Indiana American Water Installs First Drinking Water PFAS Treatment System in Indiana

by with No Comment Member NewsUncategorized

CHARLESTOWN, Ind. (Jan. 29, 2026) –Indiana American Water held a ribbon cutting ceremony today at its Charlestown water treatment plant. The company announced that the facility is now operating Indiana’s first drinking water treatment system designed to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. The nearly $6 million system investment, which went online last month, marks another major milestone in protecting public health and improving water quality for the community.

“We are proud to partner with Indiana American Water on this important project,” said Treva Hodges, Mayor of the City of Charlestown. “Access to high-quality drinking water is essential for the health and well-being of our community, and this new treatment system shows a forward-thinking approach to community safety. Continued improvements to our water system have helped Charlestown achieve a higher quality of life and have spurred community growth, making our city an even more attractive place to live and invest.”

According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), this is the first PFAS treatment installation in a public water system in the state. PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used for decades in industrial and consumer products and are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

To celebrate this milestone, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on January 29, 2026, with local officials, community leaders, and Indiana American Water representatives in attendance.

“This investment underscores our continued commitment to delivering safe, clean, and reliable water to our customers,” said Barry Suits, President of Indiana American Water. “By proactively addressing PFAS, we are leading the way in Indiana and setting the standard for future water quality improvements across the state. This project also provided us with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in adding PFAS treatment, which will guide and inform similar upgrades at other systems as we make these investments over the coming years.”

This investment builds on Indiana American Water’s commitment to Charlestown, following the commissioning of the $16 million water treatment plant in 2022. The PFAS upgrade is supported by Indiana’s State Revolving Fund Loan Program, which allows the company to finance the project at a lower cost than traditional loans. This additional investment includes the granular activated carbon or GAC system and also supports infrastructure such as pumps, piping, electrical systems, and controls. Charlestown was selected for this enhancement because the original plant was designed to accommodate future improvements, making it an ideal location for this advanced treatment technology.

The Charlestown facility serves approximately 3,000 customers, or about 8,000 residents and businesses, with four percent of its daily production sold to neighboring Marysville-Otisco Nabb Water Corporation. Indiana American Water’s Water Quality Reports, published annually, confirm that all Indiana American Water systems meet or surpass federal and state drinking water standards.

Future PFAS Investments in Indiana

Indiana American Water is committed to expanding PFAS treatment capabilities across other service areas. Plans are underway for similar upgrades to its water systems in Terre Haute, Johnson County and other communities as funding becomes available. These investments are part of a broader strategy to ensure compliance with evolving water quality regulations and to safeguard public health for generations to come.

Curious about PFAS and how they impact your water?

Indiana American Water is committed to providing safe, high-quality water and keeping its customers informed about emerging contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). A dedicated PFAS resource page explains what PFAS are, why they matter, and what steps the company is taking to help ensure water meets the highest standards. Learn more about PFAS and our proactive approach by exploring the full details here.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit amwater.com/inaw and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Media Contact:
Joel Reuter
External Affairs Manager
Indiana American Water
P: (317) 885-2434
E: joel.reuter@amwater.com

For Immediate Release: PC3 Health Expands Operations to Indiana, Creating 40 New Jobs in Jeffersonville

by with 2 Comments 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

JEFFERSONVILLE, IN. (1/29/2026) – Indiana leaders announced that Physician Care Coordination Consultants LLC (PC3 Health), a growing health care services company, is expanding into southern Indiana with a new office location in Jeffersonville. The expansion will create 40 new premium wage full-time jobs as the company establishes operations at 903 Spring Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

The new Jeffersonville location will support PC3 Health’s continued growth as it partners with hospitals and health systems across the country to improve utilization management, case management, and overall clinical and financial performance.

“Indiana’s robust life sciences sector and talent pipeline are primed to support health care services providers like PC3 Health,” said Governor Mike Braun. “PC3 Health joins a growing list of innovative and tech-enabled companies, from small businesses to Fortune 500 firms, choosing Indiana and its communities for long-term growth.”

The company’s new office will house a range of professional positions, including physician advisors, case managers, data analysts, and administrative support staff. The Jeffersonville site allows PC3 Health to tap into the growing health care and life sciences workforce in the region while remaining closely connected to hospital partners throughout the Midwest and beyond.

“We are excited to expand our footprint into Indiana and become part of the Jeffersonville community,” said Karan Shah, M.D., managing partner of PC3 Health. “Our mission is to provide strategic guidance and clinical expertise to hospitals navigating the increasing complexity of payor relationships, utilization, and case management. This expansion positions us to better serve our partners while creating meaningful, well-paying jobs in the region.”

Local and regional community leaders also welcomed the announcement, noting the importance of attracting health care and professional services employers to the city’s downtown corridor.

“PC3 Health’s decision to locate in the City of Jeffersonville is yet another victory for our growing community and we welcome their presence and partnership,” said Mayor Mike Moore. “This announcement brings new premium high-wage jobs for our residents, reactivates a key commercial building on Spring Street, and further reinforces Jeffersonville’s reputation as a destination for innovation.”

“Health care and life sciences remain priority sectors for southern Indiana,” said Lance Allison, President & CEO of One Southern Indiana Chamber & Economic Development. “PC3 Health’s investment underscores the region’s ability to support fast-growing, high-impact companies that invest in their people, customers, and community.”

PC3 Health specializes in utilization management and case management services for hospitals, helping reduce claim denials, improve patient throughput, and enhance financial performance. The Jeffersonville expansion represents the company’s next phase of growth as demand for its services continues to increase nationwide.

For more information about PC3 Health, visit www.pc3health.com

About PC3 Health 
PC3 Heath are the approvals champion. We fight for better outcomes and brighter futures for healthcare organizations and the patients and communities they serve. We are physicians, nurses, and administrators who have experienced what healthcare organizations experience. We know how to help them get more yes, to ensure providers get the support they need to deliver the quality care patients need today and in the future. By working hand-in-hand with healthcare organizations, we leverage an innovative blend of data analysis, technology and human interaction to go beyond simply overturning payor denials and build strategies for future prevention.

About One Southern Indiana 
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses innovate and thrive in the southern Indiana / Louisville metro area via the three pillars of Business Resources, Economic Development, and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org. 

MEDIA CONTACTS

PC3 Health
Nicole Yates
Nicole.Yates@pc3health.com
(812) 987-6266

One Southern Indiana
Ellinor Smith
ESmith@1si.org
217.320.4832

Breeze Announces Three New, Nonstop Routesfrom Louisville Muhammad Ali International AirportFares on sale now and start from $39* one way

by with No Comment Member News

LOUISVILLE, KY (January 28, 2026) – Breeze Airways today announces three new, nonstop routes from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) with service to Hartford (BDL), Los Angeles (LAX) and Pittsburgh (PIT). Flights for the three new destinations will begin in May with the premium leisure airline that aims to provide affordable, direct flights for travelers.

“With today’s announcement, we are adding nonstop service to two new markets from SDF with Pittsburgh and Hartford, along with continuing to offer more options to the West Coast with Los Angeles,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates SDF. “We appreciate Breeze’s recognition of the strength of our market and expanded presence in Louisville, giving travelers in our region even more options.”

With the addition of Pittsburgh and Hartford, SDF now has service to a record 41 nonstop destinations from Louisville. On average, nearly 200 people travel between Louisville and Pittsburgh each day, and it serves as one of the largest markets for visitors to the Louisville region. Hartford is a key link to New England, a region full of historic sites and outdoor recreation adventures. Conveniently located between Boston and New York City, Hartford area’s population of more than three million makes it the largest population center in the eastern U.S. that SDF did not serve nonstop.

“This is a huge win for Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Anytime our airport adds non-stop flights to major cities, it’s an indicator of our economic momentum because it shows there is a demand for these routes, especially from business travelers. Non-stop flights are also a selling point for businesses looking to set up operations here.”

Beginning today, Louisville travelers can book the summer seasonal flights to:

• Los Angeles (LAX) on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting on Wednesday, May 6.
Fares start at $99* one way.


• Pittsburgh (PIT) on Thursdays and Sundays beginning on Thursday, May 7.
Fares start at $39* one way.


• Hartford (BDL) on Mondays and Fridays starting on Friday, May 29.
Fares are now available from $49* one way.

“Breeze continues to grow by adding nonstop routes that deliver real value to our Guests,” said David Neeleman, Founder and CEO of Breeze Airways. “Louisville’s new service to Pittsburgh, Hartford and Los Angeles reflects that progress and our commitment to the community.”

Since arriving at SDF in 2021, Breeze has continued to enhance its presence in Louisville. With today’s announcement of Hartford, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, Breeze now offers nonstop service to nine cities from SDF including Charleston, Fort Myers, New Orleans, Raleigh/Durham, San Francisco and Tampa.

Breeze was named one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 for its fresh take on affordable flying that is transforming low-cost air travel into a nice experience. It was also named the Best Major Airline in North America by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), as well as the No. 3 Best Domestic Airline by Travel + Leisure in 2025, placing Breeze in the list’s top four every year since it began flying.

The airline is known for its flexible network that directly and conveniently connects travelers to underserved cities nationwide, making air travel more accessible to millions of travelers coast to coast. Coupled with its brand-new fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft and premium products like free family seating, fast onboard WiFi, preferred seat options, and no change or cancel fees, Breeze is making it nice to fly affordably.

To learn more about Breeze or to book a flight, visit flybreeze.com, or download the Breeze Airways app.

*$39 No Flex Fare promotion is available only when booking a new reservation for PITSDF and SDF-PIT. *$49 No Flex Fare promotion is available only when booking a new reservation for BDL-SDF and SDF-BDL. *$99 No Flex Fare promotion is available only when booking a new reservation for LAX-SDF and SDF-LAX. Promotion must be purchased from January 28, 2026, through February 3, 2026 (11:59 pm PT). LAX SDF and SDF-LAX promotion is valid only for travel from May 6, 2026, through September 15, 2026. PIT-SDF and SDF-PIT, promotion is valid only for travel from May 7, 2026, through September 15, 2026. BDL-SDF and SDF-BDL promotion is valid only for travel from May 29, 2026, through September 15, 2026. Price displayed includes taxes & government fees. Fare prices, fare classes, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change or exemption without notice. Any changes or modifications to qualifying promotional reservations will be subject to fare repricing. A difference in airfare at the current fare price may apply. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

| MEDIA CONTACTS |
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Breeze Airways
Natalie Chaudoin McKinnley Matson
(502) 363-8507 office (801) 436-3984
(502) 475-8084 cell CorporateCommunications@FlyBreeze.com
Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com B-Roll | Newsroom

Preparing IU Southeast for the Future: A Strategic Review of Our Academic Structure

by with No Comment Member News

By Debbie Ford, Chancellor, Indiana University Southeast   

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (January 22, 2026) – Higher education across the nation is experiencing a period of profound change. Workforce needs are evolving, student expectations are shifting, technology continues to reshape learning, and demographic trends are influencing how universities serve their regions. At Indiana University Southeast, we believe the most responsible response to this changing landscape is to be proactive, transparent, and strategic—always with our students and community at the center.  

That is why this semester, IU Southeast will undertake a comprehensive review of our academic structure. This effort will be guided by a process facilitator from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), a national organization that works closely with public regional universities like ours. Their role is to provide an informed perspective—grounded in national best practices—to help ensure our academic organization is well positioned to support student success, faculty excellence, and regional impact for the future.  

This review is not about cutting corners or diminishing our mission. It is about strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality, relevant education in a sustainable way. Our goal is to ensure IU Southeast remains agile, student-centered, and closely aligned with the workforce and economic needs of Southern Indiana and the greater Louisville region.  

A faculty-led task force is guiding this work in partnership with the AASCU facilitator. Throughout the semester, the group will engage faculty, staff, students, alumni, community leaders, and campus leadership to examine how academic units are organized, how programs are delivered, and how resources are aligned with institutional priorities. This will be a collaborative and transparent process, with no predetermined outcomes.  

It is likely that this review could result in changes to our current six-school academic structure. However, I want to reassure our campus and community that our academic programs will remain. The focus is not on elimination, but on exploring whether programs could be better supported, more connected, better aligned, or more efficient within a different structure. The intent is to strengthen what already works and position IU Southeast for long-term success.  

Similar reviews have taken place on other Indiana University campuses and public universities nationwide. This type of review is a normal and responsible practice in higher education, particularly as institutions work to be strong stewards of public and private resources.  

In recent years, IU Southeast has built strong momentum. We have stabilized enrollment, improved student retention, expanded partnerships with regional employers, launched new academic programs aligned with workforce demand, and increased experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers. This review is a natural next step in building on that progress.  

Public regional universities like IU Southeast play a vital role in expanding access to higher education, strengthening local economies, and developing the next generation of professionals and civic leaders. To continue fulfilling that role, our academic structure must reflect today’s realities—not those of the past. This review will help identify opportunities to enhance collaboration, strengthen advising and student support, reduce unnecessary duplication, and better position programs to meet regional needs.  

For our community partners, alumni, and supporters, I want to emphasize that IU Southeast remains deeply committed to serving as a regional anchor institution—one that opens doors to opportunity, supports workforce development, and contributes to the vitality of Southern Indiana. This work is an investment in that shared future.  

Change in higher education is inevitable. The choice institutions face is whether to react to change or lead through it. At IU Southeast, we choose to lead—thoughtfully, inclusively, and with our students and community at the heart of every decision.  

I look forward to sharing updates as this work moves forward and to continuing meaningful conversations about how we shape the next chapter of IU Southeast together.  
  

About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality, nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts, and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from ten counties in the Louisville region, including Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, and Spencer counties, and discounted tuition for remaining Kentucky residents through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus. 

Contact Information:
Indiana University Southeast 
Contact:  Nancy Jo Trafton 
812-941-2676 
ntrafton@iu.edu 

Advocacy Update 1.21.2026

by with No Comment 1si NewsAdvocacy

We are continuing to learn and monitor policies that may impact our local region. The goal of our Advocacy Agenda is to articulate the opportunities and concerns of Southern Indiana businesses and to speak for them as one voice. 

Our Advocacy Committee continues to meet and discuss relevant bills to our local businesses and constituents. Together, they look forward to going to the statehouse next week where they will speak with elected officials on behalf of the bills and priorities they are monitoring. In the meantime, our Advocacy Committee looks forward to learning more about other bills and local priorities to track in our upcoming advocacy updates. 

We encourage everyone to see upcoming deadlines. 

  • Monday January 26 – Latest Day session must reconvene (IC 2-2.1-1-3) 
  • Thursday January 29 – Last day for 3rd reading of Senate bills in Senate 
  • Thursday January 29 – Last Day for 3rd reading of House bills in the House. 

 

Bills we are monitoring: 

SB 283 Regional Development Tax Credit 

Status: 

  • 1/12/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy 
  • 1/12/2026: Authored by Senators Mishler, Niezgodski 

HB 1101 Regional Economic Development 

Status: 

  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Coauthored by Representatives Snow, Lehman 
  • 1/05/202: Authored by Representative Heine 

HB 1164 Tax Increment Financing Districts 

Status: 

  • 1/05/2026: First Reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Rowray 

 

Bills we oppose: 

HB 1104 Nondisclosure Agreements in Economic Development 

Status: 

  • 1/12/2026: Representative Commons added as coauthor 
  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Greene 

 

You can find a copy of the 1si 2026 Advocacy Agenda by visiting https://1si.org/advocacy/ or downloading a PDF copy here. 

Strengthening Our Collective Voice: IEDA Announces 2026 Leadership

by with No Comment 1si News

New Albany, IN – January 20, 2026 – At the Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA) Annual Meeting this December, a community of practitioners came together not just to reflect on a year of progress, but to empower the leaders who will guide a shared mission forward.

They are proud to announce the election of their new Board Members and Officers for the upcoming year. These individuals represent the heart of Indiana’s economic development profession—bringing diverse expertise from urban centers to rural towns, all united by a single goal: creating opportunity for every Hoosier.

“The Indiana Economic Development Association has been a critical resource and catalyst for collaborative growth in the State of Indiana since 1968, and it is a distinct honor to serve my peers and state as Board Chair,” said the newly elected Board Chair, John Launius. “The IEDA, alongside a membership rich with expertise and experience, will continue to advocate, educate, and ensure statewide connectivity of economic development professionals and partners. I am humbled and excited to serve my peers, partners, and the State of Indiana in such a meaningful way.”

Leading the Way Together
The following leaders were elected by the membership to serve as advocates, mentors, and voices for 2026:

New Officers:
Chair: John Launius, One Southern Indiana
Vice Chair: Bethany Hartley, South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership
Secretary: Tenille Zartman, Grow Wabash County
Treasurer: Bryan Brackemyre, Indiana Municipal Power Agency

New Board Members:
Rachel Huser, Wabash Valley Power Alliance
Corey Murphy, New Castle Henry County Econ. Dev. Corp.
Chris Pfaff, Knox County Indiana Economic Development

###

A Note from the IEDA
Economic development is more than just transactions; it’s about the people behind the progress. As Indiana’s only statewide association dedicated to this profession, IEDA serves as a “professional home” where practitioners find the credibility, belonging, and tools they need to thrive.

When our members are supported, their communities are stronger. We welcome these new leaders to the helm as we continue to share knowledge, influence policy, and invest in the leadership development that ensures long-term prosperity in every corner of our state.

About IEDA
Since 1968, the Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA) has been the united voice for the people building Indiana’s future. Representing over 400 members across local organizations, agencies, and corporations, we are a member-driven network focused on connection and growth. We provide the training and advocacy that empower professionals to turn vision into reality.

For more information on how we’re building opportunity together, visit www.ieda.org.
Media Contact: Jill Ewing, (317) 454-7013

About One Southern Indiana 
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area via the three pillars of Business Resources, Economic Development, and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.
Media Contact: Ellinor Smith, (812) 206-9029

1si Non-Profit Spotlight: Guerin Woods & Providence House

by with No Comment 1si NewsNonprofit Spotlight

Guerin Woods & Providence House provides income-based senior living for independent individuals and a unique residential family reunification program for families involved with the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). Their founders had a vision of a multi-generational campus that would uplift one another as individuals move along in their journey of life. Watch the video below to learn more about their mission and how you can support them.

IU Southeast students to volunteer for MLK Day of Service

by with No Comment Uncategorized

While campus will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Indiana University Southeast students will volunteer around the community for the annual MLK Day of Service.

WHAT: IU Southeast students, alumni, and community partners volunteering at locations in southern Indiana. Students will sign up through Grenadier Central. 

WHO: Representatives from IU Southeast Office of Student Life.

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 19. Students will meet on campus and load buses around 8:30 a.m. They will volunteer at the sites from approximately 9:00 a.m. and return to campus at 11:45 a.m. unless noted.

WHERE:

  • Our Place Drug & Alcohol Education Services
    • 400 E Spring St, New Albany, IN 47150 and 106 S. Capitol Avenue
      Corydon, IN 47112
    • Cleaning, organizing, painting
    • Site contact: MeriBeth Adams-Wolf, Executive Director (New Albany) and Donnie Willis, Director of Clinical Services and Harrison County Program Coordinator  
    • IUS liaison: Megan Kaelin Hicks, 502-599-6639

       
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana
    • 550 S. First Street, Louisville, KY 40202
    • Organizing, cleaning, and food-related tasks
    • Site contact: Dani Harper, Volunteer Coordinator
    • IUS liaison: Amanda Stonecipher, 812-941-2427

       
  • Culbertson Baptist Church and Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana
    • 4007 Grant Line Rd, New Albany, IN 47150
    • Cleaning and laundry for the White Flag Shelter
    • Site contact:  Leslea Townsend Cronin
    • IUS Liaison: Abbie Dupay, 616-724-0275

For more information, contact Abbie Dupay at 812-941-2051 or aedupay@iu.edu.   

Advocacy Update 1.14.2026

by with No Comment 1si NewsAdvocacy

6We are continuing to learn and monitor policies that may impact our local region. This week, Lance Allison (President & CEO of 1si) and Melissa Sprigler (Director of Investor Relations), headed up to the state house to distribute the 1si Advocacy Agenda. The goal of our Advocacy Agenda is to articulate the opportunities and concerns of Southern Indiana businesses and to speak for them as one voice. 

Our Advocacy Committee continues to meet and discuss relevant bills to our local businesses and constituents. This year, 753 bills were committed for review, and we have identified early-stage bills that we will continue to monitor for updates. In the meantime, our Advocacy Committee looks forward to learning more about other bills and local priorities to track in our upcoming advocacy updates. 

We encourage everyone to see upcoming deadlines. 

  • Friday January 16 – Last day Senate bills may be assigned to Senate committees. 
  • Monday January 26 – Latest day session must be reconvened ( IC 2-2. 1-1-3) 
  • Thursday January 29 – Last day for 3rd reading of Senate bills in Senate 
  • Thursday January 29 – Last Day for 3rd reading of House bills in the House. 

 

Bills we are monitoring: 

HB 1101 Regional Economic Development 

Status: 

  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Coauthored by Representatives Snow, Lehman 
  • 1/05/202: Authored by Representative Heine 

 

HB 1164 Tax Increment Financing Districts 

Status: 

  • 1/05/2026: First Reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Rowray 

 

Bills we oppose: 

HB 1104 Nondisclosure Agreements in Economic Development 

Status:

  • 1/12/2026: Representative Commons added as coauthor 
  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Greene 

 

You can find a copy of the 1si 2026 Advocacy Agenda by visiting https://1si.org/advocacy/ or downloading a PDF copy here. 

IU Southeast Earns Prestigious 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification 

by with No Comment Member News

New Albany, Ind. — Indiana University Southeast has earned the prestigious 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, placing the campus among a select group of colleges and universities nationwide recognized for deep, sustained partnerships that advance teaching, learning, and public impact. The designation—awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching—highlights IU Southeast’s long-standing commitment to community engagement. 

“Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all. Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban, and suburban communities nationwide,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors—fostering civic engagement, building usable knowledge, and catalyzing real-world learning experiences for students.” 

IU Southeast is one of 48 institutions receiving the classification for the first time and one of only three in the Kentuckiana region. It is also one of eight institutions in Indiana to earn the designation and the only regional Indiana University campus to do so. 

“IU Southeast is proud of its deep and sustained commitment to our community,” said Chancellor Debbie Ford. “Through community-engaged teaching and learning across our academic programs, our faculty create meaningful opportunities for students to collaborate with local partners, apply their knowledge in real-world settings, and make a lasting impact throughout the region.” 

During the 2023–2024 academic year, IU Southeast students logged more than 2,600 service hours across 631 community engagement activities. These efforts included blood drives, mission projects, fundraising initiatives, participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters, drives benefiting the SouthEats Food Pantry, and the Alzheimer’s Walk. Students, faculty, and staff also participate annually in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. In January 2025, 103 students served at three community sites. 

The Office of Student Life supports student engagement by providing funding for transportation to community activities and excursions, ensuring student organizations have access to resources that strengthen their service and partnership efforts. 

“The designation honors the transformational work IU Southeast students, staff, and faculty do in collaboration with our community partners,” said Dr. Melissa Fry, director of the Applied Research and Education Center (AREC) and professor of sociology and sustainability and regeneration studies. “Through community-engaged learning, research, and service, our students gain experiences that deepen their connection to the region and prepare them to contribute to and lead thriving communities.” 

Academic Affairs and campus departments further support community engagement through funding for class excursions, research, teaching, professional development, and innovation. These resources enable community-engaged research and service-learning initiatives. Both the New Neighbors Education Center (NNEC) and AREC also participate in ongoing dialogue with the communities they serve to ensure programming remains responsive and impactful. 

“This Carnegie designation affirms IU Southeast’s role as a regional anchor institution,” said Vice Chancellor for University Relations Joe Glover. “Our partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders strengthen workforce development, fuel innovation, and help create the conditions for long-term economic growth across Southern Indiana and the greater Louisville region. When our community thrives, our students thrive—and this recognition reflects that shared success.” 

In the 2026 cycle, 237 institutions earned the Community Engagement Classification, joining those previously classified to bring the total number of institutions holding the designation nationwide to 277. The 2026 cohort includes 157 public institutions, 80 private colleges and universities, and 81 Minority Serving Institutions. 

About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from ten counties in the Louisville region, including Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, and Spencer counties and discounted tuition for remaining Kentucky residents through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

About the Carnegie Classifications

The Carnegie Classifications are the nation’s leading framework for categorizing and describing colleges and universities in the United States. Utilized frequently by policymakers, funders, and researchers, the Classifications are a critical benchmarking tool for postsecondary institutions. ACE and the Carnegie Foundation announced a partnership in February 2022 to reimagine the Classifications to better reflect the diversity of postsecondary institutions and more completely characterize the impact that today’s institutions have in society.

About ACE

ACE is a membership organization that leads higher education with a united vision for the future, galvanizing our members to make change and collaborating across the sector to design solutions for today’s challenges, serve the needs of a diverse student population, and shape effective public policy. As the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of nearly 1,600 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X @ACEducation and LinkedIn.

About the Carnegie Foundation

The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life. Enacted by an act of Congress in 1906, the Foundation has a rich history of driving transformational change in the education sector, including the establishment of TIAA-CREF and the creation of the Education Testing Service, the GRE, Pell Grants, and the Carnegie Classifications for Higher Education. Today, the Foundation is dedicated to the transformation of the American high school and making the postsecondary sector a more vital engine for economic mobility.