The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Posted on Sun, May. 06, 2007

Ivy Tech’s new leader
The process to hire a new president at Ivy Tech Community College was a bruising, stumbling affair. The end product, however, is a president-elect who appears well prepared to lead the fast-growing system in the direction it needs to go.

Thomas Snyder, former president and CEO of Remy International, was in Fort Wayne on Friday to meet with Ivy Tech Northeast officials and students. He will replace Gerald Lamkin as president July 1.

Ivy Tech trustees split on the selection of a new leader, with some clearly supporting Gov. Mitch Daniels’ choice, Ivy Tech Executive Vice President Carol D’Amico.

But the divided board also suggests a difference of opinion with regard to Ivy Tech’s mission, with those supporting Snyder clearly targeting the community college’s role in workforce development over a role as the gateway to higher education for all Indiana students.

Snyder is well qualified to continue Ivy Tech’s strong performance in preparing students for jobs in an ever-changing, global economy. His familiarity with the college’s background in workforce and economic development suggests it will be a primary focus.