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Stacy V. Atkinson is chancellor of the Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis Campus and a 2L in IU McKinney’s hybrid program.

Where are you from? Where did you do your undergraduate studies, and what was your major?

 I am originally from Brooklyn, New York. I joined the United States Marine Corps, and as an Avionics Technician, I earned my undergraduate degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Professional Aeronautics. I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of South Carolina, a second Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University, and a PhD in Adult Learning and Development from Lesley University.

 What motivated you to join the Marine Corps? What did you gain from that experience?

 The truth is, I successfully flunked out of college and needed some financial assistance to complete it. Joining the Marines was the start of what I call adulthood for me. It was the best decision I made in my life and gave me everything I have today: my husband, my children, my college degrees, and the discipline I carry with me in all that I do.

 What brought you to Ivy Tech Community College? What do you appreciate most about it? What do you wish everyone knew about Ivy Tech?

 My husband and I relocated to Indiana, where he is from. I was a 2nd-grade teacher turned early childhood faculty member in South Carolina and knew I loved the world of higher education. Community college students bring a unique perspective and ignite my passion for making life easier for them. Education is something no one can take from you, and it is my goal to make people believe they can do things they don’t even believe they can. Ivy Tech has been my home since I moved to Indiana and has been so good to me both professionally and personally.

Do you have any lawyers in your family? What made you decide you wanted to go to law school?

 Although my family does not have lawyers, I have always wanted to attend law school, and now the time is right.

 What brought you to IU McKinney in particular? What has your experience been like as a student in the hybrid program at IU McKinney?

 IU McKinney’s hybrid program was the reason I chose the law school. The hybrid program has been great because I spent two nights a week in face-to-face classes, and the remainder of my work is organized online. I recommend that anyone thinking about the hybrid program make a weekly plan at the start of every week of what they will do each day and set goals. Just because we are out of class doesn’t mean we are out of work to do.

What’s been the most significant adjustment you’ve had to make since you started law school?

 As a mom and a wife, I remain committed to always putting them first. With my work at Ivy Tech, I had to find a way to balance both of those priorities. This meant I needed to limit my social activities. I do my best work in the morning, so this meant waking up early in the morning and starting my day knocking out some law school work. 

What student groups have you been involved in?

 I am a member of the Hispanic Law Society (HLS), the Veterans and Military Student Association (VMSA), and the AccessABILITY Student Union at McKinney.

 What are your plans for after law school?

 I am currently the Chancellor of the Ivy Tech Indianapolis campus. I have been with Ivy Tech for 10 years and absolutely love my job. After law school, I would love to be able to mesh my worlds of higher education and the legal field. This is the million-dollar question, to which I don’t have a solid answer. I am just enjoying the experience of law school.