All News
06/16/2022
Spotlight shines on summer camps and programs at VU Board of Trustees meeting
The Vincennes University Board of Trustees during its June 13 meeting in the Shake Learning Resource Center, heard reports from staff and faculty about the robust camps and pre-college programs VU is hosting this summer for youths from throughout Indiana. Many of whom are from communities historically underrepresented in higher education.
VU offers a broad range of enrichment programs and camps focused on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, sports, and more. A number of the educational experiences and adventures are at no cost to youths and their families, thanks to many generous supporters, including Lilly Endowment Inc.
06/08/2022
VU hosts surveying technology camp showcasing in-demand careers
High school students experienced a different kind of summer camp during their three-day stay at Vincennes University. The new and unique Surveying Technology Summer Camp was filled with hands-on learning. Campers were busy learning to use electronic instruments. They measured elevations and distances, jotted down data in field books, and drew sketches. The students also got a taste of college life.
06/07/2022
NOTICE OF MEETING: Vincennes University Board of Trustees, 6-13-22
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Monday, June 13, 2022
Learning Resource Center – Innovation Room #112
130 E. College Avenue
Vincennes, Indiana 47591
(All Times are Eastern Daylight Time)
John Stachura, Chairman
06/07/2022
VU Law Enforcement grad Nataly Sandoval lives to serve others
Although Nataly Sandoval loves the thrills of her future law enforcement career, the Vincennes University alumna's passion lies with the satisfaction she gets from helping others in the community.
Originally from Washington, Indiana, Sandoval '22 has lived in Vincennes, Indiana, for the past five years. She graduated in April from VU and earned an associate degree in Law Enforcement.
06/03/2022
VU student chosen for prestigious summer journalism internship
Olivia Tucker’s favorite place is in a newsroom. She loves to write. And the Vincennes University Graphic Design major is doing a lot of it this summer. She is in the midst of a prestigious internship.
Tucker '22 is participating in the Eugene S. Pulliam Internship Program named in honor of the late publisher of The Indianapolis Star and The Indianapolis News. The Hoosier State Press Association sponsors the highly selective internship.
05/31/2022
Faculty and Staff Spotlight: Meet Assistant Professor Kirk Abendroth
Assistant Professor Kirk Abendroth has fielded lots of questions about Russia's invasion of Ukraine from his students, the media, and others. Abendroth is a history expert and a professor of History, Political Science, and Economics. He teaches political science, American national government, and personal law. He also teaches elementary social studies methods for the Education Department and applied psychology for the Psychology and Sociology Department. Abendroth attended Indiana State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Social Science Education and a pair of master’s degrees in Physical Education and U.S. History. The Iowa City, Iowa native began his journey as a work study in 1980 at VU’s library. Eighteen years later, he decided to pursue his passion for teaching at VU in 1998 and has loved it since.
05/26/2022
VU brings cutting-edge STEM studios to elementary schools
Vincennes University is launching Design and Innovation Studios in elementary schools throughout Indiana, in partnership, with the Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) at Purdue University.
VU is boosting STEM education in K-8 schools to cultivate the next generation of high-tech thinkers and doers.
05/25/2022
Surveying Professor Jessica Hess stokes students’ passion in high demand industry
Jessica Hess is teaching Vincennes University students how relishing in the fresh open air of the outdoors and calculating geographical data is just another perk of the wonderful world of surveying.
The Surveying Technology Program Coordinator gets to do what she loves best while sharing her knowledge and passion with others. As a spirit of nature, Hess loves to be outdoors.
VU is the only institution in Indiana that offers an associate degree in Surveying Technology. The University also offers a bachelor's degree in Surveying Management.
05/19/2022
VU students, staff receive Indiana Awards for Excellence
Vincennes University students Karlie Pummel and Luke Schirmer, in addition to VU's Collaborative Opportunities for Postsecondary Education (COPE) Student Support Services program received Awards for Excellence from the Indiana Governor’s Workforce Cabinet.
The Indiana Career and Technical Educational (CTE) Awards for Excellence highlight the extraordinary achievements of students, partners, and programs in Indiana that exemplify the ideal qualities of CTE. Award recipients are exceptional individuals who have contributed to the success of CTE through the quality of their work and their involvement in the CTE community.
05/17/2022
Trailblazer Teaching Academy launches new VU faculty on a positive trajectory
New faculty bring fresh ideas, unique experiences, and different perspectives to the classroom. Through the Trailblazer Teaching Academy, the Vincennes University Office of the Provost is leveraging the strengths of all new faculty, enhancing their knowledge, and expanding their skill set to provide superb learning experiences for VU students through this innovative initiative.
05/13/2022
White Coat Ceremony celebrates Class of 2022
Between graduating from Vincennes University and starting his pursuit of a neuroscience degree at IUPUI, Andrew Brumett is interning this summer at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Brumett will work on projects related to breast and brain cancers.
VU’s Chemistry Department honored Brummet and other recent graduates with a Chemical Sciences Lab Coat Ceremony. Faculty presented white lab coats to the students during the special event. It is a tradition that has become a rite of passage for VU graduates and marks a symbolic and significant step forward in their career pursuits.
05/12/2022
VU faculty Caleb Wayman named to Conexus Indiana Rising 30 list
Caleb Wayman, site director of the Vincennes University Advanced Internship in Manufacturing (AIM) Program, has been recognized as an emerging leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. He is among 30 honorees under 30 years of age named to the Conexus Indiana Rising 30 Class of 2022.
Wayman was celebrated for his early career achievements along with other young industry leaders in Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 11.
05/09/2022
VU Alumni Devon Myers: Blazing His Trail To Many Languages and Diverse Opportunities
Devon Myers's admiration of fascinating languages and cultures has only fueled his determination to gain perspective on the diverse customs and values cherished by various groups of people.
It all started with the Linton, Indiana native's curiosity of foreign languages, beginning in a Spanish class during his freshman year of high school.
He graduated in April with two associate degrees, one in World Languages and Cultures and the other in Public Relations and Communication. Myers plans to take a break from school to save money before continuing his education to obtain a degree in international business.
05/03/2022
Trailblazer Karissa Gayer is mapping her path in male-dominated fields
From a young age, Karissa Gayer has always loved the great outdoors.
Any time she can, the new Vincennes University graduate is speeding around on her four-wheeler, exploring the terrain, going to recreational 3D bow and arrow shoots, and playing fetch with her German Shorthaired Pointer dog, Gracie.
Never wasting an opportunity to venture into the vast outdoors, Gayer knew she wanted to go into a career that mainly revolved around being outside in nature.
Following her passion, Gayer recently completed associate degrees in Surveying Technology and Architectural Studies Technology/CAD.
VU is the only institution in Indiana that offers a degree in Surveying Technology, making VU the best choice for Gayer. The program also boasts a 100 percent graduation placement rate.
05/02/2022
Sights and sounds of Spring 2022 Commencement
Congratulations to our outstanding and newest graduates! Vincennes University celebrated the Class of 2022 in person at the 216th annual Spring Commencement at the P.E. Complex on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
Two ceremonies took place at the Vincennes Campus, at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The ceremonies were divided by college.
05/02/2022
Digging deep: VU students place third in national soils judging competition
Vincennes University believes in providing hands-on learning experiences. Students in the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics’ Agriculture 102 and Agriculture 202 classes recently immersed themselves in a truly hands-on experience by jumping in and getting their hands dirty identifying soil layers at a national competition.
The students competed in the Soils Judging Contest at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) 2022 Judging Conference in North Platte, Nebraska with VU Adjunct Professor Randy Staley.
VU was awarded third place overall in the 2-Year Division of the Soils Judging Contest.
04/29/2022
New public art collection enriches Vincennes Campus
Stepping onto the Vincennes University campus is like stepping into an outdoor art gallery.
A bright blue and white aluminum form stands prominently before the Center for Art and Design. The sculpture, named Twisted Botanical Wave, is one of several new public art installations on the Vincennes Campus.
04/28/2022
Notice of Meeting: VU Board of Trustees Finance/Revenue Committee, 5-3-22
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NOTICE OF MEETING
FINANCE/REVENUE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
10:15 a.m. (EDT)
04/27/2022
Meet VU's Spring 2022 Commencement Student Speakers
Vincennes University has a tradition of elevating student voices. Student speakers Taven Noll, Karlie Pummel, and Brock Wilson will address their peers and guests at Spring 2022 Commencement on the Vincennes Campus.
The trio will take the Commencement stage on Saturday, April 30, at the P.E. Complex, 1401 N. Chestnut St.
04/26/2022
Class of 2022 to celebrate 216th Commencement in person
Vincennes University will award 2,177 degrees and certificates over three days of in-person Spring Commencement ceremonies.
The exercises will mark a significant milestone for the Class of 2022 as the proud graduates cross the commencement stage and embark upon new and exciting journeys.
VU will hold two Spring 2022 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the Vincennes Campus at the P.E. Complex, 1401 N. Chestnut St. Tickets are required for guests.
04/22/2022
VU Board of Trustees approves promotions and tenure at April meeting
The Vincennes University Board of Trustees approved faculty and staff promotions and faculty tenure, effective with the 2022-23 fiscal year or 2022-23 academic year contract, when it met on Wednesday, April 20.
04/21/2022
Meet VU’s Spring 2022 Commencement Honorary Doctorate Recipients: Jeffrey A. Harrison and Teresa Lubbers
Vincennes University will proudly confer honorary doctorates to a pair of distinguished achievers and leaders, business executive Jeffrey A. Harrison and longtime public servant Teresa Lubbers, at the University’s 216th Commencement.
Harrison is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Energy Group, one of Indiana’s largest utilities. Lubbers is the former Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education.
VU will present the honorary degrees to Harrison and Lubbers at the 2022 Spring Commencement exercises on Saturday, April 30 in the P.E. Complex on the Vincennes Campus.
04/20/2022
For the love of the guitar: VU Professor Scott Mercer will have an article featured in Guitar Player magazine
The rhythmic sound that comes from the strum of a guitar is why Vincennes University Associate Professor of Music Scott Mercer chose a career path in the music industry. His appreciation for the instrument developed after listening to the acoustics of a guitar on repeat from rock record CDs. After some practice and raw talent, Mercer discovered he had a gift for the musical arts.
Guitar Player magazine will publish an article written by Mercer in its May 2022 issue.
04/18/2022
VU Alumni Kurt Pangborn: Inspiring Others With Words of Wisdom and Blazing A Trail in Athletics
The sky's the limit for Vincennes University Alumni Kurt Pangborn, as he is defeating the odds and is pursuing his passion in the sports management industry.
Pangborn was born with an eye condition called congenital glaucoma, leaving him with impaired vision and undergoing approximately 40 eye surgeries. He has not let this stop him.
The New Castle, Indiana, native graduated from VU in 2009 with an associate degree in Sports Management. Pangborn is currently living his dream as Assistant Director for Athletic Tours and Ticket Operations at Indiana University Bloomington.
04/13/2022
NOTICE OF MEETING: Vincennes University Board of Trustees, 4-20-22
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Learning Resource Center – Innovation Room #112
130 E. College Avenue
Vincennes, Indiana 47591
(All Times are Eastern Daylight Time)
04/13/2022
Faculty and Staff Spotlight: Meet Elizabeth Hutchinson, Parent and Family Services Coordinator
Parent and Family Services Coordinator Elizabeth Hutchinson provides assistance and support to the parents and family members of Vincennes University students. Parents and families are an important part of a student's success. Hutchinson and her co-workers in the Office of Parents and Families Services offer support through a popular e-newsletter, an active social media presence, in-person events, and more. Hutchinson earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Indiana before joining the VU family in 2021.
04/11/2022
Blazers Give Day brings Trailblazers together to support students
Everyone showed off their Trailblazer spirit and philanthropic spirit during Vincennes University’s second annual #BlazersGive Day on Thursday, April 7.
For 24 hours, VU alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends everywhere celebrated the University’s longstanding tradition of excellence and offering students the very best educational opportunities as they strive to reach their fullest potential.
04/11/2022
VU debuts OSHA Safety Training in Lebanon
Vincennes University’s Gene Haas Training Center in Lebanon will host OSHA Safety Training classes starting in May.
VU hosts training primarily geared to occupational safety and health topics throughout the Midwest in cooperation with the University of Cincinnati and the Great Lakes OSHA Education Center.
04/04/2022
Prospective students invited to PreVU Days on April 22 and 23
Vincennes University invites potential students and their families to experience a snapshot of life at VU during PreVU Days on Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23.
The Office of Admissions is hosting this free event with activities starting at the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, 20 Red Skelton Blvd., on the Vincennes Campus at 9 a.m. ET.
03/30/2022
Project EXCEL student-faculty duo headed to Hawaii to explore military history
Vincennes University dual credit student Olivia Freeman is exploring history in a way she never dreamed, and waiting on the other end for her is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Hawaii.
The Brownsburg, Indiana High School junior is one-half of a teacher-student high school team chosen to participate in the Sacrifice for Freedom: World War II in the Pacific Student and Teacher Institute. The teacher half is VU adjunct faculty member and Brownsburg High School Social Studies teacher Dawn Crone. The program is through National History Day.
03/28/2022
School spirit, robots, and friendships: Brock Wilson embraces campus life
When he’s not in class, Advanced Manufacturing Automation Technology major Brock Wilson is on the go. He is a student ambassador, Admissions tour guide, automotive club member, and he is currently serving as Vincennes University’s famous Trailblazer Willie mascot.
03/21/2022
Fashion Forward: Kenli Mays is blazing her trail with unique designs
Sewing different, unique fabrics together to create a custom statement piece and displaying it to others is what drives Kenli Mays’ passion for fashion. The Vincennes University Fashion major's favorite style to design is Y2K fashion. She loves the many influences she can create with this style, adding bits of alternative, hip hop, and pop to her clothing.
03/21/2022
VU hosting free COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic
Vincennes University is holding a free COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic for students, staff, faculty, and the community at the Vincennes Campus on Tuesday, March 22.
03/16/2022
Make a difference on Blazers Give Day, April 7
Blazers Give Day is a chance for Trailblazers to make a positive difference every day at Vincennes University. VU’s second Blazers Give Day is Thursday, April 7, 2022. The 24-hour University-wide online giving campaign and celebration of Trailblazer spirit kicks off at midnight.
"The One Day That Makes A Difference Every Day" unites alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends anywhere in the world to make an impact that carries forward each and every day.
03/10/2022
Arbor Day Foundation honors VU with Tree Campus Higher Education recognition
Vincennes University was honored with a 2021 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
VU is promoting healthy trees and green spaces on the 200-plus acre Vincennes Campus in addition to engaging students, faculty, and staff in the spirit of conservation while contributing to a healthier environment and a more sustainable world for all.
03/03/2022
VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson Statement on Ukraine
Along with those across the U.S. and the world, we have been shocked by the aggression of Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and saddened for the many lives that have been lost or disrupted as a result. This act of war is an affront to the values of a democratic society and the values of Vincennes University, which embrace collaboration, open dialogue and cooperation, and respect for cultural diversity and individual freedom. Therefore, I call upon all members of the VU community to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
03/03/2022
VU STUDENT: TENNY FATOKE IS BLAZING HER TRAIL AND LOVING UNIVERSITY LIFE
Blasting rocking pop tunes at 8 a.m. is the perfect boost Tenny Fatoke needs to get her juices flowing for a productive day at Vincennes University.
Emigrating from Nigeria, Fatoke made her home in Indianapolis in 2018. She then journeyed south to Vincennes after graduating from Christel House Academy and is pursuing an associate degree in Public Relations.
03/02/2022
VU Board of Trustees receives university-wide updates during retreat
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.
02/28/2022
VU introduces mask-optional policy for all campuses and sites
Vincennes University is easing its COVID-19 protocols by adopting a mask-optional policy for students, faculty, staff, and visitors at all VU campuses and sites throughout Indiana, effective at 5 p.m. Eastern on Monday, February 28.
Individuals have the option to wear masks or face coverings if they choose.
02/28/2022
A MESSAGE FROM VU PRESIDENT CHUCK JOHNSON REGARDING UPDATED MASK POLICY
Dear VU Community:
Along with Friday’s announcement that the CDC has modified its guidance for masks, the VU Executive team has been reviewing data among our students, faculty, and staff, along with trends in our locations, evaluating options and potential timing for relaxing our current mandate.
VU’s case loads have dropped significantly over the past four weeks among all groups and county conditions in most areas of the State have drastically improved. With that information, the changes to CDC guidance released last Friday, and the expectation that cases will remain low, VU will relax its mask mandate, effective at 5 PM, today, Monday, February 28, 2022.
02/28/2022
VU Alumnus Jay Coles is setting the literary world on fire with thought-provoking novels
“Equal parts moving and eloquent, this powerful, raw, and brilliant story will sit with you long after you finish” are the words used by the popular website BuzzFeed to describe the debut novel of Vincennes University alumnus and Indianapolis native Jay Coles.
Two years after graduating from VU and Ben Davis University High School, Coles exploded on the scene in 2017 with “Tyler Johnson Was Here” and drew the praise of the New York Times, Forbes, and other critics. In the book, a young man searches for answers after the death of his brother at the hands of the police.
Coles, 26, is described as “one of the brightest and most acclaimed new lights in YA (young adult) fiction.” Entertainment Weekly proclaimed, “As an acclaimed YA author, he understands the power of a good, multilayered story.” Another reviewer wrote, “Coles’ talent shines in this moving and powerful novel.”
02/25/2022
Whipping Up Success: VU Culinary Arts Major Serves Up Kindness
Starting her morning strong, Vincennes University Culinary Arts major Rachel Davis wakes up at 10 a.m., preparing herself a small mouth-watering brunch in her dorm room before her six-hour culinary class.
In class, she prepares many different delicious assortments, including savory meats, healthy cooked vegetables, tasty soups, and an array of salad dishes. Davis also makes a diverse platter of scrumptious baked goods.
02/23/2022
A Message from VU President Chuck Johnson regarding Covid-19
February 23, 2022
Dear VU Community:
As more and more states and institutions are announcing the end to mask mandate policies, the VU Executive Team has been reviewing data among our students, faculty, and staff, along with trends in our locations, as we evaluate options and potential timing for relaxing our current mandate.
VU’s case numbers have dropped significantly over the past three weeks among all groups, following the trend in many areas of Indiana and the U.S. At the same time, the majority of Indiana counties, including nearly all of Southern Indiana are still classified by the State as being in the highest Covid risk category, with a rating of 3 and categorized as “red.” In addition, it is yet unclear what impact the emergence of a new, more contagious strain of the Omicron variant will have on our locations.
With those factors in mind, we will continue to monitor conditions and consult with appropriate health officials. Our hope is that if VU case numbers continue to remain low and continue to see improvement in local conditions across the many counties in which we operate, we can relax our current mask policy and other Covid protocols.
In the meantime, thank you for your help in observing VU’s current mask policy and other Covid safety protocols.
Sincerely,
Chuck Johnson
President
Vincennes University
02/22/2022
NOTICE OF MEETING: Vincennes University Board of Trustees Retreat and Board Meeting, 3-1-22
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Retreat and Board Meeting Schedule
Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
120 West Market Street
Indianapolis Ballroom – 2nd Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
02/21/2022
Faculty and Staff Spotlight: Meet Dr. Aiqin Fang, Assistant Chemistry Professor
Dr. Aiqin Fang teaches chemistry, and she serves students as an academic advisor for the Pre-Veterinary and Pre-Dental programs. Fang, who is originally from Qingdao in China, started at VU in 2016. She earned a doctoral degree from the University of Louisville. The research training during her master, doctoral and postdoctoral graduate studies involved proteomics, metabolomics, nanomaterials, nanotechnologies, microorganisms, and biosensors. All are popular research areas in the chemistry field.
02/15/2022
Running On All Cylinders: Student-Athlete aims for peak performance inside and outside of classroom
Ernest Momodu is always ready to shift gears into his hands-on automotive courses to remove broken parts of a car and restore them to create a reinforced top-level vehicle so that it can perform at maximum efficiency.
02/14/2022
VU Student My Vũ: Blazing Her Trail to Life-Changing Experiences Across The Globe
"Before being a VU student, I graduated from high school in Vietnam and really wanted to study abroad. I believed that studying abroad in the U.S. could give me a chance to be more independent, discover the world, and meet different people."
02/11/2022
VU aiming to ignite interest and diversify STEM fields with free programs for high school and junior high students
Vincennes University is launching free summer STEM academies at its Vincennes and Jasper campuses as part of initiatives to provide opportunities for Indiana high school and junior high school students from all backgrounds to explore careers and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
02/10/2022
Faculty and Staff Spotlight: Meet Ze (Wade) Chen, Academic Fellow
Wade Chen helps build bridges between VU and universities and colleges in China. He also supports VU’s international students and their families.
02/08/2022
VU’s Nichole Carie voted Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations President
The Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations Board of Directors has elected Nichole Carie as its new president. Carie is the director of operations for Vincennes University's public broadcast stations Vincennes PBS, WVUT-TV, and The Blazer 91.1, WVUB-FM. She also serves as the general manager for Vincennes PBS.
02/07/2022
VU Alumni Keyerrá Buckley: Blazing Her Trail to a Better Healthcare Industry
As a student ambassador and president of the Student Government Association, Keyerrá Buckley made it her mission to turn Vincennes University students' mumbles into roars by giving them the courage to speak up about their opinions and give feedback about different aspects of the University. Buckley, a 2021 graduate from Poinciana, Florida, began her VU journey as a Distance Education student in her home state with several years of experience employed as a pharmacy technician.
02/01/2022
VU Provost Dr. Laura Treanor selected for esteemed Tobias Fellows Program
Vincennes University Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of Faculty Dr. Laura Treanor has been selected as a Tobias Fellow by The Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence at Indiana University.
01/28/2022
VU is offering students free help filling out FAFSA at College Goal Sunday
Financial aid professionals will volunteer at two Vincennes University campuses to help college-bound students and their families open the door to financial aid during College Goal Sunday on Feb. 27, 2022.
01/26/2022
NOTICE OF MEETING: Vincennes University Board of Trustees Finance/Revenue Committee, 2-9-22
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NOTICE OF MEETING
FINANCE/REVENUE COMMITTEE
01/26/2022
VU honored with two Cybersecurity Education Excellence awards
The EC-Council has bestowed two prestigious awards upon Vincennes University for excelling in cybersecurity education and training across global academic communities.
01/24/2022
VU Student Emily Reed: Blazes Her Trail to Dream Aviation Career
During her career path journey, Vincennes University Aviation Maintenance Technician major Emily Reed had no concrete idea of what she wanted to do. That was until she started working as an aircraft cleaner for FedEx in Indianapolis and realized she had the potential to do great things in the aviation field.
01/21/2022
Vincennes Campus returning to in-person learning as scheduled
Vincennes University will resume face-to-face learning for students on the Vincennes Campus, as planned, on Monday, Jan. 24.