Ken Iwama was appointed the seventh Chancellor of Indiana University Northwest on August 1, 2020, during one of the most challenging times in IU Northwest history. Due to the students, faculty, staff, and community who stood united in advancing the noble mission of IU and IU Northwest in the face of these challenges, Chancellor Iwama considers his experiences this past year to be the most inspirational and rewarding of his professional Career.

Prior to coming to Northwest Indiana, Chancellor Iwama served as the Founding Vice President of Economic Development, Continuing Studies, and Government Relations with the College of Staten Island of The City University of New York. He led the college’s strategic priority in reengaging with the Borough of Staten Island and New York City, generating unprecedented resources to grow the educational and research environments needed to enhance academic excellence. Of particular note, Chancellor Iwama secured more than $22 million for major facilities and infrastructure projects as well as academic initiatives. He led the creation of the CSI Tech Incubator, the first technology incubator on Staten Island, and initiated the development of the borough’s first innovation center.

Before working at the college, Chancellor Iwama was General Counsel for the State-Operated School District of Jersey City, the first school district in the nation subject to takeover by the state because of its struggles in meeting educational standards. He was a senior member of the state appointed intervention team that was ultimately successful in raising performance standards and commencing the school district’s return to local city control. Chancellor Iwama has presented on higher education issues at national conferences and seminars, and has served in leadership positions with numerous higher education, legal, and community organizations. He is currently an Executive Committee Member for the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities and was Chair of the Administrative Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association. He is also the Secretary for the Urban League of Northwest Indiana and is a Managing Board Member for the Northwest Indiana Forum Regional Economic Development Organization. He previously served as Co-Chair of the Freshkills Park Alliance for Freshkills Park, which will become the second-largest public park in New York City when completed.