Jennifer Hindman, a 1997 graduate of Ivy Tech Kokomo’s EMT program who now serves as vice president and chief operating officer of Community Howard Regional Health, has been honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award by Ivy Tech Community College.
Each year, the Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area honors a single alumnus or alumna who exemplifies an appreciation of lifelong learning, a dedication to work, and a commitment to community. Hindman was honored Dec. 2 at a virtual statewide event that recognized award winners from Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses around the state and at a luncheon in Kokomo Monday, Dec. 6.
“These individuals are examples of how Ivy Tech can change lives,” said Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann during the statewide recognition. “Whether they went on to pursue additional education or went straight to the workforce, our distinguished alumni make a difference in our communities every day. We are proud and honored to be part of their stories.”
Asked to summarize in one word the impact Ivy Tech has had on her life, Hindman said, “For me, Ivy Tech was a catalyst. My degree was the accelerant that I needed to continue to further my education and complete my bachelor and master’s degrees.
Without the completion of my degree, I simply would not have had the professional growth opportunities in my healthcare career. And what I found was that Ivy Tech can be fuel for your personal change. And that they will partner with you to help you find a path to success that works with and for your future goals.
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“Without the completion of my degree,” she continued. “I simply would not have had the professional growth opportunities in my healthcare career. And what I found was that Ivy Tech can be fuel for your personal change. And that they will partner with you to help you find a path to success that works with and for your future goals.”
As vice president and chief operating officer, Hindman helps lead the hospital where she started as a paramedic in 1997. While working there, she returned to Ivy Tech Kokomo at the urging of her late aunt Peggy Hanes, who at the time was director of student success at the College, and completed an associate degree in Paramedic Science in 2006.
Hindman went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Kokomo and then a dual-major master’s degree in Adult and Community Education and Executive Leadership for Public Service from Ball State University.
As she earned degrees and gained experience, she continued to move up at Community Howard, holding the positions of EMS coordinator and director of professional and organizational development, then business operations, and then human resources before taking the role of vice president and chief operating officer. She served as an adjunct faculty member for the College of Business at Manchester University and is a 2019 alumna of the prestigious Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series.
As chief operating officer, her main responsibilities have included providing for and supporting a unified culture and infrastructure; coordinating between personnel, structure, and the organization’s strategic plan; providing necessary support for all operations; providing guidance to deliver on the vision for Community Health Network; and ensuring organizational business outcomes and accountability.
The list of the community organizations Hindman serves includes the Howard County Chamber of Commerce Council, the Howard County Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Business Council and Turning Point Systems of Care Board of Directors. Hindman has been connected to the Ivy Tech Kokomo Campus Transformation Project through her role at the hospital. In recognition of her contributions to the community and the hospital, she has been honored with the Kokomo Chamber Women’s Business Council Excellence in Leadership and the Community Howard Regional Health Leader of the Year awards.
In nominating her for this award, Ivy Tech Kokomo Trustee and 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award winner Karen McLean described Hindman as “a remarkable woman who is an excellent representative of Community Howard Regional Health and all organizations where she serves as a volunteer,” with many talents and skill sets that she willingly shares.
A native of Grant County, Hindman now lives in Tipton County with her husband, Cameron. They are the parents of Conner Hindman and the late Cale Hindman.
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.
