INDIANAPOLIS—Marian University (marian.edu) has hired Jeffrey Jourdan to serve as executive director and Dr. Michael Nichols to serve as associate director and dean of its new two-year college. The university announced last month that the new institution will be called Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University—Indianapolis (SJC@MU). Jourdan and Nichols will begin their new roles Nov. 16.
As executive director, Jourdan will implement and continue the development of the two-year college plan, with ultimate responsibility for: hiring personnel; executing on a branding/marketing effort for the new school; fundraising, fostering relationships with targeted schools, parishes, community organizations, and employers; and final administrative oversight on student recruitment, curriculum development and delivery, and facility/infrastructure improvements. Jourdan will report to the Provost, Dr. Alan Silva.
As associate director and dean, Nichols will assist in the implementation and continued development of the two-year college plan, with ultimate responsibility for: hiring faculty, development and delivery of the curriculum, and assessment of student and program outcomes. The Associate Director will also work closely with the Executive Director and other university personnel on student recruitment, student support programming, and facility/infrastructure improvements. Nichols will report to Jourdan.
“In Jeffrey Jourdan and Michael Nichols, we have identified and hired two proven leaders with the requisite experience for launching our new, innovative, and mission-centered two-year college,” Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. “Through their leadership, we will provide an innovative approach for students who want to earn an associate degree through a creative new program of professional experience and a highly relevant curriculum.”
Jourdan comes to SJC@MU from Ivy Tech, where he most recently served as executive director, strategic initiatives. He has held a variety of leadership roles since joining Ivy Tech in 2009. Prior to joining Ivy Tech, Jourdan served as a therapist at ADULT&child Mental Health Center, and director, Domestic Violence Diversion Program at The New Foundation in Phoenix, Ariz. Jourdan holds a B.A. in Physical Education from Hanover College and a M.A. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Argosy University in Phoenix.
Nichols comes to SJC@MU from Saint Joseph’s College, where he has served since 2011, including his most recent stint as associate vice president for academic affairs and curriculum coordinator. He previously held faculty positions with Purdue University, Ripon College, Northwestern University, and Miami University (Ohio). Nichols earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Saint Joseph’s College (where he was valedictorian), a M.A. in Comparative Religion from Miami University (Ohio), and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Northwestern University.
Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University—Indianapolis is slated to open in July 2019. The college plans to enroll 75-125 students in its first class, offering associate degrees in business, information technology, and liberal arts. Flexible class schedules and connections with local employers for internships and jobs will allow students to earn a living wage while they pursue their degree. Graduates will be offered automatic acceptance into Marian University.
About Marian University Indianapolis
Founded in 1937, Marian University is proud to be the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2018, Marian is serving 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in over 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.
About Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University—Indianapolis
Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University—Indianapolis is an innovative, mission-centered two-year college located adjacent to the Marian University campus on the westside of Indianapolis. SJC@MU will welcome its first cohort in July 2019, offering associate degrees in business, information technology and liberal arts. The institution’s unique “learn and earn” model allows students to earn a living wage through college-identified jobs and internships while pursuing their degree. The effort is a mission collaboration with Saint Joseph’s College of Rensselaer, Ind.