When the revised University Mission Statement was unveiled at the Fall 2005 opening meeting, an expanded version reflected the insights and philosophies gathered by the mission committee.

Click Here to hear about the  University Mission from those involved in the revision process.

Vincennes University, Indiana’s first college …Jefferson Academy, the direct forerunner of Vincennes University, was founded at Vincennes, Indiana in 1801.  The Indiana territorial legislature passed an act in 1806 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 President of the United States, was the founder of the college and first chairman of the Board of Trustees.

is the State’s premier transfer institution …Vincennes University has been recognized for decades as a source of highly qualified, transfer-ready graduates. VU’s transfer programs are designed in coordination with four-year institutions to ensure successful transfer.  The university maintains more than 1,000 transfer agreements through close faculty-to-faculty contacts with senior institutions.  VU graduates compete successfully with students from four-year institutions in acceptance to limited-admission professional programs.  The performance of graduates at four-year institutions is monitored systematically and points to the quality of VU’s transfer programs.

and leader in innovative career programming …Vincennes University provides certificate, associate, and baccalaureate career programs that lead directly to successful employment.  However, many programs are both transfer and career in nature, allowing a choice of entering the workplace or continuing toward an associate or baccalaureate degree.  Employers recognize Vincennes University’s reputation for quality and innovation as evidenced by high placement rates and positive responses to employer surveys.  VU continues to work with employers in program development and revision to ensure that graduates possess the necessary skills to make them valuable contributors to the workforce. 

The VU community ensures educational access …Vincennes University is the college of choice for many top high school graduates, but the institution also provides developmental education for those whose academic skills are not at the collegiate level.  VU provides post-secondary education to students from more than 100 countries and through distance education but is also a preferred choice for many within the nearby geographic area.  Educational services are provided on two established campuses and sites worldwide, but new learning sites are also established in rapid response to industry needs.  The University strives to control its tuition and fees but also facilitates all forms of public and private financial aid, so that all those with the ability to benefit from a college education may find it at Vincennes University.

delivers proven AS and BS programs …Vincennes University embraces responsibility for continuing a rich tradition of academic excellence.  VU offers a comprehensive array of certificate, associate and baccalaureate degree programs.  The University assures that each program provides the highest level of instruction and preparation for continued study and career achievement.  The quality of VU’s programs is proven by the history of effective articulation, graduate success in career placement, and recognition by professional accrediting bodies.  The University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

offers cultural opportunities …Vincennes University offers entertainment and cultural programs, such as the Community Series, University musical and theatrical productions, and faculty and guest art exhibits to students and area residents.  Community forums, VU athletic activities, and other local interest programs are broadcast by the University’s radio and television stations.  Guest lecturers and student activities in a wide range of subject areas are offered to the University and surrounding communities.  The Vincennes campus is the location of the state-of-the-art Red Skelton Performing Arts Center.

and community services …Vincennes University oversees a variety of programs to benefit the community.  Among these are services to senior citizens, those who have not completed high school, potential entrepreneurs, displaced workers, those who need retraining, and other populations seeking education and training services.  VU serves as the fiscal agent and administrator for many programs funded through the state and federal governments.

in a diverse … Vincennes University values diversity and believes this is an important aspect of the educational experience.  Members of the VU community are encouraged to develop and apply critical thinking skills to unexamined assumptions and stereotypes.  Multicultural campus activities provide a structured opportunity for building alliances among students from diverse backgrounds.  The University prepares students to be contributing citizens in a global society.  

student-centered …Vincennes University is a community fully dedicated to the enhancement of student learning.  VU is committed to helping students establish a lifetime of growth in their academic, co-curricular, social, moral and civic endeavors.  The University validates the effectiveness of all activities and services through a comprehensive assessment process.  Decisions on a student-centered campus are made in the interest of the greater student population.  Whether addressing learning, scholarship or community service, the University’s activities are directed toward positively impacting student success.

collegiate environment …Vincennes University includes two campuses in southwestern Indiana and two learning sites in Indianapolis.  The Vincennes campus provides a 135 acre residential campus with more than 50 buildings; the Jasper campus encompasses 130 acres with an abundance of resources typically found only at a residential campus.  Two sites in Indianapolis have been established in response to the demand for interpreters of American Sign Language and trained aviation maintenance technicians.  Each VU location provides an attractive setting where learning is paramount, and where student participation is encouraged in activities that build skills for careers, for enrichment, and for lifelong learning.