Chancellor Debbie Ford became the leader of Indiana University Southeast in the summer of 2023, with her formal installation held the following February.
In this role, Chancellor Ford oversees all aspects of the academic and operational dimensions of IU Southeast, in collaboration with university administration and the other Indiana University regional campuses. A strong believer in community and regional engagement and partnerships, Ford has already started building bridges with community development agencies, area K-12 schools, and partners in higher education as well as major employers within the Kentuckiana region. She has engaged all facets of the university community, pairing schools and programs, alumni, faculty, staff, and students to better align the mission of Indiana University Southeast with the needs of the community. Ford aims to elevate IU Southeast to serve as the center for regional advancement to address community, cultural, workforce, economic, education, and health needs.
Ford previously served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. Before joining the University of Wisconsin system, she served as vice president for student affairs at the University of West Florida and as vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Spalding University. A native of Louisville, Ford holds bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Louisville and a master’s degree from Indiana University.