External Affairs & Admissions

Julie serves as the Academy’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Since joining the Academy in 2016, her responsibilities have included all aspects of the Academy’s public relations, marketing, and external communications both print and digital. She works closely with faculty, staff, and students as well as alums and external partners to create promotional materials, plan events, and support fundraising efforts. She also oversees the Academy’s website and institutional social media accounts. The offices of Admissions, International Programs, and Outreach Programs report directly to her.

She previously worked in Ball State’s Office of Marketing and Communications for over seven years. Other higher education institutions she’s worked for include Ivy Tech, Anderson University, and Rose-Hulman Institute for Technology. Her work has been recognized with many prestigious awards throughout her career.

Julie is a lifelong resident of Indiana, but loves to travel, explore, and go on adventures – especially with her husband and two sons. (Her youngest son is also a proud 2015 alum of the Academy!) Other interests include reading and writing science fiction. While she loves a good sci-fi story, she also enjoys learning more about real science and technology. In 2011, she was invited by NASA to be a citizen journalist at the last space shuttle launch (STS-135) and witnessed the event from the famous countdown clock at the Kennedy Space Center. Since then she’s been invited to cover numerous NASA events and launches, and she’s been known to make occasional visits to SpaceX facilities too. She also serves on the non-profit Board of Directors for the Midwest Writers Workshop and has been serving as Board President since September 2019.

In 1989, Dr. Jo Tuite joined the Admissions staff at Ball State University, moving to the Office of Admissions at the Indiana Academy in 1991. Dr. Jo is the Associate Director and Head of Admissions. In this role, she is responsible for leading the admissions team to admit high ability high school students who demonstrate the aptitude to be successful at the Academy.

Having had the opportunity to know every one of the Academy’s alumni, Dr. Jo enjoys adding to that number by getting to know prospective students and families and sharing her passion about the Academy. In addition, she enjoys educating others about various aspects of gifted and talented/high ability education and student characteristics through webinars and research.

In her free time, Dr. Jo enjoys traveling domestically and abroad. With one child still in high school, she and her husband (Chuck) have 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and one very demanding cat. Finally, when she can squeeze in the time, she enjoys reading, especially mystery, horror, and thriller novels. Have a book recommendation, be sure to let her know!

Huey Shi Chew is the International Program Director at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities. In this position, she serves as the Indiana Academy’s Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), and oversees all components of the Academy’s international student program. She is responsible for issuing I-20 documents, maintaining SEVIS, making admissions decisions regarding international student applications, pursuing student recruitment and program development initiatives, recruiting host families, maintaining regular contact with all international students and host families, and overseeing testing, academic advising, and course selection.

Mrs. Chew joined the Academy in July 2023 and has 20 years of experience in supporting international students and faculty in her previous employment. She received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and master’s degree in Education in Malaysia and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S) in Higher Education Administration from Pittsburg State University, Kansas.

Her passion of seeing international students grow and succeed in the U.S. has kept her feeling “young.”

Kendall Harris graduated from Western Carolina University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. She’s originally from Knoxville, Tennessee and moved to Indiana specifically to work for the Academy.

Kendall says, “I don’t have any cool life/job experience, but I like to read.”

Cheryl Veatch, Admissions Office Coordinator, has been with the Indiana Academy for one year. Ms. Veatch moved to Muncie five years ago from her hometown of Dayton, Ohio. She joined the admissions team after working in a similar capacity for a local government agency. Ms. Veatch has tremendous experience in working with young people and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

As a vital member of the Admissions team, Ms. Veatch is responsible for processing all student applications, tracking the admissions budget, directing calls and visitors, as well as hiring, training, and supervising the Ball State student assistants.

In her brief tenure, Ms. Veatch has already been heralded by many callers and visitors as the kind voice of the Indiana Academy.

Melissa joined the Academy in 2018 as the Assistant Director of Outreach Programs. She is responsible for planning our Outreach events, including our AP Summer Institute for teachers and instructors around the world, and Enrichment Programs for students.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Ball State University. Melissa was the Head Athletic Trainer for Northwestern High School in Kokomo and worked in human resources at a physical therapy clinic. Melissa has spent many years in long-term care in marketing and admissions. She also comes to us with a background in management, sales, insurance and owning a cupcake shop!

Her interests include spending time with her family and animals, going to sporting events, volunteering, reading, singing, and of course, baking cupcakes!

Mr. Raleigh is the Multimedia/Graphic Design Specialist in the Office of Outreach Programs. He is responsible for designing and maintaining web pages for the Indiana Academy, the distance learning Elementary Modern Language courses and High School courses, as well as most of the print publications and advertisements for Academy events and activities. He has been with the Indiana Academy since 1999, and has a Bacon number of 4.