The most recent SAT scores for the high school class of 2008 remained relatively flat both nationally and in Indiana compared to a year ago. Indiana's average score on the college entrance exam showed a one-point gain in math, a one-point drop in reading and a two-point decrease in writing for a combined score of 1485 compared to 1487 in 2007. The state's average SAT score continues to trail the national average.

Holiday World unveils multi-million dollar expansion

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus is launching its second-largest expansion in the park's 63 year history. More than half of the $8.4 million being invested will pay for Pilgrims Plunge, which the park is describing as the world's tallest water ride. Riders will drop a record 131 feet at a top speed of 50 miles-per-hour, creating a wall of water splash that is 45 feet high and 90 feet wide. The park is also investing in a high-tech tracking system that will help families or groups who become separated during their visit.

Nucor acquires Ambassador Steel

Nucor Corp. (NYSE: NUE) reports its subsidiary, Harris Steel Inc., has acquired Auburn-based Ambassador Steel Corp., for approximately $185 million. The transaction includes the shares of Ambassador's affiliate, Delta Erecting. Ambassador is a fabricator and distributor of concrete reinforcing steel and related products.

Indiana plant impacted by Michigan company's bankruptcy

The parent company of a Hartford City employer has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. Michigan-based Cadence Innovation is an automotive supplier. It is going into the reorganization because of high fuel prices and downturn in the auto sector. The company has six manufacturing plants in Michigan and Indiana. The Blackford County Economic Development Corp. Web site indicates the Hartford City fiberglass and reinforced plastic facility employs 70.

Defense education conference planned

Conexus Indiana and the Office of Energy and Defense Development will hold a conference next week for companies seeking to enter or expand their presence in the state's $4.6 billion defense contracting industry. The Defense Education Conference is part of a broader effort to diversify Indiana's share of defense and homeland security-related contracts and grants.

University appoints liaison with incubator

A former general manager for Jasper-based Kimball International has been hired by the University of Southern Indiana (USI) to work with Evansville's business incubator. Gene Recker has been named a manager of education and entrepreneurial support at USI. His duties will include providing administrative, consulting and networking services for clients at Innovation Pointe.

IU Kelley names new director of undergrad program

IU's Kelley School of Business has named alumna Kathleen Robbins as the new director of its 3,000 student undergraduate program. She has been with the school since 2005 as the program's assistant director and involved with student recruiting, admissions and marketing. Robbins previously worked in sales and marketing for a safety products company based in New Zealand.

Purdue names VP for physical facilities

The associate vice president of facilities management at Atlanta's Emory University has been named Purdue's vice president for physical facilities. Robert McMains will be responsible for more than 1,300 employees and the operation, maintenance, planning and construction of lands and facilities on all four Purdue campuses. The university's board of trustees still needs to approve his appointment.