Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) honored former IUPUC Dean, Dr. Paul Bippen with the 2015 James G. Simms Leadership Award during its annual Circle of Leadership Celebration on November 12 at Harrison Lake Country Club.
The award—established in honor of the late James G. Simms for his vision, perseverance, and dedication in founding the IUPUC campus in the 1970s—recognizes inspirational individuals who have generously given their time, dedication, and leadership to advance IUPUC’s mission.
During more than 28 years at IUPUC, Bippen is credited with taking IUPUC from “a storefront” on Seventh and Franklin Street, to a full-service college with a small university atmosphere. IUPUC Board of Advisor member Harold Force said, “The greater Columbus region owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Bippen for his dedication and perseverance.” Early on, Bippen recognized how critical it was that a university embrace the community vision in addition to upholding the academic mission. This is one of the reasons that he was such a perfect fit for IUPUC and Columbus. His decisions were routinely guided by “what do students need?” and “what does the community need?”
When IUPUC was established as an IUPUI center in the early 1970’s, IUPUI was just starting out and had little interest in dedicating resources to the Columbus campus. Committed community leaders like James Simms persisted over time to grow and sustain the campus. Originally, Bippen’s responsibilities were to collect tuition on as many credit hours as possible, use as few resources as possible, and maintain university standards. Developing degree programs, increasing enrollment, producing graduates, expanding the full-time faculty, or improving the facilities were not considered priorities. But, with the support and encouragement of the community, Bippen did all those things.
It was clear to Bippen that students and the community needed college degrees not simply college courses. Students needed to be able to complete degree programs and graduate in Columbus. This became the mission and Paul was the driving force working tirelessly to move the campus forward.
When the Columbus Center name was officially changed to IUPUC in 1994, then IUPUI Chancellor Gerald Bepko praised Bippen’s foresight and leadership saying, “the Columbus campus is a model of community responsiveness. IUPUC has continued to change, expand and grow to meet the needs of the community.”
In addition to expanding facilities, faculty, staff and enrollment, Bippen was instrumental in leading the first IUPUC capital campaign and the development of the University College, MBA, and international cultural student exchange programs.
Throughout Paul’s career, he taught IU undergraduate and graduate courses in business and education administration and held several administrative positions at both IU Bloomington and IUPUI. Paul was awarded numerous competitive grants and held leadership positions in both university and professional organizations.
In his “spare” time, Paul was active in the community and region as a member of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Board, the Economic Development Board, the Community Education Coalition Board; a founding participant in Leadership Bartholomew County and Leadership Greater Seymour; and a supporter of the United Way of Bartholomew County and the UnCommon Cause.
Paul and his wife Patricia are the parents of three children, live in Columbus, and travel extensively around the world.
For more information about the James G. Simms Leadership Award, contact Brenda Vogel, director of development and external affairs at IUPUC, via e-mail to bvogel9@iupuc.edu or (812) 348-7387.