About the 2026 Chancellor's Medal Recipient
Alma C. Powell, B.S. '70, M.S. '72
Alma C. Powell kicked off her journey of leadership and service after graduating from Washington High School in South Bend. She earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and honorary doctorate from Indiana University. A devoted alumna, she served as president of the Indiana University Alumni Association and continues her service as a member of its Board of Managers.
Throughout her career in education, and as a true trailblazer, Alma broke barriers and inspired change. She made history as the first Black woman to serve as a principal in the South Bend Community School Corporation. During her tenure, she played a key leadership role in implementing the district’s desegregation plan and later directed its information services division. She also served as president of the Indiana School Public Relations Association. She concluded her K–12 career as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Elkhart Community Schools.
Retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter of public service. Alma served for two years as a Senior Scientist with the Education Development Center in Newton, Massachusetts, and was a member of the national board of Learning Point Associates, a respected educational research organization. She also served as Interim Director of the St. Joseph–Elkhart County Head Start Consortium, where she led the restructuring of the two-county organization.
She helped establish the Indiana University Civil Rights Heritage Center and later served as its Interim Director. She has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards, including the St. Joseph County YWCA, where she served as president, and the United Way. She currently co-chairs the Education Committee of the South Bend Reparations Commission.
Alma was inducted into the South Bend Hall of Fame and has received Indiana University’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award and Distinguished Educator Award. She is a life member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the NAACP. Alma also serves as an officer of the historic Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Church.
As a speaker and facilitator, Alma is known for delivering engaging presentations on leadership development, organizational management, curriculum development, educational equity, and cultural awareness.
Following more than 60 years of marriage, Alma is the widow of Bill Powell, a fellow Indiana University alumnus. She is the mother of two accomplished children: Brian Powell, an accountant with South Bend Venues Parks & Arts, and Alicia Powell, New York Lead Entertainment Producer for Reuters.
The Chancellor's Medal is the highest honor presented by the chancellor of IU South Bend. It honors individuals who have helped advance the campus and its mission. Recipients demonstrate outstanding support of IU South Bend and serve as exceptional advocates. They also give freely of their talents in the promotion of human welfare and community well-being and serve as role model for students and alumni through their integrity, leadership, and commitment.