Jeff Lawley, program chair of the paramedic science program at Ivy Tech Community College’s Valparaiso campus, was named EMS Educator of the Year by the Indiana EMS Association.

Lawley was presented the award at the organization’s recent conference in West Lafayette.

Under Lawley’s leadership, the program achieved an initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

“I was surprised and humbled,” Lawley said of the accreditation. “It’s a validation of the work put into helping students succeed and helping them become what they've worked towards.”

Lawley helped establish the first college-based emergency medical services program in five counties, including the paramedic science program at Ivy Tech. He also created new educational pathways for his current and former peers, as more than 50 paramedics and firefighters have earned a college degree through the program.

“My goal is to be a student advocate and help facilitate students in the transition to becoming healthcare professionals who can go back to their communities and care for society, while also looking for ways to proactively help improve overall health,” Lawley said.

Lawley also works as a paramedic for Phoenix Paramedic Solutions in Rensselaer.