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Northwest Florida State College selects Erny to head its Career Education program as Dean

Following a nation-wide search, Northwest Florida State College has appointed Michael Erny to the leadership position of Dean of Career Education. He brings more than 30 years of experience in both career and technical education and the automotive technology industry.

Currently, Mr. Erny serves as Dean for the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana/Kokomo Service Area, which includes campuses in Kokomo, Logansport, Rochester, and Peru. Over his 12-year career with the college, he has held several leadership positions, including Program Chair of Automotive and Diesel Technology, Statewide Lead Curriculum Chair for Automotive and Diesel Technologies, and Department Chair and Assistant Dean for School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science. A graduate of Ivy Tech’s Master Teacher Academy and Leadership Academy, he was the recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction in the Kokomo Region in 2014.

Mr. Erny earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Service Technology at Ivy Tech Vocational College in 1988. Prior to his career in higher education, he served seven years as the Fleet Maintenance Manager, Farming Service with JET Transport, Inc. in Walton, Indiana, and 11 years in Sales and as a Service Technician and Shop Foreman at Eastgate Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep, Eagle dealership in Indianapolis, Indiana.  

He returned to college and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Career and Technical Education from Indiana State University. He is a Doctor of Education candidate at the University of Wisconsin/Stout with an expected graduation date of May 2019.