Mark Canada was selected to be chancellor for Indiana University Kokomo as of Aug. 15, 2022. 

Previously, Canada held the positions of IU Kokomo’s deputy chancellor since 2021 and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs since 2015. 

He will be replacing Susan Scieme-Giesecke, who after 10 years as IU Kokomo’s chancellor has begun tenure as IU’s vice president for regional campuses. 

“It’s an exciting opportunity because I have really enjoyed working here at IU Kokomo and I think we’ve got a terrific team and a great educational experience.” Canada said. 

Canada plans to take campus to the next level following Scieme-Giesecke. 

“Mark Canada knows and understands the mission of the regional campuses and has been a champion for student engagement and other important initiatives during his tenure,” said IU President Pamela Whitten in a statement. “I am confident he will successfully lead the campus and continue to strengthen relationships across north central Indiana.” 

Canada led the “IU Kokomo Experience and You” initiative, or KEY, which offers students internship programs, domestic and international travel, research projects, and other learning opportunities to enrich the student experience. 

“What we need to do a better job I think of is letting people know what we offer here. We already have a lot of great things in place, KEY, our athletic programs, student activities, and a beautiful campus,” he said. “I want people to talk about us as a destination campus.” 

He plans to continue work with colleagues and the community through micro-credentials and other opportunities to further improve IU Kokomo’s outreach. 

Canada feels that his previous position helps him make informed decisions as an executive, as he understands the details of academic programs and is aware of their strengths and concerns. 

He described one of his long-term goals to elevate IU Kokomo’s profile in the community and service region through publicizing and promoting experiences like the KEY academy, KEY Center for Innovation (hub that connects employers and students), athletics, clubs, centers, and more. 

Another campus feature, Innovation Hall, a new $3 million project, is planned to start this fall, and be completed by fall 2023. The hall will be located in the West wing of the Kelly Student Center and will mostly be utilized by students in computer science and NMAT programs. 

“I want people to think of us as a really extraordinary educational experience, not just some place you go to because it is nearby.” He said. 

Canada anticipates getting more high school students exposed to IU Kokomo and what it has to offer, as he wants a spot alongside popular choices such as Notre Dame, IUPUI, Ball State, and IU Bloomington. 

Wanting to build a reputation with high school students, Canada plans to make KEY trips available to high school students to further interest in IU Kokomo and its programs. 

Additionally, the “Power-up to College” program, available in Tipton schools, offers 7th grade students the opportunity to earn a $1,000 scholarship to IU Kokomo if they meet college prep criteria through to 12th grade.  

Canada feels that his biggest challenge is the pandemic and its lingering effects on students, such as anxieties and the mental health crisis. 

And considering a booming job market with employers paying top dollar wages, students are uncertain about attending college out of high school. 

Canada feels that ultimately a college degree will pay more in the long run versus a short-term opportunity, as without a college degree, one could “hit a wall” and won’t advance positions. 

“We want college to be something that’s in front of a lot of students as a possibility, and we want them to know that they can have a really rich experience here at IU Kokomo.” Canada said.