Chancellor Person heads WDSI board
July 27, 2006
KOKOMO, Ind.— Indiana University Kokomo Chancellor Ruth J. Person will chair the board of directors for Workforce Development Strategies Inc. (WDSI) in 2006–2007. Based at Grissom Aeroplex south of Peru, WDSI brings together north central Indiana leaders in economic development, education, and business to discover solutions that will lead to a better workforce and stronger economy. It primarily serves Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Tipton, and Wabash counties.
A new 12-member board was elected in early July as part of WDSI’s realignment and new focus. IU Kokomo alumna Laura Sheets, Kokomo, was elected executive board secretary. Other officers include vice chair Dave Voris, Tipton, and treasurer Arden Cramer, Logansport.
Chancellor Person, who has served on the WDSI board since August 2002, praised the vital work of WDSI and its connection to IU Kokomo’s mission. “WDSI’s workforce data is used extensively by Indiana University Kokomo to plan new academic degree programs that are aligned with regional needs,” she said. Some examples would include the campus’ programs in radiography and medical imaging technology, as well as its’ Master of Science in Nursing, focused on preparing community health clinical nurse specialists.
Chancellor Person said that Vicki Byrd, president and CEO of WDSI, has contributed to IU Kokomo efforts through service on the Chancellor’s Advisory Board.
WDSI and IU Kokomo are both partners in the North Central Indiana Transformation Network. Supported by a $15 million U.S. Department of Labor’s WIRED Initiative grant received in 2005, the network will look at creating opportunities for older workers and new business start-ups in a 14-county region. With its $700,000 portion of the grant, IU Kokomo will develop curricula that support regional entrepreneurship and help college graduates remain in Indiana following graduation.
