Graciela Spencer

Graciela Spencer has been serving students at Ivy Tech Community College for the past eight years, building a career centered on student success, access, and equity in higher education. She began her work at the college as a Bilingual Student Success Coach, where she supported Latino students in their transition from high school to college while developing retention strategies that promoted persistence and academic achievement.

For the past six months, Graciela has served as Director of Student Success, with a primary focus on supporting students with disabilities across the college. In this role, she collaborates closely with students, faculty, and families to ensure accommodations are implemented effectively and that every student has the resources needed to thrive academically.

Graciela is a dedicated student support professional who is passionate about helping learners navigate academic challenges and succeed in higher education. Her work has also been instrumental in building meaningful partnerships and securing support from organizations such as the Indiana Latino Institute, Su Casa, BCSC and Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis, strengthening connections between the college and the communities it serves. Through these efforts, she has expanded opportunities and resources for students while fostering a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.

Beyond her professional role, Graciela is deeply committed to her community and to creating a lasting legacy for her two children, Aaron and Anna. She currently serves as a Human Rights Commissioner for Bartholomew County Human Rights Commission, where she advocates for equity and inclusion at the local level.

Graciela holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Universidad de las Americas – Mexico and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University Columbus.