University adds options for local working adults and high school students

New dean plans significant growth in Angola, Fort Wayne, South Bend and Merrillville

Local education will soon get a major boost from one of northern Indiana's educational leaders. Tri-State University will introduce several new options for adult learners and a new dual-credit program for high school students. The new initiatives will be lead by the university's new Dean of the School of Professional Studies.

"We have been successful helping adults in the Angola, Fort Wayne, South Bend and Merrillville area earn their degrees," stated Dr. Earl D. Brooks II, president of Tri-State University. "But we have been unable to serve all those with a desire to graduate from college. This new initiative will address those students. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Jean Deller, who has served TSU for more than 20 years, accept the role of Dean, School of Professional Studies."

Deller, most recently Dean of Student Life, is ready for her new assignment. "TSU has done its homework," she says. "We know the demands on working adults today and our goal is to find ways to allow them to continue their education and earn a degree in the most effective manner possible. There is a tremendous need in Indiana to serve adult learners, and I am excited to be working on their behalf."

While TSU has been offering traditional degree programs since 1994 in several locations across Indiana, this new initiative will include expanded course offerings and additional options for the adult learner. According to Deller, these will include accelerated learning, credit for life experience, evening and weekend classes, certificate programs and "training to go" where through partnerships with local businesses, training will be taken directly to the employee.

Also under Deller's guidance is the university's partnerships with area high schools. Presently known as Middle College, the program allows teenagers to take college courses while still in high school and receive dual-credit. The TSU model has been praised by Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed, and it compliments efforts by the Indiana legislature this spring (HEA 1314) to encourage college partnerships with high schools. TSU's goal is to expand the program's availability across northern Indiana.

"The Middle College concept is a wonderful way to introduce teenagers to college academics and allow them to earn college credit while still in high school. It is a great way to challenge our bright students to excel in their studies," said Deller.

TSU School of Professional Studies, formerly known as the Adult Career and Professional Program, was founded in 1994. The program is designed to provide quality higher education learning opportunities for adults who want to advance in their careers. The School of Professional Studies began in Fort Wayne and expanded to South Bend in 1997. The Merrillville campus and Angola evening program began in 1998.

TSU Middle College began with federal charter school dollars in 2003 under the leadership of Cheryl Thomas, TSU Middle College Coordinator, and currently is funded through the Indiana Department of Education. Through a partnership with several area high schools, the program provides educational experiences to students in northeast Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, as well as a number of home-schooled teenagers. The teens attend various classes and receive college credit. The program began with four students and has grown to 43 students from eight schools (public and private) plus home-schoolers.

Deller has been with the university for many years. Her relationship with TSU began in 1980 as a member of the faculty. She served as an adjunct professor, sports information director, assistant athletic director, associate professor of education and chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Science. Most recent, Deller has been the Dean of Student Life for the Angola campus overseeing student life activities, student organizations and housing.