History

History Video

Founded in 1801, VU is now embarking on its third century of providing top quality education. VU is Indiana's first college and is one of the oldest in America. It is the birthplace of one of the nation's first two-year institutions of higher learning.

Founded in 1801 and incorporated as Vincennes University November 29, 1806, VU is one of only two U.S. colleges founded by a President of the United States. William Henry Harrison founded VU and Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia.

Situated on the banks of the Wabash River, the 100-acre VU campus includes more than 30 modern buildings featuring red-brick construction consistent with the first campus building, the 1803 home of VU's founder, William Henry Harrison. The Harrison mansion is open for tours. The campus also features red-brick walkways, abundant landscaping, and easy access to the legendary Wabash River and the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.

Vincennes is situated approximately 120 miles southwest of Indianapolis at the junction of U.S. highways 41 and 50. Vincennes is midway between the cities of Evansville and Terre Haute.

Vincennes campus enrollment as of October 2007 was 4,826, of which 2,852 were male and 1,974 were female. System-wide enrollment was 9,089, which includes both the Vincennes and Jasper campuses as well as the VU Aviation Technology Center in Indianapolis, the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis, and other off-campus locations.

VU students come from all 92 Indiana counties and over 30 foreign countries.