NEWS BRIEFS
VOCES8 Perform at Marion Campus
Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 performed at IWU’s Marion campus on Oct. 26, with a special appearance by the IWU Chorale.
VOCES8 is often described as the world’s top-streaming classical vocal group and has performed in renowned venues around the world. This concert was part of their worldwide season, which includes over 100 performances. The concert was part of IWU's new Center for Faith and Learning, connecting the performance to the university's Common Learning Theme of the Christian Imagination through its edifying musical pieces that pointed toward Gospel truth.
“Welcoming such a talented group to campus was a true blessing,” said Davy Chinn, director of the IWU Chorale and chair of the Division of Music and Theatre. “It inspired our own students and gave the Chorale a wonderful chance to share their talent for God’s glory.”
IWU’s Economic Impact Report Unveiled at Capitol to Campus Event
More than 20 Indiana state legislators gathered at IWU’s Marion campus on Oct. 3, for the university's Capitol to Campus event, which featured campus tours, a legislative appreciation luncheon, and roundtable conversations with legislators.
The event included bipartisan guests such as Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and Education Secretary Katie Jenner, as well as several other state lawmakers. During the event, Jon Kulaga Jon Kulaga, Ph.D., IWU president, also announced the findings of IWU’s 2025 Economic and Social Impact Report.
“As the largest private university in Indiana, IWU is uniquely positioned to partner with our state’s leaders,” said Penny Callaway, executive director of government and strategic relations. “The Capitol to Campus event reflected our commitment to working together for the good of students, families, and communities across the state.”
IWU Hosts CFO Conference
On Oct. 23, IWU hosted a CFO Conference in Fishers, Indiana. This annual event, created by CFOs for other CFOs and finance leaders, provides an innovative, peer-driven experience.
As part of the event, Jon Kulaga, Ph.D., IWU president, gave the opening remarks while Andy Hughes, dean of the DeVoe School of Business, Technology, and Leadership, led a segment on organizational leadership principles.
The event featured a variety of other industry speakers, interviews, and timely topics. Participants gained insights from leading CFOs and explored business trends in the areas of cybersecurity, personal finance, investing, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and more.
New Administrators Brian Jaworski & David davies Appointed
Earlier this summer, IWU appointed Brian Jaworski, Ph.D., as vice president of student development and athletics, and David Davies, DMA, as vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer.
Jaworski oversees the university’s student development and athletics teams and related areas. He also serves on the President’s Cabinet and leads a team dedicated to building strong spiritual formation and enhancing the overall student experience on the Marion campus.
Davies serves as senior academic leader for the Marion campus, as well as the chief academic officer regarding accreditation. His responsibilities include advancing IWU’s academic vision, supporting faculty development, and ensuring educational programs reflect IWU’s mission. He also serves on the President's Cabinet.
Wesley Seminary Launches Partnership with Aldersgate School
IWU, on behalf of Wesley Seminary, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Aldersgate School of Ministry in Polson, Montana, establishing a formal academic and ministerial partnership.
Through the partnership, students who complete the Aldersgate School of Ministry curriculum may receive up to 18 undergraduate-level credit hours toward either an Associate of Science in Christian Ministries or a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies degrees.
The agreement underscores a shared commitment to strengthening theological education and leadership development for Christian professionals. “This collaboration isn’t just about credit transfers; it’s about creating a Kingdom ecosystem where emerging leaders are supported from their first step in ministry through advanced theological formation,” said Rev. Yamil Acevedo, Ph.D., executive vice president of Wesley Seminary.
Leadership by Design Begins Partnership with StoneGate Arts and Education Center
In May, IWU and StoneGate Arts and Education Center partnered to offer the Supervisor Essential Leadership Development program in Bedford, Indiana, a new opportunity for employers in south-central Indiana.
This seven-month program is designed to equip new supervisors with the skills, knowledge, and experience to lead effectively and help their employees thrive. As part of the curriculum, external employee benefits company JA Benefits is delivering specialized training in human resources.
Program sessions are in-person, interactive, and experiential. Within each session, time is divided between learning content, engaging in reflection, interacting with peers, and identifying personal applications.
IWU Awarded the Inaugural Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana
IWU has been awarded the inaugural Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana (CPSI) by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs. The CPSI recognizes eligible postsecondary institutions demonstrating a supportive environment for U.S. military-affiliated students from application to graduation.
As part of this, the university has been named a Tier Two recipient, earning an 80% achievement level. This designation is based on 37 standards across multiple areas that assess how well institutions serve military-connected students. It remains valid for three years and reflects IWU’s readiness to support the unique needs of military-connected students.
IWU Celebrates 50 Years of Nursing Graduates at Homecoming
This year, IWU celebrates 50 years of nursing graduates. Since 1975, the university has been graduating professionals equipped with both the clinical expertise and spiritual foundation to provide quality care to those in need. This homecoming, IWU Nursing celebrated this milestone with an evening of networking, fellowship, and dessert.
“For 50 years, our university has been sending talented, well-equipped professionals into the field,” said Rob Dawson, DNP, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “While we take the time to celebrate 50 successful years, we’ve already begun to set our sights on making the next 50 years even better!”
IWU Honors Dwight Ott with 2025 Tony Maidenberg Community Service Award
In August, IWU honored alumnus and community leader Dwight Ott with the 2025 Tony Maidenberg Community Service Award for his decades of Christ-centered leadership and service to Marion and Grant County.
Ott, co-founder and chief financial officer of TLC Management, has helped grow the senior care organization to 17 facilities and more than 3,000 employees.
“Dwight’s contributions to Marion are marked by creativity, consistency, and love for his community,” said John Jones, vice president of University Advancement. “His work reflects the kind of Christ-centered leadership IWU seeks to cultivate in every student. He is a true world changer who has used his talents and resources to make a lasting impact.”