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IUPUC HISTORY
On August 17, 1970, IUPUI Columbus opened its offices and classrooms and became a permanent extension of IUPUI. This event was the result of several years of discussion among representatives of Indiana University, Purdue University, Franklin College, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and many other interested citizens of the area. The establishment of IUPUI Columbus was a natural outgrowth of the intense interest in post-secondary education in Columbus: Indiana University courses had been offered in the city since 1941, and Purdue University courses had been offered since 1942.
Under the directorship of Dr. Emerson Gilbert, IUPUI Columbus offered classes in various locations of Columbus. In 1971, the university moved to the former Civilian Personnel Building at Bakalar Municipal Airport. In 1974, a move was made to the Technical Training Building, and the first advisory board was appointed by President John Ryan of Indiana University. Members included James G. Simms, Chairman Aileen Brierly, Paul Dinkins, James Joseph, Mark E. Jost, LeRoy Nelson, Rosemary Reeves, Richard B. Stoner, James T. Thompson.
Dr. Paul R. Bippen became the university's second director in 1977, (later "dean") and served in that capacity until December 2003.
In 1982, a capital fund drive was inaugurated, and the goal of $900,000 was topped by $5,000 in gifts and pledges. With the approval of $150,000 from the Indiana General Assembly for a building expansion project, renovation of the IUPUI Columbus facility was completed in October of 1985, with an expansion of over 60 percent of the pre-renovation square footage.
The Purdue Statewide Technology program was established at IUPUI Columbus in 1984. In 1987, an additional 11 acres of land was deeded to the IU Board of Trustees by the City of Columbus. Delivery of off-campus credit courses to six locations near Columbus began in 1989. Also in 1989, a small building on the campus grounds was renovated to become a science research facility. In 1990, IUPUI Columbus celebrated its twentieth anniversary. A child care program, offered jointly with Ivy Tech Community College, was initiated.
In 1990-91, new landscaping was placed around the building. In the spring of 1991, the Diploma Ceremony, including both IUPUC and Purdue University College of Technology students, was initiated. In 1991-92, a caf was created and became heavily used. The American Business Seminar, a cultural exchange/business program involving students from Chartres, France, was initiated. In 1992-93, IUPUC received reaccreditation by the North Central Association; touchtone registration was implemented; an Elderhostel program was initiated.
In 1994, IUPUI Chancellor Gerald Bepko announced the change of the name IUPUI Columbus to IUPUC. Negotiations were completed to transfer academic and administrative responsibilities for Purdue Continuing Education offerings in Versailles to IUPUC. Three key messages for the university were established: (a) we are IU and Purdue; (b) we provide university education on a personal level; (c) we are a good investment.
In 1996, a new logo was created for the campus. The Center for Economic Education of IUPUC was created. An articulation agreement for ten mandated courses with Ivy Tech Community College Columbus. This facility will house administrative offices of IUPUC, Purdue University College of Technology, Ivy Tech State College, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, and the Office of Workforce Development. In addition to offices, it will house classrooms, an auditorium, an information/technology center, and other spaces for use by all students, faculty, and staff of the educational institutions in Columbus and by all area residents. Academic programs requested by residents and by local business and industry will be offered in this facility. The following degree programs were approved by the IU and Purdue Boards of Trustees and the Indiana Commission on Higher Education:
August 2000: Bachelor of Science in Business
September 2000: Master of Business Administration
October 2000: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN Mobility Option)
January 2001: Bachelor of Science in Education
January 2001: Associate of Science in Chemistry
August 2001: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled for the new Columbus Learning Center in August of 2001. Dignitaries attending and speaking at the event included Governor Frank O'Bannon, Lt. Governor Joe Kernan, Mayor Fred Armstrong, Stan Jones, Commissioner of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Bill Hunt, former CEO of ArvinMeritor, and Kevin Kennon, Design Architect of the building. Also in attendance were IUPUI Chancellor Gerald Bepko, Purdue University Vice Provost Don Gentry, and Ivy Tech Community College President Gerald Lamkin.
In July of 2002, the campus employed its first Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Rob Zinkan. It also employed its first Director of Information Technology, Paul Weathersby.
In the spring of 2003, Dean Paul Bippen announced his imminent retirement and the beginning of a search for a new leader of IUPUC, with the title Vice Chancellor and Dean. Interviews began in July of this year, and Nasser H. Paydar, Ph.D., was appointed Vice Chancellor and Dean, effective January of 2004.
During the Spring Semester of 2004, Dr. Nasser Paydar instituted a number of changes at the campus, including the following:
- Academic units were restructured into divisions, including Business, Education, Library and Information Science, Nursing, Science, Liberal Arts, and University College.
- Campus support offices were restructured to include Admissions and Recruitment, Development and Alumni Relations, Personnel Administration, Finance and Administration, Information Technology, Off-Campus Programs, Facility Services, Registrar Services, and University Relations.
- The IUPUC Board of Advisors was expanded from 14 to 40, with active leaders from communities in south central Indiana.
- A $4 million campaign for IUPUC was initiated.
- Articulation agreements with six IUPUI schools to establish joint baccalaureate programs have been initiated. Articulation agreements were signed between IUPUC and the IU School of Nursing for delivery of the RN-BSN Mobility Option at the Columbus campus and between IUPUC and the Purdue School of Engineering & Technology for joint engineering degree programs in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Interdisciplinary Engineering degree programs.
- A new constitution and by-laws were created by and for the IUPUC Faculty Senate.
- A Student Council, with a constitution and bylaws, was created for the first time in the history of the campus. .
- Pieces of art from the IU Art Museum were procured on permanent loan to enhance the building interior.
- A strategic marketing program was initiated.
- A Director of Enrollment Management was hired.
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