Vincennes University Board of Trustees Holds Annual Meeting; Approves Key Investments and Reviews Institutional Progress

VINCENNES, Ind. — The Vincennes University Board of Trustees convened its Annual Meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025, in the Innovation Room of the Shake Learning Resource Center on the Vincennes Campus. The meeting included committee updates, election of the Board Chair, and reports highlighting ongoing progress in academics, facilities, fundraising, and workforce development.

In the first item of business, Trustees unanimously reelected Mike Sievers, Chair of the VU Board of Trustees, to serve another one-year term. Other Board officer elections will take place during the December 2025 meeting.

Board Chair Sievers expressed his gratitude to fellow board members for re-electing him and reaffirmed his commitment to serving VU, its students, faculty, and staff, as well as the university’s many stakeholders, in his role as Chair.

Sievers added, "Higher education is facing several new frontiers, with changes in technology, demographics, and many who question the value of a college degree. I believe Vincennes University is well-positioned to not only survive these challenges but also to be a leader in addressing them. This is an exciting time for VU, and I am honored to continue serving in the role of Board Chair.” 

Investment in Aviation Training and Technology

During the morning Finance and Revenue Committee session, Vice President for Financial Services Conya Wampler presented details regarding the purchase of new flight simulators, totaling $630,000, as part of VU’s continuing investment in maintaining its modern and safe aviation training fleet. This investment follows the Board’s December 2024 approval to replace the University’s entire fleet of aircraft, ensuring that VU remains a leader in aviation education and hands-on technical training. Funds for the purchase will be drawn from the program's reserves.

VU’s flight program continues to operate at full capacity. At the same time, enrollment in Aviation Maintenance Technology has increased by nearly 13% over the past year, reflecting strong regional and national demand for skilled aviation professionals.

Administrative and Policy Updates

Interim Provost Jaci Lederman and Assistant Provost for Curriculum and Instruction Rick Kribs provided an update on the Program Review process with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. They noted that this new process is an addition to the University’s longstanding practice of reviewing its program offerings to maintain academic quality, relevance, and alignment with workforce needs.

Vice President for Government and Legal Affairs Tony Hahn presented an update on VU’s Free Speech Policy, following a comprehensive review prompted by recent state and federal guidance to ensure compliance and transparency in protecting freedom of expression across campus. Hahn noted that VU’s policy aligns with the “Chicago Principles” on freedom of expression, which are considered the benchmark for ensuring free speech on U.S. college campuses.

Foundation Reports Another Strong Year of Support

Executive Director Kristi Deetz and Director of Development Leslie Kidwell from the VU Foundation delivered the annual fundraising report, highlighting continued growth in donor engagement, support for VU’s mission, and investment in student access and success.

The Foundation and the University received a total of $2.78 million in gifts during the previous fiscal year. The number of new donors also grew significantly, supporting new and existing scholarships, endowed funds, and capital projects.

Last year, more than 700 VU students received scholarships from the VU and VU Jasper Foundations, totaling more than $1.2 million. These scholarships are in addition to those awarded by the University directly.

Students Share Success Through Employer-Sponsored Training

Student representatives from two of VU’s innovative workforce partnerships — the Amazon Career Choice and Walmart Associate-to-Technician (A2T) programs — shared their personal stories and educational journeys. The four students who hail from New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania expressed gratitude to their employers for investing in their education and to Vincennes University for providing high-quality instruction and a convenient, welcoming campus environment. 

Their experiences exemplify how VU’s programs are helping working adults gain new skills, earn credentials, and advance their careers through flexible, employer-supported pathways.

About Vincennes University

Vincennes University, founded in 1801, is Indiana’s first college and a state-supported institution of higher education with campuses in Vincennes, Jasper, Indianapolis, and Gibson County, as well as additional sites across Indiana. VU offers more than 180 academic programs, including nationally recognized degrees in advanced manufacturing, health sciences, aviation, robotics, and education. The University is dedicated to student success, workforce development, and community partnerships that strengthen Indiana’s economy and expand opportunities for lifelong learning.