(From left) Adjunct Faculty for Health Sciences Deborah King, Assistant Professor of Math/Assistant Department Chair for General Studies Semere Sebhatu, Dual Credit English Instructor at Options High School Padam Chauhan, and Chancellor Dr. Rachel Kartz. (Photo provided)
Submitted
Three Hamilton County faculty members and instructors were honored with Ivy Tech Community College’s Presidents Awards.
Semere (Sam) Sebhatu, Assistant Professor of Math/Assistant Department Chair for General Studies, Deborah King, Adjunct Faculty for Health Sciences, and Padam Chauhan, English, Dual Credit Instructor at Options High School, were recognized for embodying the highest standards of teaching and inspiring success across Ivy Tech campuses.
Sam was selected for his deeply student-centered approach and his leadership in growing the campus mathematics program. His Ivy Tech journey – from tutor to academic support leader to full-time faculty – demonstrates his long-standing dedication to student achievement. Sam supports students from their first advising session through their mathematics coursework and also serves as faculty advisor for the Omega Beta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
Deborah brings more than 30 years of clinical and academic experience to her teaching. A registered respiratory therapist and Ivy Tech alumna, she is known for dynamic, hands-on instruction that blends clinical rigor with compassion. Deborah “meets students where they are” and elevates their confidence through role-playing, interactive demonstrations, and real-world simulations.
Padam was recognized for his unwavering commitment to supporting dual credit students. He consistently steps in to teach courses others are unable to take and plays a key role in helping students complete their College Core. His reliability, flexibility, and student-first approach make him an invaluable partner in advancing college-level learning for high school learners.
Together, these honorees represent Ivy Tech’s commitment to exceptional teaching, meaningful student support, and educational excellence across Hamilton County.
Ivy Tech honored 57 faculty, adjunct faculty, and dual credit instructors with its annual President’s Awards. The award is a cherished Ivy Tech tradition, celebrating the dedication, innovation, and student-centered excellence of faculty and instructors from Ivy Tech locations throughout the state.
“Every Ivy Tech student has their ‘why’ that inspires them and drives them forward in their education journey, and so often an Ivy Tech faculty member is a part of that story,” said Marty Pollio, Ivy Tech Community College President. “The faculty, adjunct faculty, and dual credit instructors being honored are not simply teaching their students; they are changing lives through education.”
Of those recognized with the President’s Award, one honoree is selected for the Glenn W. Sample Award Founder’s Award for Excellence in Instruction for Faculty, the Gerald I. Lamkin Award for Adjunct Faculty, and the Statewide Dual Credit for Excellence in Instruction Award for Dual Enrollment Instructor.
