December 08, 2022

VINCENNES, Ind. - The Vincennes University Board of Trustees voted to extend the contract of President Dr. Chuck Johnson an additional year during its regular meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Updike Hall Center for Science, Engineering and Mathematics.

The Board extended Johnson’s contract through Dec. 31, 2025. Before he was appointed president in 2015, Johnson served as interim president for four months and provost for three years.

First Vice Chair Mike Sievers shared the Board’s sentiments and commented on its strong support of Johnson’s leadership.

“Speaking for the Board, we really appreciate the efforts of Dr. Chuck Johnson," Sievers said. "We feel he’s really focused on the goals the Board set, and he has achieved a lot of those. We’re looking forward to continuing working with him.”

Since Johnson became the 22nd president of VU, he has overseen the development and growth of VU’s work-based learning partnerships with industry, including the Toyota Advanced Maintenance Technician (AMT) program in Southwest Indiana and Southeast Illinois, the Advanced Internship in Manufacturing (AIM) in Lafayette, the Career Advancement Partnership (CAP) in Dubois County, the Machinist Internship Program (MIP), the Cummins Technician Apprenticeship Program (TAP), Central and Hoosier INFAME programs in Indianapolis, and the Amazon Apprenticeship program in Mechatronics and Automation at Plainfield and Vincennes. Johnson has also been extensively involved in the expansion of VU’s Early College program, including the development of Career and Technical Education Early Colleges with 18 career centers and cooperatives across Indiana, reaching thousands of Hoosier students. 

Among the most recent initiatives spearheaded by Johnson is the creation of the Center for Applied Robotics and Automation and the development of a network of collaborative robot (cobot) labs throughout Indiana, in partnership with Telamon Robotics.

Johnson thanked the Board for its confidence in his leadership.

“I want to thank the Board for their continued support and faith in me in extending my contract and for all the great advice and confidence you have given me. I truly believe we are in a good position to continue moving forward,” Johnson said.

A swearing-in ceremony took place for Student Trustee Gayle Baugh during the meeting. She is a Special Education, Mild Intervention K-12 major from Greencastle, Indiana. University attorney Brent Stuckey swore in Baugh. Her term runs through Oct. 1, 2023.

Interim Director of Admissions Sarah McLin presented a report on enrollment and recruitment efforts for Spring Semester 2023 and Fall Semester 2023. She shared a positive report. Enrollment is up at all VU campuses for Spring Semester 2023 except for VU Jasper which is only slightly down, according to McLin.

Senior Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research Dr. Dale Pietrzak provided an update on how well prepared the University is for an upcoming Higher Learning Commission review team visit.

Other Board actions included the reinstatement of three Emergency Medical Services and Paramedic programs of study due to an increased need. The Board also approved the suspension of a Kinesiology and Sport, Wellness and Exercise Concentration which will allow for more clarity given that VU offers an Exercise Science concentration.

Re-elected as Board Officers were Mike Sievers as First Vice Chair; Reggie Henderson, Second Vice Chair; and JR Gaylor, Secretary.

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