Doug Bakken Joins Ivy Tech Staff

ANDERSON, IN - Retired Ball Brothers Foundation executive Doug Bakken has been named special assistant to the chancellor for the East Central Region of Ivy Tech Community College that includes Anderson, Muncie and Marion campuses. In this new role, Bakken will help facilitate the college’s institutional advancement within the community and engage the community in long-term mission-driven initiatives.

Bakken served as executive director and executive vice president/COO of the Ball Brothers Foundation from 1983 until his retirement in 2007. Among his many achievements were the planning and supervision of the Minnetrista Cultural Center, which opened in 1988; a portfolio of community betterment projects; and K-12 public and private higher education initiatives. Bakken was one of the founders of the statewide philanthropic organization, Indiana Grantmakers Alliance. His efforts earned him recognition as a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1992 by Governor Evan Bayh.

Bakken serves on the board of Independent Colleges of Indiana, is treasurer of the Board of Regents for the Hulman Endowment Fund and is a member of the Indiana Academy. Other board memberships include Minnetrista Cultural Foundation, Energize ECI, Ball Brothers Foundation, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation, Weed and Seed Initiative Steering Committee, Cornerstone Center for the Arts Advisory Board.

“Public education has been one of my life-long priorities, starting with my mother’s involvement in board service in a North Dakota school district, my sister’s teaching in North Dakota and California and several of uncles and aunts roles as teachers,” said Bakken. “My new role with Ivy Tech will enable me to fulfill my passion for providing technical assistance to students, staff and faculty as well as to build communication bridges between the college and it various communities.”

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 130,000 students enrolled annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana.  It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.  It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.