Introduction

A Brief History of Vincennes University

One of the first two-year colleges in America, Vincennes University is also Indiana’s oldest college. The heritage of the University began with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 which stated, “Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and to the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.”

In 1801 Jefferson Academy, the direct forerunner of Vincennes University, was founded at Vincennes, Indiana. The Indiana territorial legislature, at its first session in 1806, passed an act to incorporate the first university in the Indiana Territory, “to be called and known by the name and style of Vincennes University.” William Henry Harrison, first governor of the Indiana Territory, and later (1841) President of the United States, was the founder of the college and the first chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University.

Vincennes University has had a distinguished history, rich with the traditions of many firsts. In the Vincennes University catalog of 1899, the statement appeared that, “Vincennes University is in fact a junior college offering the first two years of the regular college programs.” By that statement, Vincennes University claims to be one of the first colleges to develop and recognize the junior college concept in higher education.

Today, the University is a model comprehensive two-year “university” offering more than 150 associate degree programs and options, and six baccalaureate degrees in specialized areas. Vincennes University has a statewide mission and is a fully state-supported college, recognized as being unique in Indiana. In addition to the Vincennes campus, the University has a second campus at Jasper, Indiana and major extension sites at the International Airport in  Indianapolis and the Indiana School for the Deaf, also in Indianapolis. Through its dual enrollment program and its unique early college program, the university assists high school students in transitioning into higher education when the student is ready. The university also serves a growing distance education population with more than 30 programs and provides higher education experiences for our military at more than 37 bases.

The University’s motto as translated from the official seal is, “Learn in Order to Serve.” For the past two centuries, for today, and into the future Vincennes University students and graduates strive to make that goal a reality in their lives.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Institutional Functions

As an institution of higher education, Vincennes University is committed to provide

A comprehensive range of transfer curricula for those who want to complete a baccalaureate degree at another institution by offering the first two years of many baccalaureate programs.

A comprehensive range of occupational programs for those who want to begin employment with job entry skills upon the completion of their occupational programs at Vincennes University.

Baccalaureate degrees in specialized areas for those who want to complete a baccalaureate program at Vincennes University.

General education for all students for the purpose of broadening their understanding of life and their ability to function as citizens in today’s society.

Developmental education for those who need it in order to succeed in the occupational or transfer programs of their choice.

A comprehensive range of student support services aimed at enhancing students’ academic, personal and social development.

Adult continuing and adult basic education for those who want to prepare for the High School Equivalency (HSE) test or to up-grade their job competencies, improve basic educational skills, and/or gain knowledge of subjects of their own personal interest, or to complete requirements for a certificate or associate degree program of their choice.

A comprehensive program of community services and resources for the community by developing specialized opportunities for preparation when occupational needs can be served, by initiating programs of benefit to the community, and by making the resources of the University available for community betterment.

Institutional Objectives

Vincennes University commits to providing an environment, personnel and facilities that enhance the commitment of VU to

Prepare Students to Transfer to Four-Year Colleges and Universities. Vincennes University has a well-established history of success in and a continuing commitment to preparing students in the first two years of many baccalaureate programs. Substantial offerings and programs in a wide variety of instructional areas, advanced placement policies, developmental and refresher courses, and a variety of instructional techniques allow the University to tailor programs appropriate to the individual needs of students so that they can reach their academic transfer goals. In all instructional programs, Vincennes University students have practical learning experiences, often including leadership and performing opportunities, normally denied first- and second-year students at baccalaureate educational institutions.

Prepare Students for Successful Job Entry Through Occupational Education. Vincennes University has a well-established history of success in and a continuing commitment to excellence in occupational education. The University offers a wide variety of occupational programs that include general education and other support courses. The major purpose of occupational education is to prepare students for successful job entry. Also, a significant number of occupational graduates transfer to continue their education toward an advanced degree.

The University supports gender equity in all of its programs. Male and female students who wish to pursue majors in programs non-traditional for their gender have the opportunity and the encouragement to do so at Vincennes University.

Allow Students to Complete a Baccalaureate Degree in Specialized Areas. Consistent with its early mission and history, Vincennes University offers a limited number of baccalaureate degrees. The purpose of these degrees is to prepare students for successful job entry or for graduate degree education.

Allow Students to Begin Their Postsecondary Education at Their Levels of Readiness. The University works to help students make an effective transition from high school to college. Through academic advising and personal counseling, the University helps students select programs consistent with their goals and courses in which they have reasonable chances to succeed. Opportunities for advanced placement, early completion in courses, as well as courses to overcome educational limitations are available to students.

Provide General Education for All Students for the Purpose of Personal Enrichment. The distribution of course requirements in the various divisional areas of study, comprehensive survey courses, functional courses, the broad spectrum of extra-curricular activities, and special cultural convocations and programs offer opportunity for general education to all students.

Provide Guidance and Opportunity for Exploration to Those Students Uncertain About Their Educational Goals. The University provides opportunities for students to experience a diversity of academic and occupational alternatives. It offers its students personal assistance in career decisions through academic advising, counseling, interest and aptitude testing, and career information services. Flexible academic regulations allow students to change educational objectives with minimal loss of time and credit.

Provide a Campus Environment Conducive to Personal Development. The University, through its campus organizations, campus activities, and on-campus residence halls, provides an environment conducive to personal development. Students may pursue special interests, develop leadership, and find social expression and membership in various organizations and activities. Students may participate in intercollegiate and intramural athletic teams and activities, with equipment and facilities also provided for individual recreation. Numerous opportunities occur for the development and display of students’ talents in the performing, visual, communicative, and literary arts. On-campus residence halls provide an additional dimension for the interaction of students from diverse geographical regions, countries, and cultures.

Assist Students in College Transfer and Job Placement. Each year a large percentage of Vincennes University students transfer successfully to more than one hundred baccalaureate colleges and universities. The University’s continuous communication and articulation with other postsecondary educational institutions, businesses and industries and the personal guidance by the faculty, staff, and placement personnel assist students in achieving successful transfer and/or job placement.

Provide Continuing Education and Educational Outreach Services. Vincennes University has a statewide mission to deliver credit and non-credit educational programs to Indiana residents upon request. In fulfilling this mission the University has established numerous community-based teaching sites including: those developed in cooperation with high schools; the Aviation Technology Center at Indianapolis, Indiana; the Indiana Deaf School; Indiana Corrections Sites; the Jasper campus; and selected National Guard Armories and Army Reserve Centers. To serve Indiana residents who have part-time military obligations and other military personnel, the University has established teaching sites in such locations as diverse as the National Guard Professional Education Center at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas; in San Diego to serve not only the Naval Air Base, but also the Amphibious Base at Coronado, and the Naval Hospital at Balboa, and the Naval Air Station in El Centro; two naval bases in Washington, the Amphibious Base at Bremerton and the Submarine Base at Bangor; the Coast Guard Base in Newport, Oregon; and several U.S. Army or multiservice programs at Ft. Benning, Georgia, Ft. McCoy in Wisconsin, and Selfridge, Michigan. The Military Education Program has generated requests for classes from across the United States and its Territories, and University personnel have responded with at least limited offerings.

The Vincennes University Jasper Campus offers many community services to the citizens of Dubois County and surrounding counties, particularly the opportunity to complete credit courses leading to the associate degree in transfer and occupational programs as well as a number of specialized baccalaureate degrees. The Jasper Campus, in addition, offers non-credit courses.

The Degree Completion Program provides opportunities for students to complete an associate degree via independent study when Vincennes University courses are not otherwise available.

Offer a Variety of Educational and Cultural Services to its Communities. The University’s radio stations, television station, and campus events are used for the dissemination of educational and cultural opportunities. Entertainment and cultural programs are offered to area residents through the Community Series and the University’s musical and theatrical productions and art shows.

Provide Diverse Educational, Economic and Training Programs to Designated Clients Throughout the University’s Service Area. The University administers major federal and state funded community-based service programs for a variety of constituencies. Educational Opportunity Programs consist of Education Talent Search, COPE Student Support Services, Upward Bound and Veterans Upward Bound for the first generation college students, students with special economic or educational needs and other eligible veterans. The Generations Program provides essential social and human services to eligible elderly and disabled clients including CHOICE, Nutrition, Ombudsman and Legal Services, Employment, Nursing Home Pre-admission Screening, Medicaid Waiver Program, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Workforce Development Services delivers employment, training and economic development opportunities to eligible clients, business and industry plus Adult Basic Education, the Business and Industry Assistance Program, IMPACT and Single Parent Displaced Homemaker Services.

Provide Opportunity for International and Intercultural Understanding. Students from various countries around the world add an international dimension to the University’s campus. Some of the international students need the special services of the English as a Second Language Program. Their presence emphasizes the importance of programs and activities that provide opportunities for person-to-person understanding across national lines, for the inclusion of academic units that promote world understanding, and for the kind of activities that introduce students and the community at large to major international issues. International emphasis programs, including the activities of the host families, are illustrative of the special International students’ projects. The Office of Multicultural Services offers a variety of activities and events to promote understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity present on our campus, in our communities, and around the world. A number of special activities such as a week honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are held as well as a number of workshops emphasizing issues of cultural diversity.

A Comprehensive Two-Year College Offering Associate Degrees in the Liberal Arts, Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Technology and Offering Baccalaureate Degrees in Specialized Areas

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 621-7440 https://www.hlcommission.org/
For Information about HLC Accreditation, Select HLC Affiliation

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
American Bar Association
American Society of Health System Pharmacists/Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission
Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Federal Aviation Administration
Indiana State Board of Nursing
National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Approved for Veterans

Membership

The American Association of Community Colleges
American Council on Education
American Health Information Management Association
American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges
Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges
Association on Higher Education and Disability
Association of Surgical Technologists
Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors
Aviation Technician Education Council
Community College Baccalaureate Association
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation
The Council of North Central Two Year Colleges
The Higher Education Transfer Alliance
Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Learn More Indiana
League for Innovation
The Manufacturing Institute Education Council
The National Academic Advising Association
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
National League of Nursing
The National Portfolio Day Association
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges

Toll Free Number: 1-800-742-9198
Fax Number: 1-812-888-5868

Address: 1002 North First Street, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Phone: 812-888-8888
Web: www.vinu.edu
my.vinu.edu

Board of Trustees, 2017-18

Officers of the Board of Trustees:
Chair - John A. Stachura
First Vice Chair - Michael J. Sievers
Second Vice Chair - Reginald K. Henderson
Secretary - J.R. Gaylor

Other Members of the Board of Trustees:
Darrel L. Bobe
R. Scott Brand
Timothy A. Grove
Charles R. Johnson, Vincennes University President
Emma J. Marsh, Student Trustee
Mildred Marshall
Susan V. Olesik
Gregory T. Parsley
George S. Ridgway
Eric J. Schach

Staff Members of the Board of Trustees:
Treasurer - Phillip S. Rath
Attorney for the Board - Brent Stuckey
Record Clerk for the Board - Patricia A. Konkle