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In this section • Business • Health Sciences • Liberal Arts Elective Courses Faculty General Liberal Studies Programs Transfer Agreements • School of Public & Social Service • School of Technology Liberal Arts Faculty
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Gary FacultyValparaiso Faculty
East Chicago FacultyMichigan City Faculty

Gary Campus(219) 981-1111
Adamski, John
Position: Faculty
Email: jadamski@ivytech.edu
Room: T-201
Phone: x. 2370
Office Hours
Credentials
Alspaugh, Deborah
Mathematics/Science
Position: Program Chair
Email: dalspaug@ivytech.edu
Room: T-201
Phone: x. 2372
Office Hours
Credentials
Stipp Evans, Deborah
Psychology/Sociology
Position: Social Sciences Program Chair, Assistant Professor
Email: dstipp@ivytech.edu
Room: T-201
Phone: x. 2224
Office Hours
Credentials Working on Ph.D. in Human Services, M.A. in Behavioral Sciences, B.A. in Sociology, State Licensed Social Worker Capella University

Teaching Philosophy – My classes are extremely interactive utilizing discussion, media, the internet and research materials. We learn a lot about the subject and ourselves and we have fun doing it.

Personal Interests – Outside of the college, I enjoy life with my husband, our cats, traveling, movies, reading good mystery novels and jazz music. I volunteer for the American Heart Association.

History with the college – I’ve taught many years as an adjunct. I have also worked 4 ½ years in the Admissions department as a counselor.

Hollingsworth, Genetha
English/Communication
Position: Program Chair
Email: gholling@ivytech.edu
Room: T-201
Phone: x. 2210
Office Hours
Credentials
Mas, Jose

Position: Faculty
Email: jmas@ivytech.edu
Room: C-210
Phone: x. 2352
Office Hours
Credentials
Neary, James
Mathematics/Science
Position:
Email: jneary@ivytech.edu
Room: C-237
Phone: x. 2279
Office Hours
Credentials
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Valparaiso Campus(219) 464-8514
 
Idowu, Tolulope
English/Communication
Position: Program Chair
Email: tidowu@ivytech.edu
Room: V-08
Phone: x. 258
Office Hours
Credentials B.Ed, M.A. M.A.L.S (Valparaiso University, Fall 2006)
Jeftich, Danny
General Education - Social Sciences
Position: Program Chair
Email: djeftich@ivytech.edu
Room:
Phone: x. 215
Office Hours
Credentials Master of Science in Education

Teaching Philosophy I believe one should treat people with dignity, respect and compassion You do NOT demand respect, you earn it overtime. Be a positive leader and lead by example. Look for good in all the people. Once must have an open mind to new ideas, new ways to teaching and learning. In addition, we need to be more aware of different learning styles which we must learn and adopt to match our teaching style. Our teaching style should match our students learning styles. We need to make adjustments in out approach and delivery in order to be the most effective instructors.

Stduents must have a serious work ethic in order to be successful and meet their goals.

The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goals. The tragedy of life lies in having No Goals to reach.

I also believe that some succeed becuse they are destined to; however, most succeed becasue they are DETERIMINED to.
In conclusion, teaching and coaching is the most important job in out society. We play a vital role in helping people achieve their academic and Life Goals.

Personal Interests Coaching and Teaching kids and adulys

History with the college 19 years with the college

Other informtion Believe in yourself, be confident, positive and never give up!!

Joseski, Toni
General Education
Position: Mathematics Faculty
Email: tjoseski@ivytech.edu
Room: V05
Phone: x. 272
Office Hours

Mr. Toni Joseski

Credentials MS - Engineering Purdue University Calumet 2003,
BS - Electrical Engineering Purdue University Calumet 2002,
ASS - Electronics Technology IVY TECH State College 1997

Teaching Philosophy Math and algebra are very easy, that is IF you understand them. I, as an instructor am trying my best to help you understand the concept of the material covered. You, the students, have to be willing to accept the challenge of learning new tools, new methods and then apply them to solve problems that seemed impossible to solve in early September.

My favorite question form students is: “And, when in my life I will solve polynomials”.

My answer is:” It’s not the actual solution of polynomials that’s important, the critical thinking and using all the tools that we have learned to solve it, is what’s important.

In real life we are challenged with all kinds of problems every day. If you could relate the way we solved complex problems in classroom to solve every day problems, then you could say that passing the algebra class and receiving the college degree was well worth it”.

Personal Interests I enjoy traveling, seeing the skyline of New York, South Beach and Vegas was as exciting to me as exploring the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach, or enjoying a lunch overlooking the Niagara Falls.

I love watching sports whether it is NBA, NFL, baseball, soccer, Olympics. I am a big Chicago teams fan. I like the Bulls, the Bears and I like the Cubs and Sox equally.

History with the college I was an IVY Tech student from 1995 to 1997. I received an Associate Degree in Electronics Technology from IVY Tech which allowed me to transfer to Purdue and pursue degree in engineering.

I have been a full time math instructor at IVY Tech since January of 2004. I teach all levels of math courses offered at the Valparaiso Campus.

Other informtionI am from small country in the southeastern Europe called Macedonia. I came to the USA in 1994 as an International Student speaking limited English. I went to numerous schools, libraries, adult learning centers to learn English. In the fall of 1995 I enrolled for classes at IVY Tech State College.

From my experience as a student and now an instructor I can say that Ivy Tech Community College is the right place to start the college career. If a student’s main objective is to get an associate degree, Ivy Tech Community College offers a variety of programs and classes at a very affordable price. If the student has a desire to continue toward a baccalaureate and higher degrees, as I did, Ivy Tech Community College is the perfect place to complete the first two years at more affordable cost and at the proximity of their homes.

Sargent, Mary Kathleen
General Education
Position: Assistant Professor of Biology
Email: msargent@ivytech.edu
Room: Valparaiso Campus
Phone: x. 214
Office Hours
Credentials B.S., M.S., University of Alabama in Birmingham

Teaching Philosophy Teachers are facilitators who assist each unique student achieve their goals and realize their potential.

History with the college Adjunct Gary faculty 1996-1998; Full-time Valparaiso faculty since 1998

Stalevski, Liljana
Mathematics/Science
Position: Program Chair
Email: lstalevs@ivytech.edu
Room:
Phone: x. 220
Office Hours
Credentials
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East Chicago Campus(219) 392-3600
 
Hernandez, Dr. Carlos
Mathematics/Psychology
Position: Program Chair
Email: chernand@ivytech.edu
Room: 110
Phone:x. 232
Office Hours

Dr. Carlos Hernandez

Credentials M.D., Universidad Industrial de Santander in Columbia.
Medical practice in Columbia until 1995, mainly for government health care facilities.

Teaching Philosophy As a physician in Columbia, I never expected to end up in education. I started at Ivy Tech as a student to brush my English skills and ended up staying as a professor. Through my experience as an instructor I have found out how passionate I am about the academic field. Now I am totally dedicated to this profession, and very happy to be part of the Ivy Tech family. I recognize that personal life can be enriched by learning, and that everything that we learn has potential applications in our existence. By sharing our knowledge we can constructively affect other people’s life. My passion is science, and I am very happy that this profession allows me to share my love of science with Ivy Tech students. It is a great satisfaction to see students learning, getting degrees, and making progress in their lives.

Personal Interests Science, Soccer, computers and programming.

History with the college faculty 1998-2005; Full-time faculty since 2005

Riddle, Jared
English/Communication
Position: Program Chair
Email: jriddle@ivytech.edu
Room: 107b
Phone: x. 227
Office Hours

Jared Riddle

Credentials M.A., Purdue University, 2005 English
B.A., Indiana University, 1994 Theatre

Teaching Philosophy I strive to be the kind of teacher I was fortunate enough to have. I am sincere in my acknowledgement to the teachers who shaped my life. I am a product of excellence in education, and I am bound by that same responsibility to my students. Most students can name one teacher who greatly influenced their lives; I was fortunate to have dozens, ranging from grade school to university whom I recognize as those who significantly shaped my life and inspired my life decisions. I have an obligation to be on the cutting edge of scholarship, to instill confidence in students, colleagues, and the community, to inspire students to academic and life success, and to seek out the wisdom of others in shaping my choices. Teaching is not a job; it is a way of life, and I agree with the idea that teachers should be held to a higher standard of behavior and are role models in their communities.
I organize my courses in terms of issues—contested topics for which there is no definitive answer. Students seem to be more engaged with course materials when they deal with issues through the texts rather than the texts themselves. In addition, I believe it is best to vary the ways in which one delivers material to students (oral, written, and visual—even auditory). Typically, I introduce new materials with lecture, hold class discussion and/or small group discussion, and either begin and/or end with a writing exercise. What I try to do is to get students to see the assumptions, values, and beliefs operating in texts and understand how those assumptions, values, and beliefs make certain things in the world possible and other things impossible.

Personal Interests I am an avid Disney enthusiast, I am actively involved in Northwest Indiana Community Theatre, and I am dedicated to the education and enrichment of the children of Gary Housing Authority.

History with the college I have taught at Ivy Tech Community College Northwest for over a decade.

Professional Affiliations East Chicago Arts Initiative, Board Member, 2005-present
Modern Language Association, member, 2003 - present
National Council of Teacher’s of English, member, 2000 – present

Honors and Distinctions Recipient – President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction. 2004.
Recipient– Recognition of Dedication to the Youth of the City of Gary. 2002 – 2005.
Master Teacher – Ivy Tech State College Academy of Instructional Excellence. 2002.
President – Omega Eta chapter-Alpha Psi Omega National Honorary 1992 – 1994.

Rosillo, Dr. Laura
Position: Associate Professor of General Education and Program Chair for Science and Sociology
Science/Sociology
lrosillo@ivytech.edu
Room: 208
Phone: x. 228
Office Hours
Credentials B.A. in Biology, Indiana University
M.D., Indiana University School of Medicine

Teaching Philosophy I consider the instructor-student relationship a partnership. A contract is drawn in which the student promises to put forth the commitment and effort and the instructor puts forth the guidance and leadership for the student to learn. The educator is less an autocratic superior but more a manager who organizes and interprets the material to the student. The student is not passive, but very active and self-driven. No one can teach students anatomy; I only help them so they teach themselves. This way, students grow, both personally and professionally. When they complete my classes, most students leave with confidence and a great sense of accomplishment.

Personal Interests I am a simple person, of simple tastes. When I was young I thought I wanted it all: money, success, knowledge, etc. As a very grown up “grown-up,” I realize that a mansion and an expensive car, although nice, would not make me happy. What I want out of life is very simple: I want to always be surrounded by my family. I value this the most. I want to guide my son so that he becomes a wholesome and happy individual. I want to have the time to read because I have an incredible thirst for knowledge. And I want to educate and share my love for science with my students.

History with the college I started working as adjunct faculty in the summer of 1996. In January of 1997 I accepted a full time position in the General Education department. I mostly teach Anatomy and Physiology classes, including ANP 101, ANP 102, and ANP 201. In the past I have also taught Microbiology and classes such as Medical Terminology and Math for Health Professionals. I also teach some classes for the Mortuary Program.

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Michigan City Campus(219) 879-9137
 
Burr, V. Noelle
Position: Instructor / Program Chair
English/Communication
Email: vburr@ivytech.edu
Room: 316
Phone: x. 241
Office Hours
Credentials B.A. in German and International Studies
MA, English with an additional 18 hr concentration in Communications

Teaching Philosophy Writing is not something that is taught so much as it is explored. As a teacher, my goal is to encourage students to examine what they write, not for errors, but to consider the multitude of possibilities available for expressing their thoughts. I believe learning, and writing in particular, occurs when we acquire the “tools” of our trade and experiment. Only when we have seen a variety of possibilities can we make choices both effective and efficient. Learning is evident when we make sound choices.

Personal Interests I am a poet at heart, but I love to write anything. I also enjoy hiking in the Ozarks, traveling, and learning new languages.

History with the college First year with Ivy Tech

Downs, Dr. Dale
Position: Program Chair, Associate Professor
General Education, Mathematics/Science
ddowns@ivytech.edu
Room: H316
Phone: x. 264
Office Hours
Credentials Ph.D. - Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1998
M.S. - Physics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1990
B.S. - Physics (Minor: Mathematics), Loyola University of Chicago, 1988

Teaching Philosophy I believe that the most important factor in a student's academic success is the desire to learn. My job as a teacher is to provide students with the tools, materials, and guidance to master new and challenging ideas. Acquiring knowledge is a simple matter of being exposed to facts, but true learning only takes place when students are actively involved in the learning process. My number one goal as a teacher is to encourage students to try to understand new ideas and not simply memorize facts.

Personal Interests My pastimes/hobbies include: Astronomy, men's 16" softball, coaching Little League, hiking, camping, canoeing and just about any outdoor activity, SSS.

Merrill, Dr. David
Position: Program Chair Science and Psychology
Science/Psychology
dmerrill@ivytech.edu
Room: H316
Phone: x. 246
Office Hours
CredentialsBachelor of Science in Biology
Doctor of Chiropractic

Teaching Philosophy Although I am called a teacher, I believe my most important task in class is to inspire. The simple transference of knowledge is not enough. I think back to my favorite teachers and they were universally inspirational to me. I saw in them a love for their field. Their love and enthusiasm inspired me to learn, to continue on and reach for higher goals. Without inspiration of some fine teachers I might not have continued, so, I am unabashedly enthusiastic in class and hope this inspires all of my students!

Personal Interests Fishing, history

History with the college Full time faculty for 5 years

photo Gary Campus
Regional Academic Affairs Office

Dr. Deborah Halik,
Dean Academic Affairs
Dr. Deborah Halik
Gary Campus
1440 East 35th Avenue
Gary, IN 46409
(219) 981-4447
Changing Lives...   
Changing Northwest Indiana
Ivy Tech Community College
East Chicago, Gary,
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& Valparaiso
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