TERRE HAUTE | GREENCASTLE, Ind. – Ivy Tech’s Greencastle site marked a significant milestone on November 12 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Nursing Simulation Center. The Center, designed to enhance hands-on learning, features advanced AI mannequins that simulate real-life scenarios, equipping nursing students with the critical experience they need to excel in healthcare careers. The development of this state-of-the-art facility was made possible by a leading gift from the Putnam County Community Foundation.
“Our new Nursing Simulation Center at Ivy Tech Greencastle is an impactful step toward expanding healthcare education and addressing the critical workforce needs in West Central Indiana," said Chancellor Lea Anne Crooks, Ph.D. "Thanks to partners like the Putnam County Community Foundation, we can offer students an immersive, hands-on learning environment that mirrors the demands of modern healthcare. This facility prepares them to fill vital roles in our communities and meet the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals.”
By 2025, the College will increase the statewide number of nursing students enrolled by 600. Locally, the number of enrolled students will grow by 20 students annually.
The celebration of Ivy Tech’s nursing students and program continued the following evening, November 13, with the Nursing Networking Banquet at Ivy Tech Terre Haute. The banquet brought together nearly 15 local healthcare companies, giving students an opportunity to showcase their skills and engage in valuable networking experiences. The event also featured keynote speaker Margie Clouse, an Ivy Tech alumna and prominent figure in healthcare. Margie serves as the Forensic Program Manager for IU Health’s South-Central Region, where she leads efforts to build a comprehensive Forensic Program across four sister hospitals. Her work focuses on enhancing care for sexual assault and domestic violence patients, educating clinicians on non-fatal strangulation, and increasing the identification and support of human trafficking victims.
Kim Cooper, Ivy Tech Terre Haute’s dean of nursing, emphasized the value of these hands-on and networking opportunities, stating, “At Ivy Tech, we understand that healthcare education goes beyond the classroom. Events like these allow our students to build their professional networks and gain confidence as they demonstrate their skills in real-world settings. Our partnerships with local healthcare providers are instrumental in shaping our students into the skilled and compassionate professionals our communities need.”
Healthcare partners interested in collaborating with Ivy Tech are encouraged to explore partnership opportunities through Ivy Tech+ Career Link, by visiting ivytech.edu/careerlink. Career Link elevates partnerships with employers by offering tools, resources, and transformative career coaching to support workforce growth. Employers also gain early access to skilled students ready to meet today’s workplace demands.
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.
