be part of something meaningful. Over time, I realized that pursuing a career in health sciences would allow me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, just like the characters I admired on screen. Additionally, I have always been fascinated by learning about the human body. Health was my favorite subject in school, and this curiosity about how the body works only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the health sciences.

What first drew you to higher education, and what led you to join Ivy Tech Indianapolis?

My journey into higher education began as a work-study student for the vice president of Mission Effectiveness at my undergraduate college. Witnessing her unwavering passion and her significant impact on students’ lives deeply inspired me. It was in this role that I saw firsthand how higher education could be a transformative force, shaping not only academic outcomes but also personal growth and success.

This experience sparked a deep desire within me to work in higher education, where I could contribute to similar positive changes for students. I chose to join Ivy Tech Indianapolis because I am aligned with its transformative mission and the opportunity to support students in realizing their potential. I am deeply committed to fostering academic excellence, and I believe that my passion and dedication to student success align perfectly with the values of this institution.

Now, as part of the Ivy Tech community, I am eager to contribute to the ongoing success of the institution, working alongside others who share a vision of empowerment, growth, and opportunity for all students.

What are your top priorities for the School of Health Sciences as dean?

My vision for the School of Health Sciences is to be the premier school in Indiana, renowned for transforming healthcare through exceptional education.

Key priorities we will focus on:

1. Academic Excellence: Through innovative instruction designed to empower students with advanced knowledge and essential practical skills. This prepares them to excel in various healthcare settings and meet the demands of an evolving industry. 
2. Community Impact: Through active engagement with the community, we strive to create a significant transformation in public health. Our outreach initiatives and strategic partnerships empower students and faculty to contribute meaningfully, driving impactful changes. 
3. Leadership: We are committed to equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to excel in diverse environments and adeptly navigate the dynamic healthcare landscape.

Dr. Terri Fleming (middle) poses with Dee Aime (left), the director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging, and Kevin Enders (right), director of Community Engagement.

Can you discuss any upcoming programs or initiatives that you’re particularly excited about?

I am excited that we will offer the Healthcare Academy again this summer. This inspiring program points high school students interested in healthcare toward direct service worker pathways via immersive summer career exploration classes and programs. Students not only explore diverse healthcare careers but also earn Ivy Tech credit, acquire industry-recognized skills, and grasp the importance of student success. 

What strategies will you implement to ensure that the school stays current with advancements in healthcare and industry trends?

To ensure the School of Health Sciences stays current with advancements in healthcare and industry trends, I will focus on:

Technology Integration and Innovation

Investing in educational technologies like virtual simulations that enable students to gain experience with tools and platforms used in real-world healthcare environments.

Strong Industry Partnerships and Collaborations

Continuously build on our strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions. This allows for direct input into program development and creates clinical opportunities for students.

Alumni Network Engagement

Create a robust alum network that facilitates regular communication with the School and keeps us updated on trends in healthcare. Alumni can also play a key role in providing mentorship and even class presentations.

Integrated Interdisciplinary Learning

Promote interdisciplinary learning by integrating courses from various programs within health sciences.   Collaborative projects will help students understand the multifaceted nature of modern healthcare and prepare them for the increasingly collaborative nature of healthcare delivery.

By leveraging these strategies, the School of Health Sciences can stay adaptable and responsive to the changing healthcare landscape, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future challenges and innovations in the field.

What message would you like to share with students considering a career in health sciences?

Health sciences is a great career path for anyone passionate about making a positive impact on people's lives. It's a field that combines science, compassion, and problem-solving, offering numerous opportunities for growth and specialization. Whether you're interested in direct patient care or helping with medical records, there’s a wide variety of career options. The field is constantly evolving. If you enjoy learning, helping others, and working in a dynamic environment, health sciences might be the perfect fit for you!

How do you plan to support faculty development and innovation within the School of Health Sciences? 

I will encourage faculty members to engage in continuous professional development through workshops, conferences, and certification programs. This ensures that instructors are up-to-date on the latest industry standards and technological advancements, which can be shared with students.