Marshall County Career Success Coalition Honored

Marshall County was among eleven Indiana counties who received College Success County distinctions June 28 for their work to increase the percentage of Hoosiers with education and training beyond high school. Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers presented the awards during a special ceremony held at the Indiana Statehouse. 

 “We are incredibly grateful for the work local leaders from Marshall County are doing to advocate for our students and the future of Indiana,” said Lubbers. “Indiana’s College Success Coalitions are increasing access to college and postsecondary training and student success which will make Indiana better and stronger for years to come.”

These partnerships build on Indiana’s commitment to establish one of the best and most student-centered higher education systems in the nation and go hand in hand with the commission’s third strategic plan, Reaching Higher, Delivering Value. 

The Indiana College Success County award is presented to counties that establish a College Success Coalition of community organizations that work together to increase college access and success. Today there are coalitions in 72 Indiana counties that have recruited more than 2,000 member organizations, including local schools, community groups and businesses.  Indiana’s College Success Coalitions have documented nearly 4,000 activities ranging from facilitating college visits and experiences and informing families about the opportunities for their children to go to college. 

Marshall County Career Success Coalition Steering Team Members
* Donna Burroughs, Superintendent 
* Jim Cawthon, College Admissions Representative 
* Jerry Chavez, Chamber of Commerce / Economic Development 
* Jennifer Felke, High School Director 
* Paul Nye, Faith-based Organization 
* Michele Riise, Education 
* Billie Treber, Youth Service Organization 
* Dan Tyree, Education 
* Trend Weldy, Local Government 
* Linda Yoder, Community Foundation / Non-profit

Earning the College Success County Award
To earn the Indiana College Success County award, the Marshall County Career Success Coalition created data-driven strategic plans and documented activities that aim to increase the percentage of high school graduates and returning adults who earn a postsecondary credential including certificates as well as two- and four-year college degrees. 

The Marshall County Career Success Coalition received a road sign proclaiming the county an Indiana College Success County.