Austin Welp

Austin M. Welp serves as the Assistant Director of Special Projects and VUJ Advancement for Vincennes University and the Vincennes University Jasper Foundation, a role he stepped into in July 2024. Driven by a deep passion for philanthropy, Austin is dedicated to empowering students, driving campus success, and building meaningful community connections that create lasting impact.

During his tenure with Vincennes University, Austin has spearheaded key community-driven initiatives. Most notably, he took charge of the Jasper Strassenfest Half Pot—a vital fundraiser supporting local student scholarships through the VUJ Foundation—and played a pivotal role in expanding the reach of Blazers Give Day throughout the Jasper community.
Before joining VU and VU Jasper, Austin served as the Program Coordinator for the Tri-County YMCA. In this role, he designed and led dynamic youth initiatives, serving as a dedicated mentor and advocate for young people across the region.

Grounded in the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” Austin is deeply committed to community leadership. He actively serves on numerous boards, including Community C.H.E.W., the Rotary Club of Dubois County, DC Multisport, Teen Outback, and the Young Professional Network of Southern Indiana. 

Austin earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana and recently completed a Certificate in Principles and Techniques of Fundraising through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. A lifelong resident of southern Indiana, Austin currently lives in Birdseye with his parents and two brothers.

While his daily focus centers on the Jasper Campus, the seamless partnership between both foundations powers even stronger, more successful fundraising efforts. For him, the most exciting part of being at Vincennes University is inspiring donors and community leaders who share a genuine drive for higher education.