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Michelle Mitchell
Team Leader
Michelle Mitchell is the Director of Learn More Indiana and manages the strategic communications team (College Success Coalition Coordinator, Partnership Development Manager, Publication Coordinator, Website Developer, Public Relations / Media Coordinator, Interns and other staff) focused on improving college access and success for students; supporting student learning P-16; and realizing the state’s goal of raising the educational attainment of Hoosiers. She maintains partner relationships with policymakers and stakeholder organizations, which include: early learning agencies, K-12 schools, public and private colleges and universities, apprenticeship programs, workforce development systems, school counseling associations, college admissions associations, youth serving organizations, etc. Her areas of expertise are strategic planning, program development, management and training, and building community partnerships. She presents at workshops, retreats and conferences state wide. She also serves on several educational planning boards and committees. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
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Karen Bush
Community Alliance Manager
Karen Bush is the Manager of Partnership Development for Learn More Indiana. She develops “on the ground” alliances with organizations in local communities across Indiana to reach parents and students. Karen travels the state of Indiana developing partnerships to raise the educational attainment of Hoosiers through localized Learn More campaigns like KnowHow2GoIndiana. Other responsibilities include bringing together state and local organizations and individuals through the Indiana College Success Coalition to help Indiana students get the education they need to succeed in life. Karen has her bachelor’s degree in Business Communications, a Masters Degree in Human Resources and a Masters in Business Administration. Karen and her husband Gerald live in Noblesville, Indiana and are the parents of two young boys ages 3 & 5.
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Elizabeth Crouch
Public Relations & Media Coordinator
Elizabeth Crouch joined Learn More Indiana in August 2007 as the public relations and media coordinator. She is responsible for all statewide media outreach and manages grassroots PR efforts for local college success coalitions. Elizabeth’s main objective is to promote Learn More Indiana, including important education topics through broadcast, print and online media. Elizabeth has written and placed several columns and news stories in major Indiana markets, including Fort Wayne, Evansville, Terre Haute, Bloomington and Indianapolis. Most recently, she handled the media relations effort for the KnowHow2GOIndiana campaign and secured over $3 million of earned media. Elizabeth has a degree in Marketing from the University of Dayton.
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Mike Runestad
Publications Coordinator
Mike Runestad oversees a variety of communication projects for Learn More Indiana. He manages the creation, printing and distribution of OnTrack, a series of student success mini-magazines that are distributed to K-12 students and their families, and the state of Indiana’s role in the public-private partnership responsible for NEXT Indiana: A Guide to Life After High School and GRAD Magazine. He also created Indiana’s Guide to Paying for College and the Graduation Plan. In addition, Mike writes and edits copy, designs print materials, produces direct mail pieces, and delivers presentations on college preparation and career exploration. Before joining Learn More Indiana in October 2006, he oversaw public relations and managed the volunteer program for an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization. Originally from Illinois, Mike has an Associate in Arts from Rock Valley College and a Bachelor of Science in journalism and political science from Northern Illinois University. He has also served on advisory committees for the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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Susan Tharp
College Success Coordinator
Susan Tharp began working for Learn More Indiana in December of 2008, as the College Success Coordinator working in the southern region of the state. Susan’s responsibilities include partnership development, networking with community and faith based organizations, managing volunteers and supporting college access programs. Her background includes sales and marketing and over 15 years of experience in the student loan industry. She has experience working with guidance counselors, families and students to assist them with the college planning process. She has a passion for helping students get to college and enjoys sharing resources and information that assist them in that process. Susan graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in English and a minor in Counseling Psychology.
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