On August 12, Mark Richards became dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science (SAMEAS). 

Prior to his appointment, Richards served as the building construction management program chair for Ivy Tech Indianapolis. He first joined Ivy Tech at our Bloomington campus in 2010 as an adjunct professor before becoming a full-time SAMEAS faculty member. 

Richards is a proud alumnus of Ivy Tech, where he earned his associate’s degree in industrial technology. Richards has also earned his B.S. in industrial management and his M.S. in Management and Leadership.

Ivy Tech puts the spotlight on the SAMEAS in October, and Ivy Tech Indianapolis is excited to shine a light on its newly appointed dean. To learn more about Richards, we sat down with him to hear more about his passion for teaching and training, his top priorities for the School, and upcoming initiatives he is most excited about implementing. 

Tell us a bit about your background. 

I started my career in manufacturing at the age of 20. The organization I worked for paid for me to go to school, and I completed my associate’s degree in industrial technology at Ivy Tech in the early 2000s. 

In the twenty years I worked for my first company, I held a wide variety of positions, from machine operator to safety and environmental coordinator. I then started a position in Aerospace as a maintenance technician and then a production supervisor. While there, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management. While working in manufacturing, I realized I enjoyed the training side of the operations I supported. In 2010, I took a part-time position at Ivy Tech Bloomington in the industrial technology (INDT) program. In 2016, I took a full-time position at Ivy Tech Bloomington as the program chair over INDT and advanced automation and robotics technology (AART). While there, I completed my Master of Science in Management and Leadership and started a full-time welding technology (WELD) and small automotive service (AUTI) program in Bloomington. 

In the summer of 2021, I took a position at the Indianapolis campus as the program chair for building construction management. I have enjoyed working with a wide variety of students and peers and hope to bring my enthusiasm and experience to this new chapter in my career.

What inspired you to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and applied science?

I have always been interested in facing a problem and challenging myself to solve it. Spending most of my career facing issues and solving problems has driven my desire and continued interest in the field. 

As an Ivy Tech alumnus, I appreciate the determination and difficulties our students face while completing one of our many programs. I also feel a great sense of pride as I give back the skills I have acquired through my experiences both professionally and academically. 

What first drew you to pursue a career in higher education? 

My experience training individuals in manufacturing led to my initial interest in teaching at Ivy Tech. The ability to connect with students and share the years of experience I have accumulated drives my continued commitment to improving the student experience.

What are your top priorities for the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science as dean? 

My priority is to create the best possible experience for all students who enroll in our programs. Next, creating a positive work-life balance for our faculty members. Finally, building partnerships with community shareholders to create a pipeline of skilled employees to meet job demands.

Can you discuss any upcoming programs or initiatives that you’re particularly excited about? 

Our SAMEAS team has been challenged to find new and creative ways to deliver a course curriculum that utilizes the latest equipment and technology as well as giving flexibility to our students leading to successful course and program completions. This includes classroom and lab reorganization as well as the addition of new equipment, and the hiring of new instructors to deliver the course content. This initiative we hope will foster an increase in enrollment and a positive uptick in student completion while meeting shareholder-employee demands.

What strategies will you implement to ensure that the School stays current with technological advancements and industry trends? 

The best way to stay current with the ever-changing technology world is to be active in local organizations that support our programs as well as continuous improvement within ourselves and participating in relevant faculty development initiatives. 

What message would you like to share with students considering a career in advanced manufacturing, engineering, or applied science? 

The Indianapolis service area offers a wide variety of opportunities for the students we support. Many shareholders reach out on a weekly basis looking for new ideas to help them meet their respective workforce needs. 

The opportunity for scholarships, grants, etc., makes Ivy Tech a valuable tool in assisting students in learning skills and an avenue to obtaining highly sought-after positions in our service area.

How do you plan to support faculty development and innovation within the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science? 

Supporting faculty development is an important tool for our students. By keeping up with the latest innovations in equipment and curriculum, we can ensure our students are introduced to the latest technologies they may experience in the workplace. Helping faculty navigate this process for their prospective programs will require research and resource utilization. I will continue to make this a priority as I work to improve our School.

SAMEAS Programs on the Indianapolis Campus

Within our School, we offer 15 programs that cover all aspects of the SAMEAS world.

 These programs include:

  • Advanced Automation & Robotics Technology
  • Automotive Technology
  • Biotechnology
  • Building Construction Management
  • Design Technology
  • Diesel Technology
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Electronics & Computer Technology
  • Engineering
  • Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC)
  • Industrial Technology
  • Welding
  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration

Learn more about SAMEAS

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.