News
Nursing, Microbiology Professors Offer Tick Bite Prevention Tips
KOKOMO, Ind. — Don’t let ticks take a bite out of your summer. With the Centers for Disease control reporting that tick bites in the Midwest nearly doubled over the past year, Indiana University Kokomo experts explain what’s driving the increase, how to prevent tick bites, and what to do if you’re bitten. Angela Opsahl, dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP) and Christian Chauret, professor of microbiology, agreed finding a tick on your body is not a reason to go to the
Artwork Inspired by National Park Forests Showcased in New Exhibition
KOKOMO, Ind. — Artwork inspired by Canadian and American national parksis featured in the new exhibition opening Monday (July 13) in the Indiana University Kokomo Art Gallery. Forest Narratives features nearly 2 dozen artworks created by Minda Douglas, associate professor of fine arts, during her fall 2025 sabbatical, which included time in national parks in the western United States and Canada. The exhibition continues through Wednesday, September 16, with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday,
Professor Shares Soccer History Expertise in World Cup Discussion
KOKOMO, Ind. — The World Cup reminds us of our humanity. Andrew McFarland, Indiana University Kokomo professor of history, said the social media surrounding the international tournament has added to the excitement, and reminded people of what we have in common. “At a time in the world where anti-immigrant and transnational rivalries are more heated than they’ve been in recent years, this World Cup is really reminding people that we like each other, that the citizens of these different countries are fun.
Health Professions Exploration Camp opens students’ eyes to careers in healthcare
KOKOMO, Ind. — At Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo, Ava Boruff placed her first I.V. into a “patient.” Boruff and several other area students visited the hospital as part of Indiana University Kokomo’s Health Professions Exploration Camp, led by the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions. “You get to have different experiences, you get to listen to people talk and you play fun games,” said Boruff, entering high school this fall. “I had fun – it’s not what I was expecting.” During the camp, held
Golf Outing Raises Scholarships for Student Athletes
A fun day of golf translated into support for Indiana University Kokomo’s student athletes. Heather Hayes, IU Kokomo’s athletic director, said the Kokomo Country Club (KCC) hosted the Kingston Classic Golf Tournament this spring to support athletic scholarships. Eleven teams — comprised of four golfers plus a member of the Cougar men’s or women’s golf team or the baseball team — competed in the event. Hayes noted that Jay Biggs, KCC general manager, helped to secure event sponsorship from Rex Gingerich,
Indiana Dunes Trip Provides Fieldwork Experience
KOKOMO, Ind. — As Indiana Dunes National Park staff repair emerald ash borer damage to park woodlands, students from Indiana University Kokomo contribute research to assist in the effort. The students – part of a special topics class in the School of Sciences – presented their research on ways to restore the tree canopy devastated by the emerald ash borer beetle, as well as recommendations on using passive recording devices to monitor biodiversity of the bird population, to scientists, rangers, and other
Political science professor recognized as Hoosier Resilience Hero
KOKOMO, Ind. — Lessons learned on his family’s northwest Indiana farm taught Andy Tuholski the importance of stewarding the land — lessons he carried into his career at Indiana University Kokomo. “I had a front-row opportunity to see how my dad emphasized conservation and sustainability as crucial parts of caring for the land instead of just profit maximization,” said Tuholski, assistant professor of political science. He noted that his father won several awards for being an early adopter of best
OTA program director honored for contributions to profession
KOKOMO, Ind. — Christina Douglas, director of Indiana University Kokomo’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, was recently selected for the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Roster of Fellows. The Roster of Fellows is a prestigious honor recognizing occupational therapists who have made significant, sustained contributions to the profession through knowledge, leadership, and advocacy. “It was a big deal,” Douglas said. “A lot of my mentors and professors and people I’ve looked
Spring dean’s list, chancellor’s list, honor academic achievement
Spring dean’s list, chancellor’s list, honor academic achievement KOKOMO, Ind. — In the spring 2026 semester, 785 full-time Indiana University Kokomo students earned chancellor’s list or dean’s list honors. Chancellor’s list students earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA), while dean’s list students earned a minimum 3.5 GPA on a scale of 4.0, while carrying at least 12 credit hours throughout the grading period. Students are listed by hometown, and include a student or students from your coverage area.
Art Class Creates Metal Sculptures for New Mini Golf Course
Artwork created by an IU Kokomo sculpture class enhances the experience of local mini golfers at the newly opened Kokomo Little Links. Students in a sculpture class led by Gregory Steel, professor of fine arts, created two large-scale metal sculptures for the miniature golf course, built in Cutler Park and operated by Bridges Outreach. The first, titled Bridge, includes three metal pillars that will be connected by steel cables when the cables arrive. The second, Putt, represents a putter and ball, and
Duncan Completes Historic Triple Crown with Discus National Title at NAIA Outdoor Championships
IU Kokomo junior thrower Sydney Duncan continued one of the most dominant weeks in program history Friday afternoon, capturing the discus national championship at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, hosted by University of North Carolina at Asheville. With the victory, Duncan becomes just the second female athlete in NAIA history to sweep the hammer throw, shot put, and discus national championships in the same week. The discus title also marked her third national championship
IU Kokomo students rewarded for academic excellence with honor society induction
Nearly 50 Indiana University Kokomo students were recognized for academic achievement in fields ranging from political science to sociology, and from radiologic sciences to communication arts, with their selection for national honor societies. Phi of Indiana Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society Three students wereinducted into the Phi of Indiana Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society. They include:Logansport:Serenity Maree
Cougars claim four honors at inaugural IU Regional Campus Athletic Awards Celebration
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. —Student-athletes from Indiana University Kokomo claimed four of the six awards given at theinaugural IU Regional Campus Athletics Awards Celebration. The brought together the top student-athletes, coaches, and teams from across five IU regional campuses — IU Kokomo, IU East, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast — to recognize excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, character, and campus involvement throughout the 2025-26 academic year.IU KOKOMO HONOREESCareer
Graduates showcase their college journeys with mortarboard decor
KOKOMO, Ind. — A lot of late-night study sessions made Brandon Maish’s Indiana University Kokomo degree possible. As he celebrated Commencement Thursday with his classmates, he commemorated his journey to degrees in history and political science, and criminal justice, by decorating his mortarboard, or cap, making it uniquely his in a sea of black-robed graduates. He was one of many in the more than 400 graduates who showed off their creativity by sporting unique decorations, ranging from flowers to
Space telescope discoveries topic of free Observatory open house
What are the “little red dots” discovered by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope? Learn more about the mysterious red shifted objects discovered recently, at the last Indiana University Kokomo Observatory free open house of the academic year. Patrick Motl, professor of physics, will begin the open house at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 17, with a presentation of the “little red dots,” believed to be a transitional phase between dense, star-forming galaxies and active galactic nuclei, according to NASA. “The
School of Business lauds success of students at year-end celebration
Faculty and staff in the Indiana University Kokomo School of Business recognized the achievements of its students at its annual recognition ceremony Thursday (May 7) in Kresge Auditorium. Dean Chittibabu Govindarajalu said the academic year has been exciting and fruitful for the School, especially due to the academic achievements of its students. He cited the Entrepreneurship Club’s multiple business fairs, the student-led LEAD Conference, volunteer tax preparation services by accounting students to
Radiologic sciences graduates applauded at pinning ceremony
Indiana University Kokomo’s School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP) welcomed 15 new healthcare professionals in the radiologic and imaging sciences at its annual pinning ceremony. Angela Opsahl, dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, welcomed students, family, and friends to the celebration of the hard work, dedication, and commitment they have shown by completing their degrees. She added that it takes a strong, dedicated, and compassionate individual to enter the
Pinning ceremony honors nursing, OTA graduates
Indiana University Kokomo’s School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP) honored its 2026 graduates at its traditional pinning ceremony on Wednesday (May 6) in Havens Auditorium. Nine students earned the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences, along with one receiving a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science and 43 earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Jennifer Negron, lecturer of occupational therapy, welcomed the graduating class, family, friends, faculty, and staff to
May 14 Commencement to celebrate IUK Class of 2026
KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 at its Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 14. The ceremony will honor the 571 members of the Class of 2026, who represent 45 Indiana counties, 12 states, and 12 countries. More than 22 percent of the graduates are first generation college students, and 24 are graduating with a 4.0 grade point average. Eighty-one students are earning master’s degrees, 490 are earning bachelor’s degrees, and 13 are
Computer science senior plans MBA as next step
KOKOMO, Ind. — When Sean Sonnenberg enrolled at Indiana University Kokomo three years ago, the newly-formed eSports team gave him a place to belong. “It was great,” he said. “There are plenty of computer science people who are also in eSports, so I got to connect with them earlier than I would have just in class. Being able to compete with a team was a great experience. It was very different than playing casually.” As he prepares to graduate May 14, Sonnenberg, from Kokomo, said being part of the team
IUK students win NCAA competition in March Madness class
IUK students win NCAA competition in March Madness class KOKOMO, Ind. — Everyone loves an underdog story — especially in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. A team of Indiana University Kokomo students outperformed teams from IU Indianapolis, Indiana State University, Butler University, Ball State University, and University of Indianapolis to win the culminating competition of a class hosted by the NCAA and the Indiana Sports Corp. as part of March Madness. “We were the smallest program involved in
Donor impact applauded at Chancellor’s Guild Dinner
More photos here Donor impact applauded at Chancellor’s Guild Dinner KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo honored the donors who allow the campus to innovate and serve at the annual Chancellor’s Guild dinner. Chancellor Mark Canada said the event recognizes people who make IU Kokomo a home for students and a pillar for north central Indiana. “We see the results of your generosity every day. Our campus life is more vibrant than ever,” he said, noting that more than 61 percent of first-year,
December grad overcomes obstacles to earn dental school admission
KOKOMO, Ind. — As Gracie McClain’s parents drove her to an emergency room, she couldn’t help but think her lifelong dream of becoming a dentist was gone. “It was really scary,” she said. “I temporarily lost my ability to speak properly. Everything that came out of my mouth was gibberish, and I couldn’t see very well. It was a very unusual experience.” McClain, who was 17 at the time, learned within a few days she’d had a stroke. Luckily, it didn’t have long-term effects — and did not keep her from
NMAT Students Create Logo for Local Not-for-profit Science Fair
KOKOMO, Ind. — When the 63rd annual Howard County Science Fair takes place in February 2027, it will include a new logo created by an Indiana University Kokomo student. Erika Creighton’s design was chosen from eight submitted by students in the Identity, Design, and Branding class taught by Michael Koerner, associate professor of new media, who said the project mimicked the competitive process students might experience as graphic design artists, and allowed them to practice what they’ve learned during
Culture Fest invites campus community to celebrate its people
KOKOMO, Ind. — The sweet scent of coconut soup and the sounds of percussion filled the air in Indiana University Kokomo’s Alumni Hall Tuesday (April 14), as students, faculty, and staff celebrated Culture Fest. The event invites all to experience a day centered on culture, community, and connection. Hosted by the Multicultural Center and the International Student Organization, it offered tastes of international food and candy, informational posters, and the chance to meet and talk to people from a
Free Workshop to Explore the Role of Play & Storytelling in STEM Learning
Free workshop to explore the role of play, storytelling, in STEM learning KOKOMO, Ind. — Teachers are invited to learn how to enhance STEM education through storytelling and play, at a free workshop Thursday, April 23, at Indiana University Kokomo. Playing with Dolls & STEM in the Classroom incorporates Friends Forever Club dolls, each of which has a STEM interest and story. Christina Romero, associate professor of education, and Jennifer McNeany, assistant clinical professor in school psychology,