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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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