Former ISU faculty pledge $100,000 to BCET and CHHS students for experiential learning
The Power of Experiential Learning
Indiana State University alumni Dr. Jerry and Jan Cockrell pledged $100,000 to Indiana State University to enhance experiential learning opportunities for students in the Bailey College of Engineering and Technology and the College of Health and Human Services. The Jerry and Jan Cockrell Experiential Learning Endowment will give financial support to students who are seeking hands-on learning experiences such as internships, externships, summer research programs, and laboratory work.

Jerry graduated from ISU with a bachelor’s degree in electronics technology in 1974 and a master’s degree in industrial professional technology in 1975. After graduation, Jerry returned to Indiana State to instruct students as a Professor of Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology before retiring in 2012 as an emeritus faculty member.
In 1975, Jan completed a bachelor’s degree in recreation from ISU. She went on to dedicatedly serve the Westminster Village Life Plan Community for an astounding 40 years until her retirement in 2021. Post her retirement, she served as an adjunct faculty member at Indiana State.
Jerry and Jan Cockrell have been avid supporters of the University for more than 30 years and were recipients of the March On! Award in 2021 to recognize their contributions to Indiana State.


Enhancing the Sycamore Experience
The Jerry and Jan Cockrell Experiential Learning Endowment strives to make an impact specifically on first-generation and non-traditional students who struggle to obtain and afford experiential learning opportunities that will prepare them for their future careers. “We have been giving back to Indiana State University with annual contributions since we graduated but had no real focus or direction. After connecting with the University Advancement staff, they helped us find where our gift could make the most difference while aligning with our passions. Now felt like the right time to make a transformational gift,” said Jerry.
“Our hope is for this scholarship,” Jerry explains, “to enhance the Sycamore experience and let recipients do or discover what they enjoy doing on their path to success.” The award will be used for an experiential learning program and first preference for the annual award will be given to first-generation students, as well as United States military veterans who are transferring to ISU from a two-year educational institution.

