VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University is looking ahead to fall 2021 with the Board of Trustees voting to resume full face-to-face instruction and full campus activities beginning with the Fall Semester 2021.

VU is committed to offering active and engaging campuses and locations filled with unforgettable experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.

“I know it’s where our students want to be. I know it’s where our faculty and staff want to be. I know we will find a way to do it safely,” VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said.

The health and the well-being of the VU community are the very highest priority. VU continues its efforts to make VU a safe place while also offering learning and social opportunities to keep students engaged. University administrators will continue to follow the rules and recommendations of local, state, and national officials.

The Board voted to return to full campus experiences and learning during a Zoom meeting on February 23.

In other business, the Board approved the addition of a Diesel Technology Power Generation concentration to the University’s curriculum. The new program is a collaboration with Columbus, Indiana-based Cummins Inc. VU is the only university offering the Associate of Science Career/Tech Degree in Power Generation with the engine maker.

"I know that power generation is where a lot of focus is right now particularly with regards to energy,” Trustee Reggie Henderson said. “This is a very significant and large opportunity for the University.”

VU’s Diesel Technology program is highly regarded, and was only the second school in the country to partner with Cummins, in their Technician Apprentice Program (TAP) where Cummins apprentices from a 12-state region are sent to VU to learn how to build and maintain Cummins diesel engines, ultimately resulting in both a Department of Labor-recognized Journeyman’s card and a VU Associate Degree. 

The Board of Trustees shared a very touching moment with the family of the late Dale Dowden as he was honored with a resolution of appreciation for his 36 years of service and transformational leadership. 

“He left a great legacy behind and one that we continue proudly building on,” Johnson said. 

Dowden served VU in a wide range of roles, including Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of Faculty. He passed away in December 2020.

“I knew Dale and he was a wonderful, wonderful person,” Board Chair John Stachura said. 

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