We are pleased to announce that Dr. Katie Lugar joined the Institute on December 1 as Director of the Noblitt Scholars Program. Serving alongside Faculty Director Dr. Christine Buckley and with Program Coordinator Michelle Lemon as her direct report, Dr. Lugar will oversee the continued development, delivery, and assessment of the Noblitt Scholars Program.

A licensed social worker, accomplished educator, and community leader, Dr. Lugar earned her Doctor of Health Science, Master of Social Work, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees from Indiana State University. She has an extensive background in building student-centered programs, cultivating inclusive communities, developing leadership pathways, collaborating with campus and community partners, and mentoring high-achieving students through academic, personal, and professional growth.

Dr. Lugar joins Rose-Hulman from Indiana State University, where she served as Director of Multicultural Services and Programs and oversaw five identity-based centers along with more than 60 annual educational and cultural programs. She brings over a decade of experience in student success, honors education, mentoring, community engagement, leadership development, and nonprofit strategy. She is also a founding board member and President of the Pride Center of Terre Haute, leading its strategic direction, operations, and annual Pride Fest, and serves as an advisory member of the City of Terre Haute Human Relations Commission, supporting community education and regional anti-discrimination efforts.

In her new role, Dr. Lugar will lead programming that cultivates the Noblitt Scholars’ core competencies of curiosity, reflection, and empathy; support scholars through annual goal-setting and reflection processes; strengthen NSP alumni engagement; and help further the program’s mission to prepare students to transform their passions into meaningful impact.

“Katie brings exceptional energy, vision, and student-centered leadership to the Noblitt Scholars Program,” Dr. Bear said. “Her experience designing high-impact programming, supporting student success, and building collaborative networks will greatly benefit our scholars and the continued growth of this flagship program.” 

This transition also marks an important moment in the program’s leadership structure. Dr. Buckley, the Faculty Director of the Noblitt Scholars Program since 2020 and a longtime member of the faculty, will retire on July 1, 2026, after more than 31 years of dedicated service to Rose-Hulman. A search for the next Faculty Director of the Noblitt Scholars Program will begin this spring. 

“The Noblitt Scholars Program is built on the belief that talented students can change the world when they are challenged, supported, and inspired,” Dr. Buckley said. “This position plays a vital role in helping scholars refine their goals, connect with mentors, and pursue meaningful experiences.”

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Katie Lugar to Rose-Hulman and in expressing gratitude to Dr. Christine Buckley for her extraordinary leadership and service.