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GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS

Discover inspiring graduate success stories from Indian River State College that highlight perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of meaningful careers. From space exploration to healthcare and nursing, these spotlights showcase how River students are overcoming challenges, achieving their goals, and ready to make an impact in their communities.

News Topic: Leadership & Administration

The River’s Jenna Bluedorn Named Rising Star Award Recipient by Association of National Advertisers
October 24, 2025 – Indian River State College (The River) is proud to announce that Jenna Bluedorn has been selected as a Rising Star Award recipient by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), a rare distinction for a higher education marketing professional. The award was presented at the 2025 ANA Masters of Marketing Conference, held October 21–24 in Orlando, Florida.
Bluedorn joined Indian River State College in February 2025 as Associate Vice President of Brand Experience, bringing over eight years of digital marketing and client services leadership experience. Prior to The River, she served as Associate Vice President of Client Services at Level Agency in Pittsburgh, where she led marketing strategy for both for-profit and not-profit higher education institutions. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Media and Communication Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and holds a master’s degree in international business from Oxford Brookes University, and a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Spanish from the University of Mount Union.
Jenna Bluedorn is the recipient of the Association of National Advertisers Rising Star Award
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful, not just personally, but for our entire team and the higher education marketing community,” said Jenna Bluedorn. “It validates that the work we’re doing to connect with prospective students and tell our institution’s story is on par with the best marketing practices in any industry. I’m honored to represent higher education on this stage.”
Michael Hageloh, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Education is business, and business is education. Jenna brings this to life every day, working to convert customers to students. This recognition from the ANA places The River’s marketing excellence alongside the nation’s leading brands.”
“Jenna exemplifies the kind of innovative, strategic thinking that drives our institution forward,” said Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore. “Her ability to blend creative marketing approaches with measurable outcomes has elevated our enrollment efforts and strengthened our brand. This national recognition is well-deserved and reflects her dedication to excellence.”
The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) is the leading trade association for the marketing community, representing more than 20,000 brands and 1,000 member companies collectively investing over $400 billion in marketing and advertising annually. The ANA Masters of Marketing Conference brings together the industry’s most influential marketing leaders to share insights, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of marketing.
October 24, 2025
Statement on the Passing of Judge William “Bill” Hendry
“It is with great sadness that Indian River State College mourns the loss of Judge William ‘Bill’ Hendry, one of our founding trustees and a cornerstone of the College.
Judge Hendry’s vision and dedication were instrumental in bringing higher education to Okeechobee County. Working alongside fellow trustee Ben Dixon, he helped establish what has grown into the thriving Indian River State College Dixon-Hendry Campus—a lasting testament to his commitment to expanding educational opportunities for our community.
For 96 years, Judge Hendry exemplified a life of service—as a veteran, attorney, judge, and community leader. His devotion to justice, education, and local history has left an indelible mark on Okeechobee County and our entire service region.
We extend our deepest condolences to Judge Hendry’s family, friends, and all who were privileged to know him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students who walk through the doors of the campus that bears his name.”
– Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President (October 2, 2025)
October 2, 2025
Indian River State College Names New Associate Vice Provost and Associate VP for Human Resources
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (August 21, 2025) — Indian River State College announces the appointment of two accomplished leaders. Dr. Mia Tignor assumes the position of Associate Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, and Alessandra Thompson takes on the role of Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D., Indian River State College President, said, “The appointments of Dr. Mia Tignor and Alessandra Thompson represent our commitment to building a stronger foundation that will enhance faculty support, organizational excellence, and ultimately student success as we continue serving the Treasure Coast region.”
Dr. Tignor is a proven higher education leader who has served The River for 12 years in various roles: tenured faculty, department chair, and Dean of Learning Resources. As Associate Vice Provost, Dr. Tignor will expand faculty support beyond the classroom, particularly in the integration of digital tools. She will continue to oversee the Learning Resources division, which includes the College’s libraries, tutoring centers, and online learning departments, and lead the transformation of the Institute of Academic Excellence, ensuring faculty are equipped to deliver innovative, workforce-aligned curriculum.
Dr. Mia Tignor
“I am excited to expand the River’s professional development opportunities and help our faculty explore and integrate digital tools into their teaching that will enhance student learning outcomes,” said Dr. Tignor. “Having served Indian River State College in various capacities over the years, I understand our faculty’s needs and am committed to providing them with the resources, professional development opportunities, and support needed for continued excellence.”
Thompson brings more than 20 years of human resources leadership in global corporations. She recently served as Vice President of Human Resources at Spirax Sarco Group, a FTSE 100 company with 10,000 employees across 50 countries, and previously as Director of Human Resources at Carrier Corporation, a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees. Her expertise includes ERP conversions, Title IX, collective bargaining, talent development, and organizational change management.
Alessandra Thompson
“I’m thrilled to join The River and contribute the insights gained from my corporate background,” said Thompson. “My focus will be on supporting our faculty and employees and strengthening the organizational foundation needed to advance the College’s mission in our community.”
Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
August 21, 2025
Indian River State College Announces Appointment of New Chief of Campus Safety
FORT PIERCE, FLA (August 4, 2025) – Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore today announced that Chief Donald Bergmann has officially begun his role as the new Chief of Campus Safety.
Chief Donald Bergmann, Indian River State College Campus Safety & Security
Chief Donald Bergmann brings more than 40 years of combined law enforcement and campus security experience to Indian River State College.
From 1985 to 2009, Chief Bergmann served with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (Rochester, NY) at various levels of responsibility, culminating as Zone Commander / Police Bureau Captain of the 1,400-member department. Since 2009, Chief Bergmann has served as the Chief of University Police at the University of Scranton (Pennsylvania) where he led a 34-member team that he hired and trained with an annual operating budget in excess of $2 million.
Notably, Chief Bergmann led his force to become a fully accredited university law enforcement agency and worked in an integrated manner in support of the University’s Student Life, Title IX, as well as all federal and state compliance measures.
“We are excited to have Chief Bergmann officially join the Indian River State College family,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “His extensive experience in both traditional law enforcement and campus security, combined with his proven track record of building and leading accredited teams, makes him the ideal candidate to enhance our campus safety operations. His commitment to collaborative approaches and comprehensive compliance will serve our students, faculty, and staff exceptionally well.”
President Moore also took the opportunity to recognize the college’s current Campus Security team for their exemplary service. “I want to take a moment to recognize our skilled Campus Security team as they have served with honor and distinction during the search for a new Chief. I specifically want to recognize the outstanding leadership and ‘Can Do’ spirit of our interim Chief of Campus Safety – Major Victor Barber, who has led with distinction throughout his assignment. Thank you, Chief Barber!”
Chief Donald Bergmann officially began his new role at Indian River State College on August 4, 2025.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The River provides 175 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas.
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August 4, 2025