VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University Provost Dr. Laura Treanor announced the appointment of Susan Brocksmith as the new Dean of VU’s College of Business and Public Service, effective June 14.

A VU faculty member since 1990, Brocksmith has served as chair of the Agribusiness program since 1994. The program has received multiple Indiana Career and Technical Education Awards for Excellence under Brocksmith. She is also chair of the Cosmetology program. Brocksmith previously served as department chair of the Business and Management Program.

“Susan has a strong commitment to the Vincennes community and has served the University for 31 years across a variety of roles,” Treanor said. “Throughout her time as faculty, Susan has brought a passion for meeting students where they are and helping them achieve their goals. As dean, she is excited to build upon that commitment. She will work to establish the vision for the College of Business and Public Service and is dedicated to building a culture of collaboration, inclusion, growth, and progression.”

Brocksmith replaces Dean Anna Miller. Miller retires on July 1 and has served VU in exemplary fashion.

“I am honored to be selected as the next Dean of Business and Public Service,” Brocksmith said. “I look forward to building new relationships while continuing to make positive contributions to Vincennes University."

Among Brocksmith’s current responsibilities are advising students, developing curriculum, working with local business and industry to ensure students are receiving real-world experiences, sponsoring the Agribusiness Technology Club, teaching classes for the Management and Accounting Department, and facilitating placement services providing internships and job placement for graduates. Additionally, she has served on numerous committees throughout her tenure.

Brocksmith has won many awards, including Women In Agriculture Leadership Award, 2019 Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Conservation Farmers of the Year, American Soybean Association regional winner of the 2020 Conservation Legacy Award, Knox County Friend of 4-H award, Alumni Association Big Apple Award winner, and the 2017 America's Farmers Mom of the Year program sponsored by Monsanto.

Before VU, Brocksmith worked as a supervisor at Golden Rule Insurance Company, a graduate assistant at Ball State University, and an assistant county supervisor for the Soil and Water Conservation Department. She was also a sales representative for the Monsanto Chemical Company and a research assistant for the Southwest Purdue University Research Farm.

In addition to her University duties, Brocksmith is co-owner and operator of P.E. Brocksmith and Son Farm with her husband, Mike Brocksmith.

Brocksmith earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture mechanization and her master’s degree in business administration. She is a graduate of North Knox High School.

She is an active community member. Brocksmith currently serves on the Indiana Corn Marketing Council Board of Directors, Community Foundation Alliance Board, Knox County Community Foundation Board, Knox County FSA Board, Good Samaritan Hospital Board, Purdue Ag Advisory Council County Extensive Service, Knox County Farm Bureau Board, First Federal Savings Bank of Washington, and Ag Day Committee.

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