Board Spotlight

For Interim Provost Steven Combs, civic and community engagement isn’t just an academic concept—it’s been a guiding principle throughout his life. From his years of military service to his career in higher education, Combs has witnessed how active participation builds belonging and strengthens communities. Today, as Interim Provost of Ivy Tech Community College and Chair of the Community-Engaged Alliance (CEA) Board of Directors, he is leading efforts to ensure that Hoosier students graduate ready to say, “I want to help.” 

A Lifelong Commitment to Service

Combs’ dedication to engagement has been shaped by personal experiences as much as professional ones. Moving frequently throughout his life, he found that volunteerism and board service were the best ways to quickly integrate into new communities. “My commitment to this work stems from a lifetime of experiences,” he explains, “where I’ve seen firsthand how engagement builds relationships and creates a sense of belonging.”

One powerful influence has been his wife, Nikki, whose passion for youth literacy through AmeriCorps inspired him to deepen his own civic commitments. Together, they’ve witnessed the transformative power of mentoring, volunteering, and leading community initiatives. For Combs, civic engagement is more than a duty—it’s a privilege that drives positive change and creates thriving, interconnected communities across Indiana.

Joining the CEA Board

Combs’ journey with Community-Engaged Alliance began, fittingly, over coffee. A conversation with fellow Ivy Tech Chancellor and CEA board member Dr. David Bathe, along with encouragement from then-President Dr. Sue Ellspermann, led him to accept the opportunity to serve. Now as board chair, Combs sees CEA’s role as truly unique in the state. 

“CEA is the only organization in Indiana that unites all 37 public, private, two-year, and four-year institutions,” he says. “Together, we’re cultivating civic-minded graduates who strengthen their communities through service-learning and research.” 

It’s that collective impact that excites him most by imagining the ripple effects if every graduate returned to their hometown saying, “I want to help.” 

Inspiring the Next Generation

Combs knows that many young people today feel disconnected from civic life. He sees CEA as a catalyst for reversing that trend by engaging students early and often. Programs such as grant-funded projects and faculty-led initiatives offer students the chance to see the impact of their contributions firsthand. 

“By integrating service-learning into the campus experience, we provide opportunities that demonstrate the value of engagement,” he says. “These experiences foster a lifelong commitment to civic participation.” 

In recent years, especially post-COVID, Combs has noticed a renewed energy among students seeking ways to reconnect with their communities. CEA is amplifying this momentum through statewide resources, webinars, and events designed to give faculty the tools they need to guide students toward high-impact civic practices. 

Making a Tangible Difference

Through his leadership role, Combs has seen how CEA’s grants, partnerships, and professional development efforts are making real change across Indiana. Faculty and staff are empowered to design innovative projects that directly involve students in service-learning and research. The results are lasting connections between campuses and communities—and graduates who leave school equipped with skills that extend far beyond the classroom. 

“Even if only a fraction of graduates continue to build civic relationships, the ripple effect is profound,” Combs notes. “By fostering a culture of engagement, CEA ensures that Hoosier students graduate ready to drive positive social change.” 

Looking Ahead

As he looks to the future, Combs envisions a state where every family embraces a culture of engagement—where voting, volunteering, and leading are simply part of everyday life. To make that vision a reality, he believes CEA must expand its grant programs, provide more targeted training for faculty, and continue building strong partnerships across Indiana’s higher education landscape. 

“CEA is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation,” he says. “By scaling our resources and sharing best practices, we can ensure every student experiences the power of engagement.” 

For Combs, the mission is clear: equip students to not only thrive in their own careers, but also to return to their communities with a passion to serve. The outcome, he believes, will be a stronger, more connected Indiana for generations to come.