Outstanding Alumni Employer of the Year Named by Ivy Tech Alumni Council

Outstanding Alumni Employer of the Year Named by Ivy Tech Alumni Council

Trans-Care Ambulance was Honored with the Campus’ 2023 Recognition

TERRE HAUTE, IN — Recently, Trans-Care Ambulance received the 2023 Outstanding Alumni Employer Award. The award, created by the Ivy Tech Alumni Council, celebrates local employers who demonstrate a commitment to education and develop meaningful partnerships with Ivy Tech and its alumni.

“Trans-Care embodies how a local employer can come alongside Ivy Tech to create a partnership that is not only mutually beneficial to both the campus and the employer but ultimately to the entire community,” said Nick Givens, who serves as the chair of the Ivy Tech Terre Haute’s Alumni Council. Givens presented the award to Trans-Care Ambulance on behalf of the council.

Based in Terre Haute, Trans-Care Ambulance supported the 2022 renovation of the paramedic science classroom and laboratory at the Ivy Tech Terre Haute campus. The updated spaces have a modern aesthetic and have made the transition from lecture to lab a seamless experience for students.

“We used to build in time to rearrange the classroom to set up for lab activities, and now the lab is always ready for students to practice their skills,” said Paramedic Science Program Chair Kevin Price. “The renovations will help boost enrollment of an already growing program by creating an attractive learning environment that mirrors what they’ll experience in their careers.”

The paramedic science program at Ivy Tech is a selective admission program with limited seats. Since 2020, the program has nearly doubled its enrollment. The curriculum includes lectures, demonstrations, in-class skill practice sessions, and clinical rotations. The program offers short-term certificates, workforce certifications, and an associate degree educational track. The short-term certificates are a great starting point for students who want to work toward their associate degree while beginning their careers.

President and chief executive officer of Trans-Care Ambulance, Russ Ferrell, accepted the award at Ivy Tech’s annual Chancellor’s Club Dinner on October 24.

Founded in 1992, Trans-Care provides emergency medical transportation services to West Central Indiana and surrounding areas. As the company has grown to account for over 300 employees, so has the interest in skilling up the workforce.

“As a family owned and operated organization, our culture has been an integral part of Trans-Care's growth, with my sons Nick and Justin being at the center of that,” added Ferrell. “We are proud that nearly 75% of our West Central Indiana staff are graduates of Ivy Tech’s program. This long-term partnership will soon expand to Ivy Tech in Sellersburg near our Louisville location. When we hire Ivy Tech alumni, we know we are getting highly skilled, professionally trained paramedics.”

Ivy Tech Terre Haute Chancellor Lea Anne Crooks participated in the event and added, “The impact of Trans-Care’s partnership will be illustrated for years to come. Their commitment to helping us expand the student experience is one of the exceptional results of the Invest IN Ivy Tech comprehensive campaign.”

In addition to announcing the Outstanding Alumni Employer, the Chancellor’s Club Dinner also celebrated the completion of the Invest IN Ivy Tech five-year comprehensive campaign. Locally, the campus raised $12.2 million, exceeding its $12 million goal.

Established in 2019 by the Alumni Council, the Outstanding Alumni Employer Award recognizes companies in West Central Indiana that value their employees' continued education and growth, serve as top career prospects for Ivy Tech graduates, and are committed to improving the community. Past winners include:

2019    The Hometown Savings Bank

2021    Regional Hospital

2022    Union Health

2023     Trans-Care Ambulance

The Alumni Council comprises distinguished representatives from Ivy Tech’s seven schools. The members serve as advocates for the college and assist with alumni engagement activities. The Outstanding Alumni Employer award is presented at the Chancellor’s Club dinner, an annual event recognizing Ivy Tech’s most generous and loyal benefactors. 

Each summer, the Alumni Council receives nominations for consideration and selects the company that fits the criteria for the award. For more information about submitting a nomination for the 2023 award, contact the Ivy Tech Foundation at terrehaute-foundation@ivytech.edu. To learn more about the Invest IN Ivy Tech campaign, visit ivytech.edu/terrehautenews.

About Trans-Care Ambulance

Trans-Care Ambulance is one of Indiana's leading medical transport providers. With a fleet of nearly 100 units, over 300 employees, and a full customer service team dispatching units using GPS and internet call technologies, Trans-Care serves around 20 counties across the state of Indiana and has a base of operations in Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Columbus, Indiana. Operating under the slogan, “It’s About People,” Trans-Care takes pride in its customer service by providing the highest level of care. Trans-Care utilizes some of the most advanced technology and equipment paired with some of the most innovative protocols in the ambulance industry. 

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 serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, 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 and out of state for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the most up-to-date information.

About the Ivy Tech Foundation

The Foundation’s most important function is to provide support for Ivy Tech Community College beyond state appropriations and student fees. Its overall program of work focuses on meeting student needs. Recently, the college completed a five-year comprehensive campaign, Invest IN Ivy Tech, raising $285 million statewide. Locally, Ivy Tech Terre Haute/Greencastle celebrated $12.2 million raised, exceeding the $12 million goal. Statewide, the Ivy Tech Foundation provides greater opportunity for each of the College’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Learn more at www.ivytech.edu/InvestINIvyTech.