Indiana University Kokomo: A History of Growth and Transformation

Indiana University Kokomo (IU Kokomo or IUK) has a rich history rooted in providing accessible higher education to the residents of Kokomo, Indiana, and the surrounding areas. From its humble beginnings as a junior college during the Great Depression to its current status as a comprehensive public university, IU Kokomo has undergone significant transformations, adapting to the changing needs of its students and the community it serves.

The Genesis: Kokomo Junior College (1932-1945)

The story of IU Kokomo begins with the establishment of Kokomo Junior College in 1932. Founded by brothers John and George Beauchamp in the midst of the Great Depression, the college aimed to provide affordable higher education opportunities to local students who might otherwise be unable to pursue their academic goals.

Driven by the belief that education should be accessible regardless of economic status, the Beauchamp brothers sought to address the lack of higher education options in Kokomo. At the time, only a small fraction of Kokomo High School graduates could afford to attend college. Recognizing this need, the Beauchamps envisioned a local institution that would offer quality education at an affordable price.

With limited resources, the brothers secured classroom space in the Kokomo YMCA for a nominal fee of $1 per year, thanks to the support of Kokomo school superintendent Clarence V. Haworth. Using George’s savings of $400, they began organizing the new junior college. They also worked to persuade state colleges, including Purdue University and Indiana University, to accept the transcripts of Kokomo Junior College students.

Despite facing financial challenges, the Beauchamps successfully launched Kokomo Junior College in September 1932. The college quickly gained popularity, enrolling 50 students in its first year. The initial faculty consisted of three members who were compensated $50 per month.

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Kokomo Junior College offered a range of extracurricular activities, including a student newspaper called The Mirror, a basketball team, a track team, a choir, and a drama club. These activities helped to create a sense of college life and foster a strong sense of community among the students.

In 1934, George Beauchamp left the school to teach at Northwestern University, and in 1936, John Beauchamp decided to pursue a career in law. A group of individuals who had been instrumental in the development and success of the college purchased the school from the Beauchamp brothers and formed a new board of trustees to oversee the college’s administration. Dr. Hurd Allyn Drake became president of the board and C.V. Haworth was selected as chairman.

L. Ward McReynolds came to Kokomo Junior College to teach zoology in the fall of 1938. McReynolds was elected dean of the school in 1939. Dr. Hurd Allyn Drake retained the office of president from 1936 until the school was closed in 1945.

However, the college continued to struggle financially, and in 1945, the board of trustees made the decision to merge with Indiana University.

The Kokomo Extension Center (1945-1965): Expansion and Adaptation

In 1945, Indiana University adopted Kokomo Junior College, transforming its facilities at 508 West Taylor Street into the Indiana University Extension Center at Kokomo. This marked a new chapter in the history of higher education in Kokomo, as IU brought its resources and expertise to the region.

The establishment of the Kokomo Extension Center was driven by a growing demand for off-campus classes in the area. The center experienced significant growth with the enrollment of World War II and Korean War veterans under the G.I. Bill, which provided educational benefits to those who had served in the military.

The educational needs World War II Veterans under the G. I. Bill of Rights was a major impetus for the creation of the Kokomo Extension Center. As Dr. Hunt himself mentioned at the Kokomo Women’s Civic Council meeting on September 13, 1945, the Kokomo Extension center would provide “classes for returned service men,” among other obligations. In January of 1946, the Kokomo Extension Center interviewed veterans to understand their educational needs as well as provide information about the new center and other regional educational opportunities.

After 1952, Korean War veterans were also offered educational benefits under the G. I. Bill, which provided the Kokomo Extension center with more growth. As early as 1953, the Kokomo Center published ads in the Kokomo Tribune promoting their business classes as “approved for Korean Veterans.”

The Extension Center initially held classes at the former Kokomo Junior College before moving to the Seiberling Mansion in 1946. The Seiberling Mansion, along with the adjacent Elliott House and carriage houses, served as the IU Kokomo campus for nearly twenty years, providing a unique and historic setting for learning.

IU Assistant Treasurer J. A. Franklin reported at the May 20-21, 1946 meeting of the Board of Trustees that “the Kingston Property, located near the center of the city, has been proposed” as a new facility for the Kokomo Extension Center. The property comprised of a “brick house of 15-20 rooms, with a garage that could readily be made into a laboratory.”

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In 1953, Indiana University purchased the adjacent Mark Brown Property for the Kokomo Extension Center. According to the Kokomo Tribune, this purchase allowed the university to “conduct a larger daytime program of instruction,” as well as provide each faculty member with “separate offices, a condition that does not exist at this time.” At least by 1961, the Mark Brown Property was used specifically as an administrative building, campus library, bookstore, and faculty office space, as noted in the Kokomo Tribune.

The Extension Center was led by directors Virgil Hunt, Smith Higgins, and Victor Bogle, who played key roles in shaping the institution's growth and development.

Transition to a University: Indiana University Kokomo (1965-Present)

In 1965, IU Kokomo made a significant move to its current location on South Washington Street, south of historic downtown Kokomo. This transition marked a turning point in the institution's history, as it began to evolve from an extension center to a comprehensive university.

The first building on the new campus, the Main Building, opened with classrooms, a library, administrative offices, and a 908-seat auditorium. This new facility provided IU Kokomo with the space and resources it needed to expand its academic offerings and student services.

In 1967, the campus offered its first IU degree program in nursing and partnered with Purdue University to offer an associate degree in technology. After a statewide reorganization in 1968, the center became Indiana University Kokomo, which awarded bachelor’s degrees in education and associate degrees in nursing and engineering at its first commencement in 1970.

Over the years, IU Kokomo has continued to expand its facilities and programs to meet the growing needs of its students and the community.

1980: The East Building was constructed, now known for its Nursing Simulation Lab.
1989: The Kelley Student Center was completed.
1995: The new library building was opened, housing the library, Art Gallery, Kresge Auditorium, and Alumni Hall.
2001: Hunt Hall opened, a modern building used for science and mathematics and named after the school's first director Virgil Hunt and his wife Elizabeth.
2013: The Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center opened, providing opportunities for expanding Allied Health Programs.
2020: The Student Activities and Events Center opened, serving as the home of the Cougars athletic department.

Leadership and Transformation

IU Kokomo has been guided by a series of dedicated leaders who have played instrumental roles in its growth and transformation:

Virgil Hunt: Executive secretary, IU Extension Center (1945-1956)
Smith Higgins: Director of IU Extension Center (1956-1959)
Victor M. Bogle: Chancellor (1959-1979)
Hugh Lee Thompson: Chancellor (1980-1990)
Emita Brady Hill: Chancellor (1991-1999)
Ruth Janssen Person: Chancellor (1999-2008)
Stuart Green: Interim chancellor (2008-2010)
Michael Harris: Chancellor (2010-2012)
Susan Sciame-Giesecke: Chancellor (2014-Present)

These leaders have overseen significant milestones in IU Kokomo's history, including the conversion of the extension center into a campus offering associate and baccalaureate degrees, the expansion of campus facilities, the establishment of new academic programs, and the development of an athletic program.

Ruth Janssen Person helped lead IU Kokomo into becoming a full baccalaureate institution with the addition of bachelor's and master's programs and the elimination of most associate programs. During her tenure, many renovations occurred with classroom improvements, new lecture halls as well as technology making its way into the classroom.

Michael Harris led the university through the process of adding 10 new degree programs to the Kokomo campus. Dr. Harris instituted online classes and increased the number of Friday classes offered. Under his leadership the campus reached historical enrollment records. He developed an athletic program.

Academic Excellence and Recognition

IU Kokomo has garnered recognition for its academic excellence and commitment to student success. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked IU Kokomo among the top regional campuses in the Midwest, particularly in the category of regional colleges that focus on undergraduate education.

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees in various fields, such as business, education, nursing, and the humanities. IU Kokomo is also committed to providing students with hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, research opportunities, and community engagement projects.

Student Life and Traditions

IU Kokomo offers a vibrant student life with approximately 35 student organizations, including special interest and major-based student groups. These organizations provide students with opportunities to connect with their peers, develop leadership skills, and engage in activities that align with their interests.

The university also sponsors annual awareness events to bring recognition and to show support to various serious issues. These events include Deaf Awareness Week, Sexual Assault Awareness Week, and the "Block Out Breast Cancer" volleyball game.

The Nearly Naked Mile is a newer tradition, held in late fall each year to benefit Kokomo Urban Outreach.

Athletics: The IU Kokomo Cougars

The Indiana-Kokomo (IUK or IU Kokomo) athletic teams are called the Cougars. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the River States Conference (RSC).

IU Kokomo was one of four institutions to become a member of the NAIA in April 2012. In May 2013, it was announced that IU Kokomo was accepted into the league that was formerly known as the KIAC, beginning with the 2013-14 academic year. IU Kokomo became the 12th member of the KIAC.

The university offers a variety of intercollegiate sports, including men's and women's basketball, volleyball, cross country, golf, and cheerleading.

The IU Kokomo Library: A Hub of Knowledge and Resources

The Indiana University Kokomo Library has played a vital role in supporting the academic mission of the university throughout its history. From its humble beginnings in the Main Building to its current location in a modern facility, the library has continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of its students, faculty, and staff.

Milestones in Library History

1965: The Library is located on the north side of the Main building.
1969: The Library became a selective participant in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP).
1980: The McNaughton Rental Book Plan began, now known as our Bestsellers collection.
1990: Information Online (IO) was installed as the first online catalog for the Indiana University libraries.
1991: The library newsletter was renamed to Check It Out!
1993: The card catalog was removed from the Library.
1995: The new library building was dedicated in its new location on the southwest side of campus.
2000: The Library became a state documents depository for Indiana.
2003: A proxy server was added to allow 24/7 access to electronic library resources from off campus.
2006: The Library Instruction Classroom and Computer Assisted Reference Services (CARS) rooms were renovated into the current Information Literacy Classrooms 1 and 2.
2009: The interlibrary loan system ILLiad was implemented and streamlined the process of requesting materials from libraries around the world.
2012: Following the completion of an extensive government documents weeding project, the Library was chosen as the FDLP Spotlight Library in October.
2017: The renovated first floor of the library was unveiled, and the Library hosted an open house to celebrate the project's completion.

The library offers a wide range of resources and services, including books, journals, databases, electronic resources, and research assistance. The library is also committed to providing information literacy instruction to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.

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