Jaclyn Gidley (Roorbach '12)

Director of Alumni & Church Relations

Fellow Alumni,

As we enter the summer season, I want to take a moment to share how grateful I am for the continued connection and support of our incredible alumni community. This edition of the newsletter will be my last before I step away briefly on maternity leave as my husband and I prepare to welcome our firstborn child — an exciting and meaningful new chapter for our family!

There is so much momentum happening across campus and within the Indiana Wesleyan community. In this issue, you’ll find exciting upcoming events, additional Momentum Plan video updates, great alumni life news and updates, and other university highlights that continue to demonstrate the impact and mission of Indiana Wesleyan University.

While I will be away during these summer months, please know that I will continue to think about and pray for our alumni family often. I am deeply thankful to be part of such a supportive, Christ-centered, and engaged community, and I look forward to reconnecting with you all later this year.

A one-day virtual conference will be hosted by the DeVoe School of Business, Technology, and Leadership.

Join faculty, alumni, students, and professionals for thoughtful conversations on leadership, purpose, and how individuals and organizations can flourish.

Date: Thursday, May 21 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST

Cost: $35

IWU Alumni & Friends Night at Parkview Field!

Join us for an exciting evening of baseball, fellowship, and fun as we cheer on the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday, June 5 at beautiful Parkview Field!

IWU Alumni & Friends Night at Victory Field! 

Join us for an exciting evening of baseball, fellowship, and fun as we cheer on the Indianapolis Indians on Friday, June 12 at beautiful Victory Field!

We’re excited to launch our new Alumni Mentorship Program—connecting Wildcats across generations to share wisdom, build meaningful relationships, and invest in the next chapter of leadership. Whether you’re looking to mentor or be mentored, we invite you to be part of this impactful alumni experience.

IWU has been a national leader in online degree completion for nearly 40 years, and is pleased to announce its “Fast Forward” 90-credit online degree programs, an emerging alternative to traditional 120-credit programs that reimagines how students gain career-ready skills through intentional, outcomes-focused learning. IWU is launching multiple industry-relevant 90-credit bachelor’s degrees, with several already open for enrollment and additional programs set to roll out in summer and fall 2026, with continued expansion planned in the years ahead, offering students both depth and breadth across high-demand fields.

In this role, Miller will provide strategic leadership for N&G and serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet. Miller succeeds Eileen Hulme, Ph.D., who has served as Chancellor of N&G since January 2022 and will retire effective June 1, 2026. He steps into the role building on the strong foundation of innovation, enrollment growth and mission-driven impact established during her tenure. Since joining IWU in 2019 as Associate VP of Educational Partnerships, Miller has demonstrated leadership and vision throughout his time at the university. He expanded enrollment through strategic partnerships with churches and nonprofits, most notably through the development of the Bridge Initiative.

We’re so pleased to share updates on the Welcome Center and the High Impact Hospitality Initiative—key components of our commitment to creating a warm, engaging, and memorable campus experience. These efforts are designed to enhance how we welcome prospective students, families, alumni, and guests, while equipping students with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to develop skills in hospitality, leadership, and service.

Patricia (Brown) Mays '97 & '99

Community Action of Greater Indianapolis is proud to announce the promotion of Patricia Mays to Executive Director/CEO. She is poised to expand workforce, housing, and economic mobility programs.

Rob Keisling '04

Rob Keisling has been appointed to the Indiana State Workforce Development Board serving under Governor Mike Braun. 

Kathryn (Evans) Harrison '06

Kathryn Harrison has been named the new principal of Sorgho Elementary School in Sorgho, KY and will begin her role on July 1. She brings more than two decades of experience in education, having served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and most recently assistant principal at Estes Elementary. Throughout her career, she has focused on student-centered learning, professional development, and building strong relationships among students, staff, and families.

Russell T. Hayes '09

Master Trooper Russell is retiring from the Indiana State Police after more than 38 years of service, according to Lowell District PIO Sgt. Glen Fifield. During his career, Hayes served in multiple specialized roles including Field Training Officer, Honor Guard member, and gaming investigator with the Indiana Gaming Commission. The Indiana State Police thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in retirement.

Javon Washington '13 & '15

Marion High School in Marion, IN, has announced Javon Washington as its new Principal. Washington has served on the school’s leadership team since 2023 as Dean, Assistant Principal, and, most recently, Interim Co-Principal. Washington shared that becoming principal is a “full-circle moment,” as members of the 2026 graduating class were among the first students he taught nearly a decade ago. He earned degrees from IWU and holds a Building Administrator Certification from Ball State University, where he is currently pursuing a doctorate in education. Washington officially assumes leadership of MHS effective immediately.

Alison (Powers) Jordan '17

The Tippecanoe School Corporation in West Lafayette, IN has named Alison Jordan as its new Nutrition Services Director. She brings valuable experience from her role as Midwest Regional Manager and Dietitian for J.T.M. Food Group, where she supported K–12 education initiatives. In her new position, she will lead a team of approximately 100 staff members who provide breakfast and lunch to students across 20 schools in the district.

Nick Johnston '19

Lehman Catholic High School in Sydney, OH recently announced the appointment of Nick Johnston as the new Junior and Senior High School Athletic Director. A Piqua native and 2002 Lehman graduate, Johnston previously served as the Cavaliers’ varsity girls basketball coach and coached at the junior high level. He holds degrees from Boise State University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and the University of the Cumberlands. Johnston and his family are actively involved in the Lehman and Piqua Catholic school communities, with four children currently enrolled.

Kathleen (Glackin) Marshall '20

Center Place Health has announced a new Chief Executive Officer, Kathleen Marshall marking a leadership transition for the Sarasota-based Federally Qualified Health Center. The organization emphasized the CEO’s experience in guiding mission-driven healthcare systems and advancing access to care for underserved populations. Leaders shared confidence that this appointment will strengthen operations while continuing a strong focus on community health and equity.

Mackenzie (Wermert) Buzzard '23

HSHS Medical Group located in Dieterich and Altamont, IL recently welcomed Mackenzie Buzzard, MSN, FNP-C, to its family medicine clinics. She provides primary care for patients of all ages, including preventive care, wellness visits, and management of acute and chronic conditions. A graduate of IWU, she is passionate about building trust with patients and delivering individualized, compassionate care to support long-term health and wellness. 

Jay passed away in March 2026. 

Howard (of Montpelier, IN) passed away in February 2026. 

Larry (of Bonita Springs, FL) passed away in April 2026. 

Stephen (of McCordsville, IN) passed away in April 2026. 

Nelson (of Yadkinville, NC) passed away in March 2026. 

Gerald (of Marion, IN) passed away in April 2026. 

Karen (of Savannah, GA) passed away in April  2026. 

Robert (of Clarksville, IN) passed away in March 2026. 

Shelli (of Leesburg, VA) passed away in April  2026. 

Leslie (of Coos Bay, OR) passed away in April 2026. 

Felix (of Indianapolis, IN) passed away in April  2026. 

Jon (of Sheridan, IN) passed away in January 2026. 

Carolyn (of Warsaw, IN) passed away in March 2026. 

Helen (of Dayton, OH) passed away in April 2026. 

Roxanne (of Warsaw, IN) passed away in May 2026. 

Lisa (of Dayton, OH) passed away in March 2026. 

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IWU Alumni Office | 4201 S. Washington St. | Marion, IN 46953 | 765-677-2110

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