March 02, 2022

INDIANAPOLIS – The Vincennes University Board of Trustees held a retreat on Tuesday, March 1, in Indianapolis. The trustees heard reports from various individuals about the latest and extraordinary happenings at VU, discussed plans for the University, and learned about the countless ways the institution is serving the University population, partners, Hoosiers throughout the state of Indiana, and others. Joining the Board were members of the Vincennes University Foundation Executive Committee.

Throughout the day, trustees received reports from VU Executive Team members, staff, and faculty representing Grants Administration, Financial Services, Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, VU Foundation and Alumni Relations, Institutional Effectiveness and Research, External Relations, Information Technology Program, and Student Affairs. 

In his report, VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson reiterated that VU's decision to relax its mask mandate was due to a variety of national, state, and regional factors, along with VU's continued improvement in its own Covid-19 case numbers and last Friday's revised guidance from the CDC. He thanked the Board for its support and guidance during the continued challenges of the pandemic and praised VU faculty, staff, and students for all they have done to keep everyone safe.

In addition, President Johnson and the Board reviewed VU’s progress under the current strategic plan, how it is guiding VU’s initiatives and investments, and discussed various opportunities to address ongoing challenges and opportunities affecting the institution.

Tyler Evancoe, Director of Multimedia Marketing and Analytics, provided the Board with an update on VU’s recent messaging, marketing, and public relations successes. 

Associate Director of Admissions Sarah McLin presented a report on the encouraging enrollment numbers for the 2022 Fall Semester. The number of admitted students at the Vincennes Campus is up by 572 students compared to this time last year. The number of admitted students at the Jasper Campus and for Distance Education has also increased.

In the regular session, the Board approved the awarding of honorary doctorates at Spring Commencement in April to a pair of influential Hoosiers: retiring Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers and Citizens Energy Group President and CEO Jeff Harrison.

Lubbers was appointed in 2009 to serve as Commissioner for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. She has served as an incredible advocate for higher education access, work-based learning, workforce development, and other significant issues.

Harrison has been in his current role at Citizens Energy Group since 2015. He began his college education at VU, then transferred to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Harrison earned an MBA from Indiana University.

Johnson said, “Both are most deserving. They are great individuals for our graduates to learn from. It will be inspirational for our graduates to hear about their life stories and the wisdom they can share.”

The Board also approved a new program addition of a Graphic Production Certificate.

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