On Thursday, Feb. 5, Chancellor Rachel Kartz of Ivy Tech Hamilton County was named a recipient of Insight Into Academia magazine’s 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award.
This national honor recognizes senior leaders whose bold, strategic innovations have advanced institutional excellence, strengthened community and connectedness, and created meaningful, measurable impact for students, employees, and the broader academic ecosystem.
Dr. Rachel Kartz will be featured alongside 17 other distinguished honorees in the March 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.
“Dr. Kartz exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, vision, and heart,” said Chuck Haberman, chair of the Ivy Tech Hamilton County Campus Board of Trustees. “Her ability to align academic excellence with workforce and community needs has transformed our campus into a catalyst for opportunity. Rachel leads with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives, and this national recognition is well deserved.”
Insight Into Academia selected Dr. Kartz for this award because of her transformative leadership at Ivy Tech Community College’s Hamilton County campus and her lasting impact on students, faculty, and the broader community. Rising from faculty member to Chancellor, Dr. Kartz has successfully led institutional growth while maintaining a strong commitment to teaching, community, and student success. Under her leadership, the campus has expanded academic offerings, launched more than 20 programs aligned with high-demand industries, strengthened workforce partnerships, and enhanced student support services, including testing, tutoring, and library resources.
Dr. Kartz’s ability to connect academic innovation with real-world outcomes has positioned Ivy Tech Hamilton County as a regional hub for workforce development in one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties. Her leadership during periods of transition, including navigating the return to campus following the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing significant facility investments such as a $1.75 million healthcare lab renovation, reflects her strategic vision and steady decision-making.
Through her inclusive, student-centered approach, Dr. Kartz continues to redefine the role community colleges play in advancing economic mobility, educational access, and community prosperity.
“We believe the future of higher education depends on leaders who are willing to challenge convention and embrace bold, impactful innovation,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “The 2026 Trailblazer honorees represent the highest levels of strategic leadership in the field, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments.”
The call for nominations for the 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award was announced in October 2025.
For more information about the Trailblazer in Higher Education Award, visit InsightIntoAcademia.com.