NEW ALBANY, Ind. (September 30, 2025) – Indiana University Southeast Chancellor Debbie Ford and Spalding University President Anne Kenworthy have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Preferred Admissions Pathway between the two institutions.
This new agreement creates opportunities for IU Southeast students to seamlessly transition into select graduate-level healthcare programs at Spalding University, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT), and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD).
Under the agreement, Spalding will offer IU Southeast graduates an expedited admissions process with priority consideration for these high-demand programs. To qualify, students must complete their undergraduate degree at IU Southeast and meet Spalding University’s admission criteria for each program.
“We are excited to collaborate with Spalding University to create clear pathways for our students into graduate healthcare programs,” said Debbie Ford, chancellor of IU Southeast. “This partnership not only opens doors for our graduates to pursue advanced degrees, but it also strengthens the pipeline of healthcare professionals who are so critically needed in our region. Many of these graduates will stay in southern Indiana and Louisville, making a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
“This partnership with Indiana University Southeast represents a shared commitment to student success and opportunity, said Dr. Anne Kenworthy, president of Spalding University. “By creating clear pathways into graduate programs, we are helping students dream bigger, achieve more, and prepare to meet the needs of the times, in keeping with Spalding University’s mission.”
Daniela Reuter, a fourth-year student at the Spalding School of Professional Psychology summarized her experience with the two universities, “I have the privilege of being a practicum student here in the IU Southeast Counseling and Psychological Services office,” said Reuter. “I wish I had the mentorship and support future IUS students will now have with this collaboration. I am honored to be here to witness two incredible universities come together to shape the future and I am confident that many students from IUS and Spalding will benefit from this relationship, and the field of psychology will be better for it.”
The signing ceremony took place September 30 at Indiana University Southeast, celebrating a shared vision of educational excellence, community service, and regional workforce development.
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 Spalding University
Founded in 1814 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Spalding University is a co-educational private institution situated in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. Dedicated to academic excellence and service, Spalding empowers students to meet the needs of the times and inspire positive change in the world. For more information about Spalding University, visit www.spalding.edu.
For more information, contact:
Indiana University Southeast
Nancy Jo Trafton
812-941-2676
ntrafton@iu.edu
Spalding University
Kylyn Schnelle
502-873-4276
kschnelle@spalding.edu
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