Washington High School Hosts IU President and Partners to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technology Programs

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Washington High School was honored to welcome Indiana University President Pamela Whitten, along with representatives from IU’s Center for Rural Engagement and the Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), on Monday afternoon. The visit highlighted Washington Community Schools' innovative technology and STEM programming, including one of the few high school-level microelectronics internship opportunities in the state. President Whitten was joined by Kyla Cox Deckard of the Center for Rural Engagement, Tina Peterson and Michi McClaline from ROI, and other IU staff members, all of whom came to learn more about WHS’s forward-thinking approach to technology education and its growing partnership with Indiana University. Washington High School Principal Brian Holland shared that WHS is already ahead of the curve when it comes to meeting Indiana’s new diploma requirements. “We’ve long prioritized real-world learning and strong partnerships with local organizations to ensure our students are college- and career-ready,” said Holland. Superintendent Kevin Frank also spoke about the district-wide implementation of the “Kids at Hope” philosophy, which has helped students develop a stronger vision for their future careers or post-secondary education. Technology instructors Matt Riney, Patty Allen, and Tamara Delisle gave an overview of WHS’s impressive tech and microelectronics offerings. These programs continue to gain recognition at the state level for their depth, innovation, and impact on student success. IU President Whitten emphasized the university’s expanding focus on microelectronics and its strategic partnership with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division. She acknowledged how local schools like WHS are playing a vital role in preparing the next generation of leaders in this rapidly growing field. Several Washington administrators, including Brenda Meredith, Rhiannon Fry, and Kristen Murphy, also shared their personal experiences as graduates of IU’s Woodrow Wilson Fellowship MBA program, further underscoring the depth of the partnership between Washington Community Schools and Indiana University. Kyla Cox Deckard from the Center for Rural Engagement praised the collaboration with Washington schools and the broader Daviess County community: “Daviess County has been a superstar community partner for the Center for Rural Engagement. We’ve been thrilled to be here supporting future-ready communities and look forward to continuing our work together. We already have new projects in the pipeline and welcome the opportunity to continue building meaningful connections between the university, the schools, and the wider community.” President Whitten concluded with a reflection on the shared mission between Indiana University and Washington Schools: “We are deeply committed as an institution to serving our students, to research and discovery, and to our role in lifting the state of Indiana. What Washington is doing here is so important—you’re preparing students who will go on to become exceptional contributors to IU and to the state. Your work matters.” Washington Community Schools is proud of its continued growth and innovation and looks forward to deepening its partnership with Indiana University to benefit students, families, and the greater Daviess County community. Originally posted by Washington Community Schools via Locable