Ivy Tech Community College didn't have to look far for its new Lake County Chancellor. Marcos Rodriquez Jr. has been serving as interim chancellor since July and will take on the role immediately.

“Marcos is well-known in the Region and brings community connections and a desire to help students build a better every day after graduation in our Lake County communities,” said Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann in a press release. “His goals align to the college’s new strategic plan, Higher Education at the Speed of Life, producing more graduates, securing more workforce-aligned partnerships, continuing to improve the student experience, and launching initiatives that will provide pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers for all students.”

Before becoming interim chancellor, Rodriquez was the site director for the Ivy Tech Michigan City site and the apprenticeship manager for Ivy Tech Lake County, Valparaiso and Lafayette. He has 19 years of experience in higher education.

“Lake County is a diverse and accomplished community with a bright future, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this campus in our mission to support our students' aspirations, grow our community partnerships and create future possibilities,” Rodriquez said. “I am committed to working with everyone in the community to make Lake County an even better place to live, work, and learn.”

As chancellor, Rodriquez will oversee campus operations and services. He also will ensure the campus is meeting enrollment, completion, retention and student success goals. Other duties will include building current and future employer and community outreach partnerships.

Rodriquez also has served as an adjunct faculty instructor for the College of Court Reporting in Valparaiso, where he teaches personal finance and has previously taught human relations, modern history, and culture and society.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Valparaiso University and a Master of Business Management from Indiana University. He is a member of the Economic Development Workforce Taskforce, the Chamber of Commerce Retention and Expansion and Ambassador Committees, and an Advisory Board Member of the Construction Management Program.