PLYMOUTH, Ind.: Natalie Tucker, Ph.D., vice president and academic dean at Marian University's Ancilla College, has been selected to serve on the South Bend Elkhart Regional Partnership and will lead the Higher Education Advisory Council.
Dr. Tucker's leadership in this role will help strengthen the region's educational access and workforce development efforts. She is deeply committed to supporting rural communities and expanding opportunities for students in Marshall County and beyond.
"I have a deep passion for helping rural communities thrive and grow," said Dr. Tucker. "Rural communities are the backbone of our society, and ensuring they have access to higher education and skill-building opportunities is vital to their growth, sustainability, and overall quality of life."
Higher Education Advisory Council is a network of Presidents and Chancellors representing both public and private colleges and universities that are based within the South Bend–Elkhart region (Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties in Indiana, Berrien and Cass counties in Michigan). These higher education institutions meet quarterly to communicate regarding current or future strategies, encourage collaboration between higher education institutions to share best practices, reduce duplication of effort, improve interaction between students and regional resources, and work-based learning opportunities.
Dr. Tucker will officially begin her role with the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership on July 8. This partnership is dedicated to advancing education, economic development, and collaboration among institutions in the region.
For more information on Dr. Tucker's work and Marian University's commitment to community engagement, visit marian.edu/ancilla.