Ivy Tech means business for new chair of School of Business in Kokomo region

For Crista Kendall, the School of Business at Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo is a challenge and a joy.

Kendall recently moved from a faculty position at Ivy Tech’s Muncie Campus to serve as department chair of the School of Business for the Kokomo Service Area. She embraces the challenges of teaching and growing programs that offer such a range of career options throughout the world of business. And she sees it as a way forward for many Central Indiana residents.

“What I’ve found is that Ivy Tech really does mean business,” Kendall said. “Studying Business at Ivy Tech is a way to change your life. It can be a ticket to a successful career that supports a great future.”

With the Kokomo Service Area experiencing a growing demand for business talent, Kendall is focused on bringing more students into the School of Business, especially at the Logansport location. This spring, Ivy Tech is offering Business 101 in Logansport to begin to meet the need and interest Kendall has seen throughout Cass County. As enrollment increases, more classes will be offered.

“Crista’s leadership will help us thoughtfully expand our offerings while maintaining the quality and student support that define Ivy Tech,” said Tara Kaser, dean of the Schools of Business, Information Technology and Public Affairs & Social Services. “Our goal is to ensure that students can start here, succeed here and, if they choose, seamlessly transfer for further education.”

From Accounting to Marketing, Finance to Human Resources, Business Administration to Supply Chain Management, technical certificates and associate degrees in the School of Business can open many doors. And credentials are “stackable” to allow students to begin earning industry-recognized certifications in a few as six courses and move all the way to two-year associate degrees that can transfer directly into the junior year of a bachelor’s program at a four-year school.

“Business is a big umbrella,” Kendall said. “Once students get through the coursework, there are so many things they can do with the business degree.”

Kendall hopes to connect with more people who can benefit from her programs at Ivy Tech, especially those who are looking to build on skills they already have. “We want to offer classes with flexibility and support to meet the needs of working people who want to move up in their careers,” she said. “I want all students to know how Ivy Tech works to make their education more accessible and more affordable.”

Anyone who would like to talk about the opportunities offered by the School of Business at Ivy Tech is encouraged to contact Kendall by email at ckendall24@ivytech.edu or by phone at 463-298-1141.

INTRODUCING CRISTA KENDALL:

Now chair of the School of Business for the College’s Kokomo Service Area, Crista Kendall knows the value of the school. The education and experience she brings to her new job began with an associate degree in Business Administration and Management from Ivy Tech Community College.

She built on that two-year degree with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ball State University and then an MBA from American Public University. She gained practical experience as a property claims support associate, a supervisor, a writer and small business consultant. She was working as an auditor for a tax firm when she was offered the chance to pick up some Christmas money teaching a class in accounting one day a week at Ivy Tech. To her surprise, she soon found a new passion and a new career. Before too long, she was a full-time faculty member at the Muncie Campus, moving recently to the Kokomo Service Area.

“Teaching is very rewarding,” Kendall said. “We see students coming in who haven’t been in school for years, who don’t think they are capable of academic work. It’s wonderful to see those students thrive as they learn they can succeed academically with the encouragement and support Ivy Tech offers.”

Tara Kaser, dean of the Schools of Business, Information Technology and Public Affairs & Social Services, noted that Kendall’s journey from Ivy Tech student to faculty member to department chair embodies what is possible at the College.

“Crista brings deep knowledge of our programs and a genuine commitment to student success,” Kaser said. “Under her leadership, we are focused on creating clear, flexible pathways that allow working adults and recent high school graduates alike to earn credentials that lead directly to career advancement.”

Kendall puts her passion for education to work in every class she teaches. “I feel like I am making a bigger difference teaching at Ivy Tech than I could at the four-year schools,” she said. “Ivy Tech offers that push, that encouragement many of our students need and I’m good at that.” One payoff comes every May. “At every commencement, I cry my eyes out,” she said. “I’m just so proud of my students.”