Beth Tharp Named 2025 Woman of Influence
Anderson University board member and alumna honored by the Indianapolis Business Journal for leadership in health care and community service
Anderson University congratulates Beth Tharp, a dedicated member of the university’s Board of Trustees and alumna, for being named one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence.
Tharp serves as the senior vice president, president of hospital services, and network chief nurse officer at Community Health Network, where she oversees all seven hospitals in the system. Her role involves providing leadership, operational oversight, and nursing direction across the organization. Under her guidance, Community Health Network has achieved national recognition for excellence in patient care. This year, Community Hospital East was named Indiana’s best hospital by Newsweek, and all five Community Health maternity hospitals received INspire recognition from the Indiana Hospital Association for the fifth consecutive year for their commitment to maternal and infant health.
Tharp’s journey in health care began humbly in 1980 as a staff nurse at Community Hospital Anderson. Over the years, her compassion, skill, and vision propelled her into leadership roles, including president and CEO of Community Hospital Anderson. Reflecting on her appointment to that position, she said, “The trust and confidence placed in me by the board of directors was truly humbling. I didn’t fully grasp at the time how leading one of the largest organizations in Madison County would shape my actions and decisions moving forward. This role has profoundly influenced my professional journey, guiding my leadership style and commitment to the community.”
“The trust and confidence placed in me by the board of directors was truly humbling. I didn’t fully grasp at the time how leading one of the largest organizations in Madison County would shape my actions and decisions moving forward. This role has profoundly influenced my professional journey, guiding my leadership style and commitment to the community.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tharp is deeply committed to serving others. She sits on the boards of Community Hospital Anderson, the Community Hospital Anderson Foundation, and Community Howard Regional Health. Her passion for education and local growth is also evident through her involvement on the boards of Anderson University, Ivy Tech Community College Anderson, and the Madison County Economic Development Corporation.
Tharp’s leadership reflects the mission of Anderson University to prepare students for lives of faith and service. Her story is one of perseverance and integrity, grounded in her belief that leadership is about lifting others. Offering advice to young women, she said, “You hold the power to accomplish anything you set your heart on. While you can’t control the actions of others, you have absolute control over how you respond—your response is your power. If you get knocked down, you own the way you rise; let every setback become a source of strength.”
Anderson University celebrates Beth Tharp’s continued impact as a health care leader, a trusted mentor, and a faithful advocate for the Anderson community.
About Anderson University
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.
