IAACE Year in Review: July 2024 – June 2025

As we wrap up another impactful year, the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE) prides itself on the progress, partnerships, and powerful moments that defined July 2024 through June 2025. From amplifying our advocacy efforts to strengthening professional development, this year was all about flourishing.

🎯 Advocacy in Action

IAACE continued to stand strong for adult education in Indiana. AEFL Week 2024 included a Governor’s Proclamation, an Evansville Mayor’s Proclamation, and numerous social media posts. The committee delivered two Advocacy in Action sessions. We held our  4th annual Adult Education Day. This event had over 300 attendees, three legislative speakers, 30 + legislative attendees, and 60 + student essay submissions. Advocacy April included a challenge where Brenda Gaston, Dannie Mandussi-Shreeve, and Whitney Pentecost won Amazon gift cards.  Our lobbyist, Lauren Box, led us through the budget battles, guided legislators to understand Indiana Adult Education’s impact with fact sheets, and our Adult Learning Landscape. We also launched the Influencer Success Form, allowing members to share their successes with our committee. This highlighted regional leaders visiting Wagler in October. The committee also continued to add to the website’s Advocacy toolbox. We also worked closely with COABE to respond to federal funding threats and engaged our members in targeted advocacy campaigns—empowering them to contact legislators and tell the stories that matter. Our message was clear: adult education is essential to Indiana’s workforce and community success.

🧠 Professional Development & Communications

Our professional development offerings grew in both reach and impact:

• Connect Hours continued monthly, offering membership topics and Q&A with Executive Director, Jenn.

• We launched Teachers Talk, a virtual cohort experience to share, learn, and grow together.

• Community Chat’s continued monthly offering allows members to converse on current topics.
• The Indiana Adult Education Mentor program continues to deliver results with monthly minders, an online asynchronous course for Administrators, and consulting both in person and virtually to

• We delivered 49 blogs and a monthly newsletter highlighting membership benefits and highlights of adult education successes.

• We have also delivered 11 episodes of the Journey of Adult Learner podcast.

• The website provides direct access for our members to the tools and resources they need to continue to be the best adult education team they can be.

• The Movement continues to build our community and recognize organizations’ pride in being an Indina adult education provider.
• The jobs board offers a place for members to share opportunities in their organizations or learn of jobs available.
• Retirement recognition maintains its place to honor members who have retired.

🎤 A Record-Setting IAACE 2024 Conference

Held in Florence, Indiana, the 2024 Conference was a round-up of knowledge and a saddle of success! With more than 384 attendees, the event featured keynote speakers, Kate Redmon and Jan McInnis, who inspired and made us laugh. Kate delivered practical tools, and our first-ever Building Bridges, Not Walls Panel Discussion—putting leaders’ voices at the forefront. Our Awards celebration brought all-star energy to the closing night.

The 2024 Winners were Dr Jack Heller, Outstanding Tutor; Wagler Events Coordinator, Outstanding Business and Industry Partners; Mandi Logsdon, Outstanding Essential Support Staff; Donna McNeely, Outstanding New Adult Educator; David Shepherd, Outstanding Adult Educator; Michelle Ellis, Outstanding Administrator; Danni Mancusi-Shreve, ECU Service Award; Zuhal Razman, Outstanding Adult Learner; Dr. John Nally, Dr. John Nally Award for Lifetime Serice to Correctional Education in Indiana; and Rob Moore, Dr. John R. Craddock Award for Lifetime Serice to Adult Education in Indiana.

🤝 Collaborations that Count

We deepened our partnerships this year:

• Our collaboration with the Indiana Literacy Association (ILA) includes grants for our members totaling $3760 and funding for efforts that include the Student Essay Contest. The organization operates as our resource committee and partners with the conference.

• Continued our collaboration with the IN Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to align adult education with workforce needs, resources, and professional development.

• COABE continues to be a resourceful partner that offers a SALI program, a SAAEF program, a Student Ambassador Program, and numerous membership benefits.

🛠️ Building the Future 

The strategic plan that was created in the Fall of 2023 has been a steadfast plan to continue our mission of elevating lifelong learning and workforce development through professional development, collaboration and advocacy; and our vision to equip our members with tools and to build robust programs, empower teachers and inspire students, strive for equity and respect for all and to champion the benefits of obtaining an education at any point in life. Our committees have set goals and continue striving to meet our vision of collaboration with Indiana Adult Education Stakeholders, communicate and promote adult education, facilitate professional development, and support our members.

The members nominated and elected president elect, Dustin Bentz, Secretary, Maeve Warrick, and three new board members, Jane Coulter, Mark Fridenmaker, and Leo Patino, whose terms begin on July 1.  Dustin’s and Maeve’s change of position created two appointed positions, which are Laura Elsbrock as treasurer and Hannah Price, for a one-year board term.

With an eye toward 2026, IAACE is collaborating on COABE 2026, which we’re proud to host in Indianapolis. We’ve encouraged Indiana educators to submit proposals and represent our state with confidence and pride at this national event.

Meanwhile, plans for IAACE 2025 at the Blue Chip Stardust Convention Center are well underway. Our theme, “Hitting It Out of the Park for Adult Education,” promises another unforgettable event.

🌟 Membership 

Our membership levels have remained strong with 485 individual members, including five organizational members and one institutional member. Our members remain strong and engaged, with organizational and individual members participating in surveys, regional meetups, and member-led initiatives. The IAACE Membership Directory continues to be a directory that allows our members to connect and collaborate. We also now have student membership available for free. Adult Learners who complete their success story will receive a complimentary membership to IAACE and COABE that allows them to stay connected and access further opportunities on their journey of lifelong learning.

Looking Ahead
This fiscal year affirmed Indiana’s adult education professionals’ resilience, creativity, and dedication. As we look ahead to a new membership year, we carry with us the lessons and triumphs of the past twelve months—and we’re more committed than ever to empowering educators and learners alike.

Here’s to another year of progress, partnerships, and purpose.

Jenn Wigginton

Jenn is the IAACE Executive Director. Her passion for adult education shines through in everything she does for IAACE. You can invite her to a chat for questions anytime. Click here to book a time to chat with Jenn