Indiana State University has announced a new Preferred Partnership with Ison Family McDonald’s, providing employees with greater access to an affordable, flexible Indiana State education and opportunities for continued personal and professional growth.
Ison Family McDonald’s operates 19 McDonald’s locations throughout the greater Cincinnati area.
Through the new partnership, eligible employees will receive exclusive benefits when pursuing an education at Indiana State, including:
- In-state tuition rate, plus a 15% discount
- Waived application and enrollment fees
- Expedited admission and transfer credit reviews
- Flexible options to take classes on campus or online
Indiana State’s Preferred Partnership Program connects the University with employers to create meaningful pathways for employees to pursue higher education and advance their personal and professional goals. By combining tuition savings, streamlined enrollment and flexible on-campus and online options, the program removes barriers to continued education and gives employees the opportunity to build new skills, advance in their careers or prepare for what comes next.
“Indiana State has always been an important part of my life, and my wife, Leigh, and I are excited to bring our family business and the University together through this partnership,” said Jeff Chamness, Owner/Operator of Ison Family McDonald’s and a 1999 Indiana State alumnus. “I experienced firsthand the value of an Indiana State education, and we’re proud to help make that opportunity more accessible to our employees. Leigh and I believe strongly in investing in our people, and this partnership is a meaningful way to support their continued growth and success.”
“We know that cost can be one of the biggest barriers to pursuing a college education, especially for working adults,” said Maribeth Stevens, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Indiana State University. “Our Preferred Partnership Program is one way we can make an Indiana State education more affordable while giving employees the flexibility to take classes on campus or online. We’re excited to help Ison Family McDonald’s employees invest in themselves, their careers, and their futures.”
The Ison Family McDonald’s partnership marks the second Preferred Partnership between Indiana State and an alumni-owned McDonald’s organization. In April 2025, Indiana State announced a Preferred Partnership with Indianapolis-area McDonald’s Owner/Operators James and Pam Poore, providing educational opportunities for employees at their McDonald’s locations.
The two partnerships reflect the strong connection Indiana State alumni continue to have with the University and their commitment to creating educational opportunities for their employees. Indiana State offers more than 100 undergraduate programs, along with graduate and professional programs, with options designed to meet the needs of traditional students and working professionals. Employees participating in the Preferred Partnership can pursue their education through on-campus or online coursework while taking advantage of the partnership's streamlined admission and tuition benefits.
For more information about Indiana State’s Preferred Partnership Program, visit their website.