Evansville recognizes Jamale Thacker and Joseph Hostetler for their commitment to Ivy Tech
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Ivy Tech Foundation has honored 37 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactors from across Indiana, recognizing high-achieving graduates and generous donors and supporters who help to elevate Ivy Tech Community College’s mission. Those recognized represent each of the College’s 19 campuses and include both people and organizations that have made Ivy Tech stronger.
Jamale Thacker and Joseph Hostetler, selected by the Evansville Campus, were named Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor of the year, respectively, for their work in the community.
Selected through a highly competitive process, each recipient across Indiana has made a lasting impact on their community and on Ivy Tech by demonstrating outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments. Those selected were recognized on September 26 at a celebration in downtown Indianapolis.
Jamale Thacker, the Distinguished Alumni award recipient, serves as the Dean of the Frank L. Hilton, M.D., School of Health Sciences at Ivy Tech Community College. A proud alumna of Ivy Tech’s Medical Assisting program (Class of 2011), she also holds a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Southern Indiana.
With over five years of experience in the healthcare sector, Jamale brings a strong focus on patient-centered care, healthcare education, and student success. In her previous role as Practice Manager for Deaconess Clinic Health Systems, she managed several primary care clinics and led the launch of a collaborative care initiative that earned a nomination for the “Raising the Bar Award.” She also spearheaded the implementation of the Uber Healthcare Rides program, which provided more than 545 free rides to patients in need of transportation for diagnostic procedures, health screenings, and mental health services.
Now in her role as an academic dean, Jamale leads a team of healthcare professionals and faculty, driving initiatives aimed at increasing student success, retention, and enrollment. She is committed to creating an inclusive, empowering educational environment where innovative ideas become realities. Passionate about community health and education, she seeks opportunities for partnership, embraces change, and champions continuous improvement.
Joseph Hostetler, the Benefactor of the Year award recipient, has been giving back to the student body in his official position since 2001 as professor and program chair for the Visual Communications Program at the Evansville campus. And, he also – through careful financial planning and foresight over 23 years — is a role model to his colleagues and to the community showing how small donated amounts, over time, grow into a significant contribution benefitting students for years to come.
While he has taught more than 200 courses and mentored thousands of students, his contributions to Ivy Tech also extend beyond the classroom, including planning campus events, presenting at regional and national conferences, and serving on numerous faculty rank advancement and hiring committees. He has applied his design expertise to support multiple departments across campus, as well as in the community. He has played an active role in fostering dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities for high school students across the Evansville and Terre Haute service areas. Additionally, he has coordinated student trips, curated student exhibitions, organized awards ceremonies, and facilitated student transitions to four-year universities and professional networks.
He won the highest honor available from the American Advertising Federation of Greater Evansville — the 2024 Silver Medal Award; and the 2014-15 Regional President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction.
“It truly is an honor for Ivy Tech to be associated with so many alumni, friends, and organizations that underscore the value of our mission,” said Ivy Tech President Dr. Marty Pollio. “Our honorees are making Indiana communities stronger through their leadership, skillsets, and generosity. We are proud to recognize these incredible recipients.”
Daniela Vidal, chancellor of Ivy Tech Evanville, added, “Jamale and Joe have made numerous contributions that have made our community and our College stronger. I could not be prouder of them, and I look forward to our collective work moving forward that makes Evansville even better.”
More than 4 of 5 Ivy Tech graduates stay in Indiana to pursue their careers, and Ivy Tech contributes nearly $4 billion annually to the state’s economy. Today, 86 percent of people who graduate from Ivy Tech do so without the burden of student debt.
