Indiana University Northwest is looking into expanding course offerings in Michigan City.

Chancellor Ken Iwama discussed the proposal during a recent reception for IU President Pamela Whitten at the Northwest Indiana Education Foundation, organized by the Economic Development Corp. Michigan City.

“We want to bring more programs here,” Iwama said. “We’re starting to test it.”

Clarence Hulse, EDCMC executive director, said his organization is working with IUN.

“We are excited about IU’s leadership visiting our community and we are looking forward to putting future collaborative opportunities into place,” Hulse said. “Education is a key factor in attracting and retaining employees to any community.”

Iwama said IUN has been discussing a potential partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, which has campuses in Michigan City and Valparaiso.

Michigan City Council President Angie Nelson Deuitch supports IUN expanding in Michigan City.

“Eventually we want to see bricks and mortar, and we want to see you in Michigan City,” she said.

Whitten enjoys visiting the Region.

“Every time I come to Northwest Indiana, people show up,” she said.

She discussed the three pillars of IU’s 2030 strategic plan: student success, research and scholarship, and public service and outreach.

“We are Indiana’s university,” she said.