IPFW hearing in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WANE) A hearing on the future of Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW) was held at the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday.

Lawmakers debated whether IPFW should become an independent university or stick with their Purdue University and Indiana University affiliates.

Supporters of becoming an independent university have said breaking away may mean more state funding. Opponents argue it would take away degrees from two well-known universities.

The following State, Purdue, Indiana University and IPFW representatives were scheduled to speak in front of the Select Commission on Education after which the hearing was opened up for public comment:

• Senator Dennis Kruse.
• Senator James Banks.
• Representative Robert Morris.
• Tim Sands, Acting President, Purdue University.
• Vicky Carwein, Chancellor, IPFW.
• Victor Lechtenberg, Acting President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Purdue University.
• John Applegate, Executive Vice President for University Regional Affairs, Planning, and Policy, Indiana University.
• Andrew Downs, Presiding Officer of the Fort Wayne Senate,IPFW.
• Steve Sarratore, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, IPFW.
• Anthony Mitson, Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana.