Through her international efforts and ceaseless hard work, Dean Emerita Linda Wallace has given access to countless students to immerse themselves in another culture. As a leader in international education for IU Kokomo, she has developed programs and fostered lifelong partnerships in Asia and around the world.
Wallace joined the faculty in 1992 and during her tenure has held a variety of leadership roles that have allowed her to build bridges between cultures and provide impactful educational experiences. She began a partnership with Jesus University (formerly Margaret Pritchard University) in the Republic of Korea in 2000, which led to the creation of a faculty exchange program. Serving as director of International Studies for the IU Kokomo School of Nursing from 2003 to 2017, she expanded this exchange program to include service-learning opportunities for nursing students at both institutions. Wallace served as dean of the School of Nursing at IU Kokomo from 2008 to 2017 and deepened the campus's international footprint by growing the international partnership to include Sungshin University in 2009. She was named an Honorary Citizen of Jeonju, Republic of Korea, for her dedication and commitment to international exchange and education.
By the request of several nursing students, and in collaboration with IU Kokomo's Spanish Studies department, Wallace developed a week-long service-learning experience in Guatemala for Kokomo students. She aids in developing activities when Guatemalan students come to IU Kokomo. Her international collaborative and service work has also brought her to China and Ethiopia. This has created numerous collaboration opportunities for faculty and life-changing experiences for students.
For her efforts in furthering the mission of IU Kokomo, Wallace was presented the IU Kokomo Distinguished Service Award in 2011. She was later further recognized in 2017 with the Chancellor's Medallion. In 202, she was presented the Ryan Award in recognition for expanding IU Kokomo's international impact.
In July 2020, Wallace received the IU Bicentennial Medal in recognition of her distinguished contributions to Indiana University Kokomo.
