2026 Silver Creek High School to host 2nd College & Career Day

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On April 9th, 2026 Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg, IN will host our 2nd College & Career Day.  Far more than a simple job fair, this event brings the entire student body together to engage with 90+ local businesses, colleges, and business leaders!  All 1000+ students will attend breakout sessions and visit the massive vendor fair.  Indiana education leader and CEO of the STARTedUP Foundation Don Wettrick will be our morning keynote speaker.  Over $20,000 in donations from local businesses will be given to entrepreneurial SCHS Students to help launch their business!

See last year’s award winners here.

Party with the Animals: Mayor Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo invite you to celebrate February’s “Birthday Bash”

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 24, 2026) — Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo invite you to celebrate some of the Zoo’s most beloved animal residents with February birthdays on Saturday, Feb. 28. This new “Birthday Bash” event launched in 2026, will be a monthly series of animal birthday celebrations that will continue throughout the year.

Watch as these birthday stars enjoy species-specific custom enrichment treats designed just for them. Plus, guests can enjoy special keeper talks that reveal fascinating animal stories and care insights.

Birthday Bash schedule (subject to change):

10:10 a.m.       Bongo Gladys (6)                                                         Bongo yard

10:30 a.m.       Dalmatian pelicans Paul (7) and Wart (10)                 Islands

11:00 a.m.       Little penguins

                        Kororaa (kah roar ah) (9), Bishop (4), Paul (9), Toby (13), and Ziti (3)

                                                                                                            Islands

11:30 a.m.       African penguins

                        Chuck (15), Norris (6), and Nigel (10)                         Islands

Noon                Emus Bob and Rico (both 19)                                     Australia

12:30 p.m.       Meerkat Barry (12)                                                     Meerkat

The February Birthday Bash is free with Zoo admission. Plan your visit and see the full schedule at https://louisvillezoo.org/birthdaybash.

Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.

About the Zoo
The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. For more information visit www.louisvillezoo.org.

CONTACT:  Kyle Shepherd

502-238-5331 (media cell 502-744-5639)

Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

IU Southeast Computer Science Team places 2nd in Midwest Regional CCDC State Qualifier Round

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New Albany, Ind – A team of eight Indiana University Southeast students placed 2nd in the state qualifier round of the recent Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. The team competed against 16 other teams from Indiana and Minnesota on January 31, 2026,  and will now advance to the Wild Card qualifier round. 

The CCDC is an online cyber defense challenge that focuses on the efforts needed to manage, maintain, and protect a virtual commercial network from a very hostile team comprised of professional attackers.

In the Wild Card round, IU Southeast will face the 2nd and 3rd place finishers from the other state competitions in the region. The competition will be similar to the past two rounds in November and January, but more challenging.

Associate Computer Science Professor John Doyle coaches the team and is the advisor for the Computer Science Group. Doyle said there were a lot of strong, well-qualified teams in the competition.

“The 2nd place finish reflects the dedication and hard work that helped this team have one of the best performances since IU Southeast began competing in CCDC in 2012. The students on this team are some of the best students in the Computer Science department. Their hard work in their classes and participation in the Computer Science Group meetings really paid off at this year’s State qualifier.”

Most of the team members are pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with the Cybersecurity Track or are earning IU Southeast’s Cybersecurity Certificate in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. 

Team members included:

Jonah Facer (captain), Georgetown, Ind.

John Aaron, Charlestown, Ind.

Jacob Braswell, Charlestown, Ind.

Anastasia McDaniel, Lexington, Ind.

Andrew Nale, Corydon, Ind.

Andon Payton, Sellersburg, Ind.

Andrew Swartz Depauw, Ind.

Jessica Ward, Scottsburg, Ind.

The Wild Card Qualifier Round will take place on February 21, 2026.

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.

The Mustard Seed Announces Valentine’s Giveaway to Support Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

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Southern Indiana — February 2026 — This Valentine’s season, The Mustard Seed is inviting the community to share love with purpose through a special in-store Valentine’s Giveaway taking place at all three Mustard Seed thrift store locations in Floyds Knobs, Sellersburg, and Corydon, Indiana.

The giveaway is designed to both thank shoppers for their generosity and visibly demonstrate community support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse — the heart of The Mustard Seed’s mission.

During the giveaway period, any shopper who chooses to round up their purchase or make a monetary donation at checkout will receive a paper heart. Shoppers are invited to write their name on the front and their contact information on the back of the heart, which will then be displayed in-store as a public show of support for survivors.

At the close of business on Saturday, each Mustard Seed location — Floyds Knobs, Sellersburg, and Corydon — will randomly select one heart, resulting in three total winners. Each selected participant will receive a $100 Mustard Seed gift card. Winners will be contacted directly the following Monday.

All funds raised through round-ups and donations help The Mustard Seed continue its mission of connecting survivors to healing resources, including trauma-informed counseling and other supportive services.

The Valentine’s Giveaway will take place at all Mustard Seed thrift store locations in Floyds Knobs, Sellersburg, and Corydon, Indiana. Community members are encouraged to stop in, shop with purpose, and help fill the stores with hearts — both on the walls and in action.

For more information about The Mustard Seed or its mission, visit www.themustardseedthrift.com or follow along on social media.

About The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting survivors of childhood sexual abuse to healing resources through funding, education, and prevention. The organization is primarily funded through its thrift stores located in Southern Indiana.

Media Contact:
Elle Fleenor
Director of Marketing, Media, & E-Commerce
The Mustard Seed
elle@mustardseedthrift.com
(812) 595-4183

Louisville Muhammad Ali International AirportCelebrates Another Year of Success

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Airport experienced Top 3 busiest year ever, remained a global leader in cargo operations and investment progressed on SDF Next Program

Louisville, KY (February 5, 2026) – The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport(SDF) marked another year of success in 2025 including celebrating its third busiest year for passenger traffic following its top two record years in 2023 and 2024. Last year, 4.59 million total passengers flew in or out of SDF with Sunday, May 4, 2025 (the day after the Kentucky Derby) serving as the airport’s busiest day yet with 18,500 departing seats.


In 2025, a total of 19 nonstop routes increased their capacity throughout the year while eight of these were by double-digits. Eight airlines continue providing service to more than 40 nonstop destinations from Louisville, including last year’s launch of service to Nashville (BNA) on Southwest Airlines that provides convenient connections to more than 75 cities across the country.


“Passenger figures remained consistently strong throughout last year,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates SDF. “To experience three consecutive years of record-setting growth, all of which mark the highest passenger totals in SDF’s history is a testament to the community’s support and the robust air service options available to travelers at our airport.”


SDF Next Program Investment
Progress continues on the SDF Next Program, a comprehensive capital improvement initiative that will see more than $1 billion invested in the airfield and Jerry E. Abramson Terminal. To date, more than $364 million in projects have been completed with more than $565 million in additional investment expected between now and 2028.


Terminal highlights from 2025 include progress on the new security checkpoint expansion, a 30,000 square feet addition with 10 passenger screening lanes that will house the latest technology is scheduled to be operational by early 2027. On the airfield, the first phase of Taxiway B reconstruction was completed along with various electrical upgrades and pavement rehabilitation to areas of SDF’s runways and taxiways.


Looking ahead to 2026 in the terminal, nearly $70 million in significant improvements to the post-security area along Concourses A and B just recently kicked off that include mechanical upgrades, skylight replacement and an overhaul of all gate waiting areas. On the airfield, reconstruction of both Taxiways B and D are expected, totaling $40 million in investment to improve operational efficiencies for aircraft.


Global Leader in Cargo
Cargo operations at SDF remained strong last year as home of UPS Worldport, the center point of their global air network. The airport also set another record for its busiest year for cargo operations with nearly 7.5 billion pounds of cargo handled in 2025, besting the previous year by more than 13%. With this record, it’s believed that SDF will likely be the no. 1 busiest airport for cargo operations in North America and remain within the Top 5 in the world. Airports Council International World is expected to release its preliminary World Airport Traffic Report in the Spring with updated rankings for 2025.


An Economic Engine for the State
The Airport Authority including SDF and Bowman Field, the crucial general aviation reliever airport for the community, continue to be the no. 1 economic powerhouse for aviation in the state. Each year, airport and airport-related activities generate $12.8 billion in economic impact and $550 million in state and local tax revenue, or $1 in every $6 in Louisville Metro tax revenue. Plus, nearly 90,000 jobs – or 1 in 8 jobs in Louisville Metro – can be attributed to airport operations.


“SDF is leading the way for our community, our region and the state,” added Mann. “We continue to be a major economic driver, global leader in cargo operations and set new passenger records. We are well positioned to continue this momentum into 2026 for another successful year.”


| Media Materials |
Defying Expectation Presentation from Executive Director Dan Mann during his annual Year-End Briefing.


SDF Fact Sheet 2025

 

About Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Owned and operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is the state’s premier airport, serving more Kentuckians annually than any other airport in the Commonwealth. Eight commercial passenger airlines offer nonstop service to more than 40 nonstop destinations from Louisville. SDF is home to UPS Worldport, moving millions of tons of products each year, making it the no. 1 busiest cargo airport in North America and Top 5 in the world. Aviation is an economic powerhouse for the region that generates $12.8 billion in economic impact every year. One in 8 jobs is generated by SDF and Bowman Field and their aviation partners. Visit www.FlyLouisville.com to learn more.

Contact: Natalie Chaudoin
(502) 363-8507 office
(502) 475-8084 cell
Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com

 

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

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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

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

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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

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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 

IU Southeast Earns Prestigious 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification 

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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.

Spherion Jeffersonville’s Spencer Geer Helps Lead General Staffing Office of the Year Win

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Local Staffing and Recruiting Business Nationally Recognized for Record Growth and Workforce Impact

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. – Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) in Jeffersonville announced that it has been named the franchise company’s General Staffing Office of the Year. Spencer Geer, branch manager, played a key role in the office’s record-setting growth and continued impact in connecting local employers with top talent.

“During our second full year in Jeffersonville, we focused on the fundamentals really well,” said Geer. “We showed up for our clients, responded quickly, and made sure we were placing the right people in the right roles. The growth followed because of the trust we’ve built with local businesses and candidates. This recognition validates the work our team is doing every day in the Jeffersonville market.

Spherion has served the Jeffersonville community since opening its office in 2022. Geer joined the team in 2023 as a recruiter and account manager and was promoted to branch manager in 2025, where he oversees day-to-day operations. His progression with Spherion reflects both his individual leadership development and the team’s commitment to developing talent from within. Geer enjoys supporting the Jeffersonville community and local employers with trusted staffing and recruiting solutions.

Spherion’s General Staffing Office of the Year award recognizes the location with the highest year-over-year revenue growth nationwide. The Jeffersonville office delivered 511% year-over-year revenue growth, achieved 197% growth in direct hire, and added six new client accounts, while maintaining a 4.9-star Google rating and a strong safety record. These impressive results distinguished the Jeffersonville team among Spherion’s general staffing offices across the country and demonstrate the persistence and dedication of Geer’s local team.

“Watching this team grow since our opening has been incredibly rewarding,” said Brock Wicker, franchise owner of Spherion Jeffersonville. “Spencer leads with care, consistency, and a strong sense of responsibility to both our internal team and clients and candidates. What matters most to me is the culture this team has built, the way they support one another, and the community they serve.”

Each Spherion office enriches its community by connecting and facilitating employment opportunities every day—and when successful, the office and its investments flow back into the neighborhoods it serves. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.

To learn more about Spherion Jeffersonville, visit www.spherion.com/jeffersonville.

About Spherion

Transform your workforce with Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, where local expertise meets national connections. For 80 years, we’ve been strategically helping businesses and job seekers thrive across America. Backed by the world’s most equitable and specialized talent company, our network of independent franchisees brings personalized service to 200+ communities, connecting more than 4,000 businesses with exceptional candidates through temporary, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and on-site hiring solutions. Our commitment to being a premier staffing partner shows through results: Our 4.9/5 national Google review rating and recognition as a Top 10 Staffing Company to Work for by World Staffing Awards, plus inclusion on Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises and Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500 list. Partner with Spherion to strengthen your business or transform your career.

CONTACT: Peyton Harvey
All Points Public Relations
pharvey@allpointspr.com