On November 21st, the results of the Regional Benchmark study were released to the public. The project, commissioned by Chancellor Harris, is aimed at identifying strengths and opportunities of the surrounding region in order to determine a best course of action for future success and development. The release was well attended by business and community leaders from our region, as well as prominent members of the University administration, Mayor Goodnight, and State Rep. Mike Karickoff. Full results of the study are available online at www.iuk.edu.

Photo: Hunt Hall, provided by Micah Taylor

The first question that might come to mind is what the point of all this was. Refer to the second tenet of Chancellor Harris’ mission: regional transformation. The statistical analysis presented, which you can explore more fully online at http://www.stats.indiana.edu, follow the link at the top of the results page, tells a grim story. People and jobs are leaving our area. Wages are lower and poverty is higher. But this probably wasn’t something you needed an in-depth study to tell you. The empty houses, commercial sites, and manufacturing plants are probably all the data you would need to understand that things aren’t what they were in Kokomo or the surrounding counties. Consider this analysis, then, as the groundwork for bigger things to come.

The historical and peer community component of the study compares the region to a number of similar communities around the country. The peer communities include Anderson, SC.; Decatur, AL.; Rocky Mount, NC; Morristown, TN.; Battle Creek, MI; Lebanon, PA; Sheboygan, WI; Cleveland, TN; Danville, VA.; Jackson, TN; Lima, OH; Fond du Lac, WI; and Rome, GA. But why these communities? Size is the predominant factor, but there are a number of different reasons that these cities were chosen: economic, cultural, political, and geographical. Some are in the same situation as Kokomo, a slowly disintegrating industrial manufacturing town in need of new industry.

Next year, the release of another study looking at the campus’ economic impact on the region will be released to illustrate how the campus function as part of the region is integral and vital for future success. Success of the region, not just of the campus, is tied up in these results, and the future direction the community leaders will take.

These are puzzle pieces. The puzzle, when assembled, is a partnership between the University and the surrounding region that will lead the greater north central area into becoming what Chancellor Harris always says it will be: the best regional campus in the whole world. The benchmark shows us where we are, the campus’ economic impact is the importance and vitality we bring, the branding of the region is cooperation and cohesion, and tomorrow’s innovation is the key to ensuring success of the entire region.

Story by Brian Arwood
Assistant Editor