Marion, Ind. (May 20, 2026) – Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Executive Director of Government and Strategic Relations Penny Callaway has been appointed by Indiana Governor Mike Braun to the newly reinitiated State Workforce Development Board (SWDB), strengthening the university’s ongoing commitment to workforce and economic development across Indiana.
Fortified by the public workforce system under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the SWDB is a business-led entity that guides workforce strategy at the state level. It endeavors to align workforce programs with economic demand, employer needs, career pathway expansion, and service delivery coordination across education, training, and employment systems. In addition to high-level business executives and city, county, and state-level public servants throughout Indiana — such as State Sen. Jeff Raatz and State Rep. Bob Behning — Callaway is joined by IWU alumnus Rob Keisling, external affairs manager for Indiana Michigan Power.
Callaway serves IWU as executive director of government and strategic relations within University Advancement and as an associate professor in the Division of Nursing within the School of Integrated Health. Her professional background spans healthcare, education, workforce engagement, and public policy, positioning her well to contribute meaningfully to statewide conversations surrounding talent development and economic opportunity.
“This is an extension of the mission of IWU,” said Callaway. “We develop people in character, scholarship, and leadership. We equip people to recognize their calling, realize their purpose, and provide them a pathway to reach their potential and make an impact. This is a real, tangible way of doing that.”
The appointment reflects IWU’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Indiana communities through workforce preparation, strategic partnerships, and innovative educational pathways that equip students for purposeful careers and lives of service.
“At IWU, we believe higher education plays a vital role in shaping the future workforce and contributing to the flourishing of our communities,” said IWU President Jon Kulaga, Ph.D. “This is an opportunity to align education with business, with economic growth, which results in that flourishing. We’re the bridge between all those things.”
As Indiana continues addressing workforce shortages and evolving industry demands, IWU remains committed to collaborating with government, business, healthcare, education, and nonprofit leaders to help build sustainable career pathways and expand opportunity throughout the state.
Governor Braun announced the appointments to the State Workforce Development Board in April 2026 with Callaway’s appointment term set to expire in March 2029. The board works in partnership with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development to strengthen Indiana’s talent pipeline and support long-term economic growth.
