Governor Braun bolsters workforce partnerships and career pathways for Hoosier students

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Governor Mike Braun visited Indiana University Southeast Monday to discuss how partnerships between colleges and employers can prepare Hoosier students for in-demand careers, strengthen Indiana’s workforce, and help graduates earn good wages close to home.

“IU Southeast is working directly with employers to give Hoosier students the experience they need to move into in-demand careers with great wages. These partnerships help employers fill valuable jobs and give graduates a strong reason to build their careers and lives here in Indiana.” — Governor Mike Braun
On campus, Governor Braun met with Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle Williams, Vice Chancellor of University Relations Joe Glover and Interim Dean Quinn Dauer to discuss IU Southeast’s employer partnerships, new academic structure and Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program.

Governor Braun learned about IU Southeast’s Medical Laboratory Science degree, established through a five-year workforce partnership with Baptist Health, Norton Healthcare, and UofL Health. Medical laboratory scientists provide more than 70% of the diagnostic information physicians use to make clinical decisions, and the profession faces a workforce shortage. The program includes more than 500 hours of clinical training through hospital internships.

Through the Norton Healthcare Scholars Program, students pursuing a health care-related degree can receive tuition assistance in exchange for a three- to five-year employment commitment after graduation, creating a clearer path from the classroom to a career.

During the visit, university leaders also discussed IU Southeast’s transition from six schools to three colleges: the College of Education, Arts, and Human Services; the College of Business, Communication, and Technology; and the College of Health, Nursing, and Sciences. The new structure is designed to create clearer academic pathways, strengthen collaboration and align programs more closely with regional workforce needs.