Ivy Tech, Fisk University partner to offer seamless transfer option 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College, the largest community college system in the United States, and Fisk University, a private historically Black university and the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tenn., have signed an agreement to offer seamless transfer opportunities for eligible Ivy Tech students.

As part of the agreement Fisk University agrees it will guarantee admission to those Ivy Tech students who have met the following criteria for transfer: received an associate degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; met the minimum requirements for admission of all transfer students to Fisk; and made proper application for admission to Fisk which includes submission of an official transcript. The application fee will be waived for all Ivy Tech students.

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our Ivy Tech transfer students,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “This agreement between Ivy Tech and the renowned Fisk University is a demonstration of true cooperation with students’ success as the ultimate outcome.”

Ivy Tech transfer students, upon approval of meeting the needed requirements for Fisk University, will be admitted as upper-division students provided they have received grades of C or better in their course requirements.

“To partner with one of the nation’s premier community college systems is a true honor,” said Dr. Rodney S. Hanley, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fisk University.  “We believe that students transferring from Ivy Tech will enhance the overall intellectual environment of our university, and they will receive a top-notch education here.”

Fisk University is well known for their leadership role in the education of African-Americans, graduating students from diverse backgrounds with integrity and intellect required for substantive contributions to society.

“We are honored to partner with Fisk University as a pathway for a four-year degree seeking students,” said Doran Moreland, executive director of statewide diversity and outreach for Ivy Tech Community College. “Fisk is a venerable, historically Black institution, known worldwide for producing exceptional and diverse graduates. This partnership is one of the many high quality experiences Ivy Tech is providing to help each of our students reach their goals.”

President Ellspermann, Doran Moreland, five Ivy Tech students and an adjunct instructor, will visit Fisk University on Monday, October 24 for a campus tour and participate in the official agreement signing.

Ivy Tech Community College offers more than 100 transfer programs with in-state and out-of-state schools. For a complete list of participating institutions, local transfer advocate contacts and next steps, visit ivytech.edu/transfer.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

About Fisk University

Founded in 1866, Fisk University is Nashville’s first institution of higher education and currently ranks in the top 20% of all liberal arts institutions in the nation according to The Washington Monthly. According to the American Physical Society, Fisk is the #1 producer of underrepresented minority Master’s in Physics degrees.  Fisk is ranked in the top 15 institutions for awarding the Master’s in Physics degree for all students, and tied for fourth place for Master’s degrees awarded to women. Fisk is the 4th highest ranked institution in Tennessee and the highest ranked Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Forbes magazine’s 2015 edition of “America’s Top Colleges.” Fisk has ranked in Princeton Review’s “Best Southeastern Colleges” publication for 22 consecutive years.  U.S. News & World Report ranks Fisk in the elite Tier One liberal arts institutions. Fisk has earned 4 R&D 100 Awards, the only HBCU to do so. For more information about Fisk University, please visit www.fisk.edu.