About ICI
WHO WE ARE
Independent Colleges of Indiana is the collective voice for excellence and choice in higher education for all students. As a non-profit association, ICI represents Indiana’s 27 private, non-profit, regionally-accredited colleges and universities.
What We Do
- Public Policy Advocacy, especially in the cause of state and federally-funded student financial aid;
- Public Information and Research about the performance and contributions of the independent college sector in Indiana;
- Corporate and Foundation Fundraising, with all funds raised by ICI disbursed to member colleges;
- Development of Collaborative Services, such as group purchasing and shared services among our campuses;
- Administration of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, along with other scholarships and grants.
Year Founded
% Students Receiving Financial Aid
Schools Represented
ICI Students
Our History
- Founded in 1948 as the Associated Colleges of Indiana, originally to serve as a fund-raising organization for Indiana’s independent colleges;
- Has the distinction of being the first cooperative statewide association of independent colleges in the nation;
- Represents Indiana’s 27 private, non-profit colleges and universities that are accredited, undergraduate degree-granting institutions of higher education;
- Became the merged entity of Independent Colleges of Indiana in 2005, when the Independent Colleges of Indiana Foundation legally became part of ICI.
Our President
Dottie L. King, Ph.D., assumed her role as the president and CEO of Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) in August 2023. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Indianapolis, ICI is a non-profit association representing Indiana’s 27 private, non-profit colleges and universities. ICI advocates for students attending private colleges, works on member services and collaborative ventures, and manages the Lilly Endowment Community Scholars program. King has nearly 40 years of higher education experience, most recently serving as the president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) from 2010 to 2023.
Through her leadership, SMWC experienced record enrollments, growth in academic programming, an expansion of athletic offerings, and a sustained focus on addressing the capital needs of a historic campus. King served in other roles at SMWC including, associate professor of mathematics, chair of the sciences and mathematics department, assistant dean for undergraduate and international programs, and vice president for academic affairs. She is a past chair of the ICI board.
King serves on the executive board of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). She is a member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), Indiana Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), Wabash Valley Education Alliance, and Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.
King holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction/educational leadership from Indiana State University. She and her husband, Wayne, are the proud parents of six children and several grandchildren.
Our Governance
ICI is under the supervision of its Board of Directors comprised of forty-five directors unless otherwise indicated. The majority of the board’s members are known as “Designated Directors,” and are presidents of the ICI member institutions whose terms are coterminous with his or her service as the president of their institution. The Designated Directors may set a number of “Elected Directors” who represent both legislative and corporate interests. The President/CEO of ICI serves as an ex-officio voting member of the Board of Directors.
ICI's Office
Independent Colleges of Indiana
601 South Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-236-6090
ICI’s office has moved to the southernmost building on Union Campus, just a few blocks south of our previous location. The building is situated between South Meridian Street and Madison Avenue. When visiting, please call 317-236-6090 or your ICI contact for building access. Our office is located on the second floor, Suite 2A.
Recommended parking options include:
- Green Lot: When visiting ICI, you’ll have access to park in the Green Lot which has an entrance on Pennsylvania Street. Click here for Green Lot parking details. ICI Office and Parking at Union Campus.
- Street meter parking with limits of 2-4 hours may also be available on South Meridian Street.