VU launches Workforce U, moves forward on project to modernize Godare Hall
October 07, 2026
VINCENNES, Ind. - Vincennes University expanded its commitment to statewide and national workforce development at its Board of Trustees Annual Meeting on Oct. 5, with the launch of Workforce U. Formerly known as the Business and Industry division, Workforce U delivers customized training programs for industry leaders such as Amazon and Walmart, and is also backed by $17.5 million in approved project bids for the renovation of Godare Hall, which will be turned into a premium, all-private-room facility that provides a turnkey solution for employers.
The Workforce U rebranding aims to further accelerate its engagement with business and industry partners across the state and nation, a key focus of VU’s new strategic plan.
VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said, “Workforce U reflects Vincennes University’s longstanding commitment to helping employers build the skilled workforce they need while giving employees opportunities to advance their careers and increase their earning potential. We’re proud of our partnerships with Amazon, Walmart, Toyota, Subaru, Cummins, and many others to develop customized education and training programs that support those goals. This new brand helps us communicate more clearly what sets VU apart: our ability to work directly with employers to develop their people and strengthen their businesses.”
The Board continued its support for VU’s role as a leading industry education and training partner by approving construction contracts to transform Godare Hall on the Vincennes Campus.
The trustees voted to accept bids from DANCO Construction Inc. (Evansville, Indiana) for general construction, Harrell-Fish LLC (Bloomington, Indiana) for mechanical construction, and Weyer Electric, Inc. (Ferdinand, Indiana) for electrical construction.
The transformative project will not only strengthen VU’s partnership with industry leaders, but will also modernize VU’s on-campus housing, ensuring it meets the needs of VU’s growing engagement with adult learners.
The reimagining of Godare Hall creates a "total package" for industry partners and students alike that includes:
- Typical and Efficiency Units, each with new private bathroom, new kitchenette area with refrigerator and microwave, and new hotel-style furniture
- Reimagined and stylish amenity spaces
- Refreshed interior spaces that create inspiring and relaxing environments
- Typical units have the capability to convert back to traditional student housing
Cody Holmes being sworn in as Student Trustee.New Student Trustee Highlights Leadership Updates
The annual meeting began with Cody Holmes '27 of Lebanon, Indiana, being sworn in as the new Student Trustee. Holmes, who is enrolled in the Homeland Security and Public Safety bachelor’s degree program, will serve through Oct. 4, 2027.
Recognizing his continuing leadership, the Board unanimously voted to reappoint Mike Sievers as its Chair.
It was also announced that Governor Mike Braun has reappointed Secretary J.R. Gaylor and Trustee Don Villwock to the Board. Their terms expire on Oct. 4, 2029.
Administrative Leadership Reports
The Trustees heard positive reports related to current enrollment.
Heading into the 10-day census, the total number of students paying tuition into the general fund has increased in Distance Education, the Aviation Technology Center in Indianapolis, and the Jasper Campus.
Director of Admissions Sarah McLin reported VU saw a 9% increase in Twin Rivers Career and Technical Education Area dual enrollment from Fall 2025 to Fall 2026.
McLin shared that Admissions continues to heighten its dual credit collaboration and is utilizing new visually strong recruitment materials and acceptance letters along with additional VU-branded items. Admissions is also amplifying its communications with personal touches among college deans, faculty, and new students, and is making strategic digital media investment.
Senior Director of External Relations Sarah Fortune gave a return-on-investment report highlighting significant social and digital audience growth across many platforms and VU’s strategic, extensive branding campaign that is elevating the University’s website, communications, advertising, and physical spaces. Fortune also reported that VU recruits new students at a significantly lower cost than the typical four-year private institution and remains highly competitive with public institutions.
In the VU Foundation annual update, Executive Director Kristi Deetz and Director of Development Leslie Kidwell shared that the Foundation successfully increased its fundraising 2% and increased its total number of donors in FY26, compared to the previous fiscal year.
Jessica Hess, second from right, accepts a Surveying grand prize.Nationally-Recognized Surveying Technology and Education Programs Honored
A pair of VU degree programs were celebrated by the Board for garnering national recognition
Surveying Technology students and faculty were recognized for winning the $25,000 National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Education Award for two-year programs grand prize. The annual award recognizes surveying programs that have a broad, robust curriculum and best reflect NCEES’ mission to advance licensure for surveyors to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
The Education program was also saluted. Its Bachelor of Science in Special Education Mild Intervention K-12th/Elementary Education K-6th program earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well the program prepares future teachers to teach reading to elementary students.
Other Board Business
Trustees approved a resolution to adopt and execute an updated auxiliary facilities trust indenture, authorizing a modernized agreement that enhances operational efficiency for the University.
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