Administrators, legislators discuss possible IPFW separation

The Indiana Select Commission on Education met Tuesday to hear testimonies from legislators and administrators regarding a potential separation of IU-Purdue University Fort Wayne from its parent schools.

No one advocated complete autonomy, but many pointed out problems with the current governance. The campus is currently managed by Purdue University.
State Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, and state Sen. James Banks, R-Columbia City, have led the push to bring the issue of governance of the regional campus to
the forefront.

“Purdue, over the years, has seemingly not given more local control as the campus has matured,” said Kruse, an IPFW graduate. “A lot of people in the area want a little more, or total, autonomy.”

Many testimonies addressed the pitfalls associated with total independence, including the issue of brand identity.

"It is important to earn a degree and important to recognize Purdue and IU have franchise values," said Victor Lechtenberg, Purdue's acting provost and president for academic affairs.

Speakers noted students have expressed concern that the value of a degree would deteriorate if the regional campus was no longer affiliated with IU or Purdue.
Although the current arrangement allows the regional campus to enjoy the
benefit of course offerings from both parent schools, some said it needs reform.

Andrew Downs, presiding officer of the Fort Wayne Senate for IPFW, said distribution of resources is a problem within the school's management.

IPFW Chancellor Emeritus Michael Wartell also listed grievances with the
current governance.

“No members of the Board of Trustees graduated from a regional campus, and none reside in or near the IPFW service area,” he said. “They can neither understand the regional campus experience, nor can they represent it.”

Kruse said bills might be introduced in the next year. Many speakers agreed that IPFW’s partnership with IU and Purdue could be stronger with reform.

“There is no question, I think, we could be even more successful with a few well-planned changes,” IPFW Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs Steven Sarratore said.