Building relationships, making new friends, improving student success, and transforming the region are just a few of Chancellor Harris’ goals for IU Kokomo. While having been a part of the IU Kokomo family for just over eighteen months, Chancellor Harris has raised the standard for this campus, so it should not surprise us to hear that he was named Kokomo Perspective’s 2011 Person of the Year!

Chancellor Michael Harris

He is a visionary who looks towards the future of what IU Kokomo can become. He is innovative with the accomplishments he holds. The establishment of the Nursing Simulation Lab is an accomplishment that aids in the success of the nursing students in the IU Kokomo’s School of Nursing, the third largest nursing school in the state.

His leadership has directed the record fundraising that IU Kokomo has experienced for the Wellness and Fitness Center. Fundraising was a major aspect of IU Kokomo’s ability to have this wonderful facility that we will see in the near future, and Chancellor Harris has demonstrated tremendous effort in the fundraising process.

He has also established club sports. Women’s volleyball and men’s basketball are just the beginning of what IU Kokomo’s athletic program can contain. His future plans involve IU Kokomo joining the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics League (NAIA).

Aside from the athletics, Chancellor Harris has a vision for his students. He wants us to succeed and become the best we can be, both individually and as a community. With his vision for his students, Chancellor Harris added twelve new academic programs, allowing students the opportunity to succeed even more.

Enrollment for the fall 2011 semester increased by 6.7 percent, which included the largest freshman class in IU Kokomo’s history. Along with this, our campus has experienced the largest number of full time students ever seen during IU Kokomo’s existence- 70 percent!

I am honored to be a part of the IU Kokomo family with Chancellor Harris leading the way to a brighter future. When looking back at his previous eighteen months, he has truly made a difference in the lives of those around him. By making his dreams of what our campus can be come true, Chancellor Harris has paved the way for what’s to come. He wants IU Kokomo to be “the best regional campus in the world.” He wants everyone to follow him as he makes history. He believes that we can be the best. Do you?

Hollie Boyles