Matthew Connell
Sector Vice President, Healthcare at Ivy Tech Community College
Dr. Matthew Connell is a dynamic executive professional with over 19 years of experience coordinating higher education, healthcare, and business processes. He is an experienced leader with a track record of successfully directing cross-functional teams, managing continuous improvement operations, and leading change management efforts. Dr. Connell is an educator, professional trainer, consultant, and public speaker.
Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Dr. Connell holds a Doctorate in Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky, a Master of Physical Therapy, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.
Dr. Connell joined Ivy Tech in 2022 as the Vice President for Healthcare, where he provides system-level leadership for the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing. In this role, he supports over 20 academic and skills training programs across 19 campuses, producing over 10,000 graduates annually. Dr. Connell develops and leads the vision and strategic direction for the Schools ensuring the educational programs meet employer needs and support the advancement of healthcare throughout the state. Dr. Connell leads new program development and collaborates with senior industry leaders, employers, and legislators to address industry demands and workforce trends. In 2024, Dr. Connell testified as an expert witness on innovative healthcare workforce development in a U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing.
Prior to joining Ivy Tech, Dr. Connell served as Dean of Nursing & Health Professions and Campus Administrator at State College of Florida (SCF) in Bradenton, FL. Here, Dr. Connell managed the development, initiation, and scaling of multiple academic programs in response to community demands and led initiatives to increase access opportunities for underserved and underrepresented populations through collaborative partnerships with community and industry affiliates.
In 2017, Dr. Connell launched Connell Consulting Solutions, a leadership consulting firm. He combines evidence-based solutions and best practices from various sectors to create valuable tools for his clients. Dr. Connell's commitment to education, healthcare, and community engagement is also reflected in his active involvement in service to the community. He currently serves on prominent boards and committees, such as the National Caregiver Coalition, the Indiana Behavioral Health Workforce Development Subcommittee, the Indiana Nursing Workforce Data Advisory Group, and the Indiana Healthcare Foundation Board, where he contributes his expertise and works collaboratively to address critical healthcare challenges and improve outcomes. His dedication to cultivating cultures that pair access opportunities with resources for success and his extensive achievements in leading initiatives, managing programs, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity demonstrate his commitment to positively impacting the communities he serves.
Apart from his professional achievements, Dr. Connell loves history, music, sports, and traveling with his wife, Lindsey, and their two daughters, Avery and Madison.
Matthew Connell
Sector Vice President, Healthcare at Ivy Tech Community College
Dr. Matthew Connell is a dynamic executive professional with over 19 years of experience coordinating higher education, healthcare, and business processes. He is an experienced leader with a track record of successfully directing cross-functional teams, managing continuous improvement operations, and leading change management efforts. Dr. Connell is an educator, professional trainer, consultant, and public speaker.
Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Dr. Connell holds a Doctorate in Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky, a Master of Physical Therapy, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.
Dr. Connell joined Ivy Tech in 2022 as the Vice President for Healthcare, where he provides system-level leadership for the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing. In this role, he supports over 20 academic and skills training programs across 19 campuses, producing over 10,000 graduates annually. Dr. Connell develops and leads the vision and strategic direction for the Schools ensuring the educational programs meet employer needs and support the advancement of healthcare throughout the state. Dr. Connell leads new program development and collaborates with senior industry leaders, employers, and legislators to address industry demands and workforce trends. In 2024, Dr. Connell testified as an expert witness on innovative healthcare workforce development in a U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing.
Prior to joining Ivy Tech, Dr. Connell served as Dean of Nursing & Health Professions and Campus Administrator at State College of Florida (SCF) in Bradenton, FL. Here, Dr. Connell managed the development, initiation, and scaling of multiple academic programs in response to community demands and led initiatives to increase access opportunities for underserved and underrepresented populations through collaborative partnerships with community and industry affiliates.
In 2017, Dr. Connell launched Connell Consulting Solutions, a leadership consulting firm. He combines evidence-based solutions and best practices from various sectors to create valuable tools for his clients. Dr. Connell's commitment to education, healthcare, and community engagement is also reflected in his active involvement in service to the community. He currently serves on prominent boards and committees, such as the National Caregiver Coalition, the Indiana Behavioral Health Workforce Development Subcommittee, the Indiana Nursing Workforce Data Advisory Group, and the Indiana Healthcare Foundation Board, where he contributes his expertise and works collaboratively to address critical healthcare challenges and improve outcomes. His dedication to cultivating cultures that pair access opportunities with resources for success and his extensive achievements in leading initiatives, managing programs, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity demonstrate his commitment to positively impacting the communities he serves.
Apart from his professional achievements, Dr. Connell loves history, music, sports, and traveling with his wife, Lindsey, and their two daughters, Avery and Madison.