College of Education and Human Development Alumni Fellow

Debbie Akers Ford ’87, ’96

Debbie Akers Ford is an accomplished higher education leader whose more than 30-year career reflects a commitment to student success, community partnerships and expanding educational opportunities. As a first-generation college graduate, she understands firsthand the life-changing impact of higher education and has dedicated her career to helping students achieve their educational and professional goals.

Since 2023, Dr. Ford has served as Chancellor of Indiana University Southeast, where she has led efforts to strengthen student success, academic excellence and community engagement. Under her leadership, the university earned Carnegie Foundation recognition as a Community Engaged University in 2026.

Before joining IU Southeast, Dr. Ford served for 14 years as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, leading significant gains in student retention, degree completion and adult learner success. Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership positions at the University of West Florida and Spalding University, advancing student affairs, enrollment management and institutional effectiveness.

Dr. Ford holds bachelor's and doctoral degrees from the University of Louisville and a master's degree from Indiana University. She is married to her college sweetheart, John, and together they have two children, Abby and JD, and a grandson, Caden. John and JD are also proud graduates of the University of Louisville.