Lighting the Way to SuccessMeet Our PresidentState of the University AddressStudent Services
|
State of the University 2010-2011View Dr Helton giving the State of the University address in the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center on March 3, 2011. Unable to watch? You may also read his speech: State of the University – March 3, 2011 Vincennes University is not only Indiana’s First College. It is also a state supported college. Therefore, in discussing the State of the University in these economic times, it is necessary to first discuss the condition of our state, focusing on the state’s finances. (PowerPoint) Surviving seems to be the goal for many in these challenging times. That has been one of the top stories for higher education as well as many institutions in recent years. I am here to report that Vincennes University is doing more than surviving in tough times—this is a college that is continuing to move forward. The reason is simple: VU is respected for having the resources that people need in challenging times. Chief among those resources are talented faculty and staff members who go the extra mile to help students and clients succeed. And I believe that VU does that better than our counterparts –thanks to you. VU is a teaching institution. That is our niche. That is what we do and do well. We do it with a passion for what we do and compassion for those we serve. So as I recite the highlights of the State of our University, it is my conviction that our success is built on the strong foundation of our teaching faculty, supported by a dedicated staff. Today, as I stand before you, the State of our University is sound. The evidence of that is that more students are choosing to enroll at VU, our relationship with secondary education is strong, support in the legislature is strong, and giving to the VU Foundation continues to increase. One of the reasons for that support is that our programs and students succeed. Just last month, two of our programs and six students received Indiana Career and Technical Education Awards for Excellence in ceremonies at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis. Please join me in saluting these two programs: Computer-Integrated Manufacturing and the Center for Career and Employer Relations. Recognition such as this is important in enhancing our reputation which is invaluable in increasing enrollment. And—speaking of enrollment,
It takes remarkable teamwork to achieve these results which stand in stark contrast to VU’s situation just a few years ago. I also want to thank our Admissions and Marketing staff for their efforts that include an extensive campaign throughout the state to identify VU as Indiana’s First College. It is a position we have earned in more ways than longevity—and it is a message that is earning VU continued attention and respect. Another positive indicator for VU is our general support in the legislature. Though the current Indiana House budget has a 2 percent cut in funding for the University, the General Assembly, over the years, has held VU in high regard for the mission the institution brings to the state. Additionally, the current legislative session has two months before adjournment, thus, more work remains before a budget is finalized. However, it is important to note that this process in Indiana is in sharp contrast to severe cuts in college funding in many other states. We also should acknowledge the leadership of VU’s Financial Services staff in planning for tough financial times. Our 2010-11 budget, for example, includes 3.6 percent in operating cost cuts achieved through various ways including staffing, energy savings, changes in health insurance plan design and deductible charges, and other operating cuts in areas such as property and liability insurance. By achieving greater efficiencies, VU has been able to serve growing numbers of students throughout its statewide system, even with state funding limitations. Finally, donations to the VU Foundation are up, and more scholarships are being created.
It should be noted that scholarships at this institution are worth more because VU is the most affordable residential college in the state. VU also makes attending college more affordable in other ways. Due to the bookstore’s textbook rental program that began in 2007, students have saved $970,000. Since it was introduced at VU, it has grown to now include 39 titles that are being rented to more than 2,000 students per semester. Baccalaureate programs begun in 2006-07 are also doing well – including the three offered at VUJC. While VU’s niche in higher education is in associate degrees, the success of our Baccalaureate programs adds a new dimension to VU, including more opportunities for students to demonstrate leadership and contribute to campus life. Many other new programs initiated in recent years, such as our Business Management Supply Chain and Logistics Concentration, are moving forward. Others have been added in recent years, and we will continue to look for new programs in promising career fields. VU’s outreach is also expanding.
We can also take pride in our new facilities.
Planned renovation for the summer of 2011 will include:
All of these projects will complement other major projects that have been completed since 2004.
All of these new additions and renovations contribute to making VU a first-rate college experience for our students. We receive very positive feedback from our visitors. In fact, many of our visitors are amazed at the quality and beauty of our campuses. And speaking of the beauty of our campuses, I am proud to report that both the Vincennes Campus and the Jasper Campus recently received Tree Campus USA designation, in recognition of our efforts. Please join me in thanking Dean Alan Johnson, Dave DeVoy, and our groundskeepers. VU’s community outreach also enhances our reputation. It is strong. In July, the Vincennes University Fair Pavilion was dedicated at the Knox County Fairgrounds. In August, the Walnut Grove was dedicated on land donated by VU to Grouseland, to commemorate the bicentennial of the meetings between Shawnee leader Tecumseh, and then-territorial governor William Henry Harrison, beginning in August 1810. The Community Series continues to sell-out and attract larger numbers of season ticket holders and sponsors. In September, the Indiana Historical Society and the Red Skelton Museum Foundation announced the formation of a partnership to create a permanent place for archival material documenting the life of Red Skelton. In October, Saturday Skills Seminars were sponsored by the VU Business and Public Service Division. ABB Robotics and Haas Automation Inc. opened major training labs in October at the Indiana Center for Applied Technology, thanks to a $1.5 million donation from Frank Ladner. VU Broadcasting televised both a U.S. Senate Debate and a 9th Congressional District Debate. Dean Alan Johnson played a major role in organizing the 9th District Congressional Debate in Jasper. In November, it was announced that only $1.3 million was needed to reach the $4 million goal that will result in exhibiting a vast Red Skelton collection at the Red Skelton Museum and Education Center. Again, Frank Ladner made a $1 million donation. In November, VU and Indiana University East, and the IU School of Continuing Studies announced a partnership to increase baccalaureate education opportunities for students at VUJC. In January, we announced that 30 secondary and post-secondary teachers would receive scholarships from the Gene Haas Foundation to attend instruction at VU’s Haas Technical Education Center. Just recently, the first-ever training was completed in the HTEC lab for employees from the Crane Army Ammunition facility in southern Indiana. Many more classes are planned to train statewide workers. This spring, VU initiated Learning Unlimited programs at several central Indiana sites. The Learning Unlimited program will provide college credit and job-ready training programs centered at public libraries, providing access through netbooks to over 400 courses and more than 27 degrees. The VU Science and Math Division recently sponsored a successful Science Olympiad that attracted a number of high school students. On March 26 and April 2, one-day Homeland Security Community Academies will be offered to the public by 4th year students in the Homeland Security program. The VU Technology Division hosts a number of competitions that attract students from throughout the state, such as last weekend’s Statewide Machine Trades Contest. Like many of you, I represent the University on a number of boards that serve the public. Because I recognize the value of this service, I want to thank all of you who serve your respective communities, organizations, and professions in a variety of capacities. This includes the entrepreneurs among you who open businesses in the community, such as Lou Caprino. I know I speak for many who enjoy his downtown restaurant. Just as entrepreneurs take risks in order to succeed, colleges will need to take risks to succeed in the future, because we do face challenges going forward, challenges that we all recognize. These challenges include tight state budgets, changes in the state funding formula, proposed cuts in federal support for student financial aid, continued implementation of assessment throughout the system, and finding ways to stay in the forefront of technological changes. So the State of the University is sound in 2011, thanks to you, our faculty and staff, and all who have gone before you. Together you have been trailblazers in education, serving well our students, our community, our state. In short, you are working to create a better future. We don’t know what lies ahead. What we do know is that we have prepared ourselves, this great college, and our students, for the times ahead. In doing that, we have fulfilled our motto: “ Learn in Order to Serve.” So while others may talk about surviving in challenging times, we can talk about moving forward, overcoming obstacles, and achieving a better day for VU and our students. That is the VU story, and you are the authors of that story. And for that I thank you for all that you do. As for the future of Indiana’s First College, I believe the future is promising, as long as we all keep learning, and we keep nurturing others to learn all they can. We should all recall the words of that legendary coach from Indiana, John Wooden, who said, “Know that when you are through learning, you are through.” Part of that learning process for all of us is to contribute – to develop an understanding about, and work to implement VU’s Strategic Plan. All elements of that plan are important to VU’s efforts to move forward. That is certainly true of the Strategic Plan’s emphasis on assessment and continuous improvement. In these rapidly changing times, no one and no institution can afford to stand still, for in reality that would mean we are losing ground to the competition. That is why the Strategic Plan will play an important role in charting a course forward for VU. On the great seal of this great institution are these words, “Learn in Order to Serve.” As we move forward, let us never forget that charge applies to us, as faculty and staff members, just as it does to our students. The mission of Vincennes University continues. Our future remains our choice. Our people remain our strength, and our state of the university is strong. Thank you. May we continue to be blessed with opportunities for our fine institution.
|
- Johnson appointed VU Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of Faculty
- VU moves forward with $15.6 million in campus projects
- Student creations are a real “glass” act
- Community leader honored with VU award for service
- Vincennes University Commencement features New York Times best-selling author Ira Wagler
Johnson appointed VU Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of Faculty
May 14, 2012
VINCENNES, Ind. - Charles R. Johnson has been appointed as Vincennes
University Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of
Faculty, according to an announcement by VU President Dick Helton.
Johnson’s appointment follows a six-month national search following the
resignation of Dr. Ronald Davis to become vice president and chief academic
officer at John Wood Community College in Quincy, Ill., last October.
Johnson will replace Robert A. Slayton, former dean of the Learning
Resources Center, who has served as interim provost.
Johnson comes to VU from Purdue University, West Lafayette, where he most
recently served as director of three specialty master’s degree programs,
including Weekend MBA, Master of Science in Finance, and the new Master of
Science in Accounting that will be introduced this fall. He has taught
courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Since 2007 he has served as a consultant to American University of the
Middle East, Kuwait, where he has provided support in the launch of an
evening MBA program, undergraduate business programs, and admissions,
student services, administrative functions, and faculty recruitment. Since
2010 he has served on the University’s Board of Trustees.
Johnson previously served as director of the Purdue Krannert School of
Management’s Executive Education Program, director of its Master’s and
Executive Programs, and director of its Professional Master’s Programs.
Prior to joining Purdue in 1998, Johnson served as manager of Training and
Development for National City Corporation and National City Bank, a Fortune
500 financial services company based in Cleveland, Ohio.
While completing his master’s degree in Business Administration at Bowling
Green State University (1987), Johnson served as a manager and later as the
director of two residence halls and conference housing. In his nearly 11
years at Bowling Green, he also served as director of Undergraduate
Studies/Program Advisement and director of Graduate Studies in Business in
the College of Business Administration.
In addition to his master’s degree, Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in
Economics from Indiana State University (1984) and is pursuing his
doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Purdue University.
“I am delighted to be joining Vincennes University. As a native of
Southwestern Indiana, I have had many connections with VU in the past,
including dozens of family and friends who are VU alumni, and I have always
had a favorable impression,” Johnson said. “Yet the more I learn about VU,
the more impressive it is. President Helton, along with the faculty,
staff, and students I have met, give me great confidence that VU is
well-positioned to build on its traditions of innovation, academic
excellence, and engagement. It is an interesting time for all of us in
higher education and I look forward to working with the entire VU community
to address the challenges we will face as we strive to continue meeting the
evolving needs of the people of this region and the state of Indiana.”
VU President Dick Helton said that he believes that Johnson has an
excellent background for his new position. “I am delighted that Chuck has
such a wide range of both academic and business experience, including
teaching, curriculum development, and student services. His international
education leadership and his record of achievement at one of the most
respected management schools in the nation make him ideally qualified to
serve in this important position at Vincennes University. I look forward
to working with him,” Helton said.
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College
VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional
sites such as Indianapolis and the Gibson County Center for Advanced
Manufacturing and Logistics. VU also offers instruction at military sites
throughout the nation.
In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU
also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security,
nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and, science, and
special education/elementary education.
VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 28 other states, and 30
countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with
residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in
the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the
United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded
VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is
available at www.vinu.edu.
VU moves forward with $15.6 million in campus projects
May 11, 2012
VINCENNES, Ind. - A campus already cited for its beauty and accessibility
will soon be enhanced as the result of six new projects valued at $15.6
million.
Vincennes University hosted the Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Thursday and Friday. The visit included tours, meetings, and a
presentation by VU President Dick Helton that highlighted VU’s initiatives
on campus and throughout the state. Today the Commission approved $3.8
million for a new VU Art Center, $4.25 million for renovating Morris
Residence Hall, and almost $3.1 million for renovating Vanderburgh
Residence Hall. In addition, the Commission also approved three other
projects that are underway, or are soon to be underway at VU. They include
a $2 million renovation project for the five-story section of the
Technology Center, a $1.6 million renovation project for the Welsh
Administration Building, and a $900,000 project to relocate the Jerry
Blemker Baseball Field to a site near the intersection of Old Terre Haute
Road and Niblack Blvd.
“Members of the Commission for Higher Education were very complimentary
about our campus and facilities. With these additional investments, I am
confident that VU will continue its leadership in offering students some of
the best higher education assets in Indiana. I appreciate the Commission’s
continued support for Vincennes University,” said Helton.
Phil Rath, vice president of Financial Services and Government Relations,
said he was pleased with the Commission’s visit to VU and that that members
spoke highly of VU during their visit to campus. “One of the new
commission members, Eileen O’Neil Odum, told me that she thought that VU
was one of the best-maintained campuses she has visited. Another new
member, Chris LaMothe, told me he was very impressed with the technology
offered to our students,” Rath said.
The $3.8 million Art Center will be located on College Avenue between Third
and Fourth streets, across the street from the Dayson Foundation and Alumni
Center. The new 15,224 square-foot facility will include new equipment and
technology for art instruction as well as a small gallery for exhibiting
student works. It will replace the current Art Annex Building at the
corner of Third and Scott streets.
The renovations to both Morris and Vanderburgh Halls total just over $7
million. Both projects include energy efficiency and electrical system
upgrades as well as complete upgrades of HVAC systems to improve air
quality, control, and comfort. Vanderburgh Hall will have all exterior
windows replaced and Morris Hall will have an upgrade to the exterior skin
of the building. Both projects are funded by revenue bonds supported by
housing operation revenue.
Vanderburgh Hall currently houses 432 students in 216 rooms and Morris Hall
houses 378 students in 189 rooms.
The $1.6 million Welsh Administration Building renovation will include a
new entry and a canopy that will connect the building to Governor’s Hall.
An elevator will also be added to the three-story section of the building.
The $2 million renovation of the five-story section of the Technology
Building will include upgrading restrooms, fire sprinkler system, and the
internal structure. It is the first phase of modernizing the building that
originally was an industrial facility.
“Taken together, these projects are a major step forward for the campus.
In addition to changing the face of the campus, these projects will improve
quality of instruction and residence life, enhancing the total student
experience. They will make VU more attractive to prospective students and
that is important in this competitive market,” Rath said.
Student creations are a real “glass” act
April 27, 2012
Vincennes University students demonstrated glass working techniques and
exhibited their creations during an open house on April 27 at the McCormick
Science Center.
Janesa Henry, Wheatland, is one of about 20 students enrolled in the
Scientific and Decorative Glass Working class. She is a Physical Therapist
Assistant major at VU and said that she chose to take the science class
because it sounded like fun and didn’t require any previous experience. “I
thought it would be a nice diversion from my health studies.” The daughter
of J.R. and Tracy Henry, Henry is a 2009 graduate of South Knox High
School.
Chemistry Professor Jay Bardole has taught the course for more than 40
years and his impending retirement was another reason that Henry cited for
taking the class. “I’ve always heard such good things about Professor
Bardole and I knew that this would be my last opportunity to take one of
his classes,” she said.
The Scientific and Decorative Glass Working class focuses on the
fundamentals of working with glass tubing and rods. The techniques covered
in the class introduce students to the “feel” of handling glass; shaping
glass tubing, and crocheting glass rods. Throughout the class, students
produce a scientific project, an art project, and a project of their
choice.
Community leader honored with VU award for service
April 27, 2012
VINCENNES, Ind. - Rowe D. Sargent was cited as a “servant leader” as he
received Vincennes University’s 2012 Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation for
Service at a banquet on April 26 at the Green Activities Center. The
Citation was presented by the VU Alumni Association.
Rob McLin, CEO and president of Good Samaritan Hospital, said he grew up
near the Sargent farm. “His devotion to being a really good human being
and helping others, through all his mission trips throughout the world, is
a testament to his values as a person,” McLin said. Citing his service on
the boards of the North Knox School Corporation and Good Samaritan
Hospital, McLin said that Sargent’s “insight and common sense approach to
leadership has really been helpful and appreciated.”
Rowe’s daughter Susan Brocksmith, professor of business management at VU,
said her father “is a shining example of how to make a difference in both
our community and our country - he is a true example of what it means to be
a servant leader.” She concluded her remarks by noting that “our community
would not be the place it is today without you.”
In presenting the citation, VU President Dick Helton said that Sargent is
an example of a leader who “has a passion for what he does and a compassion
for those he serves.”
The Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation for Service is awarded annually to a
VU alumnus or to a resident of the greater VU community and recognizes not
only the recipient’s professional achievements, but also civic leadership
and contributions. Recipients are selected from nominees submitted by
alumni and the public.
In offering his gratitude for the Davis Citation, Sargent said he has been
blessed to live in Knox County with his family, neighbors, and friends.
“My father-in-law taught me a lot. One of the things he always said was
that public service is the price we pay for occupying space on Earth. We
do have a responsibility to try to make our surroundings better for the
next generation,” Sargent said.
ROWE D. SARGENT
Sargent’s Christian faith is demonstrated in his mission trips to Albania,
Romania, Jamaica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Russia, and Mexico. On a trip to
China, he and his wife Maridell delivered Bibles from Beijing to Urumji,
and inland cities. Sargent has been active on the Mission Committee at
Bethel Church in Freelandville and currently serves as deacon. He loans
cargo trailers for church groups and individuals who are going on mission
trips, or hauling food and supplies for North Knox Social Ministries. He
also has participated in the Emmaus Walk.
Sargent has served 15 years on the North Knox School Board. His interest
and concern for young people and the 4-H program has led him to continue
his service on the Knox County Fair Board. He also has been active in the
Bicknell Kiwanis and helps with the annual Labor Day Parade. Sargent has
been affiliated with the Knox County Chamber of Commerce for numerous years
and has spent several years on the VU Community Services Committee. This
past year he ran for County Commissioner with the aim to help make Knox
County a stronger and better place in which to live and work. As a result
of being a Commissioner, he serves on the Good Samaritan Hospital Board of
Governors, the Knox County Development Commission, and the Knox County
Drainage Board.
Sargent started farming near Bicknell - hogs and cattle, plus corn, and
later soybeans. He is a former president of the Knox County Swine
Committee and he assisted in establishing the Knox County Corn Growers
organization, of which he was president for two years. Sargent also has
served on the National Growers Board for nine years where he has served as
vice president of the National Corn Growers Field Services Committee as
well as chairing the National Corn Growers Yield Contest. He also made
yearly trips to Washington, D.C., to lobby for the National Corn Growers.
Sargent has served on the Sheriff’s Merit Board as well as the Knox County
Health Board. He has sold Pioneer seed corn and soybeans to local farmers,
winning some awards for his sales volume. He currently works with Craig
Williams of Oaktown as a Pioneer Seed representative.
Sargent just completed his term as the national president of the Fellowship
of Christian Farmers International which is based in Lexington, Illinois.
This organization sponsors many mission trips and organizes humanitarian
projects to help farmers in the United States who have sustained damage and
loss due to tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. The group builds fences,
distributes hay, repairs buildings, rounds up livestock, and performs other
acts of assistance. FCFI also was active in Haiti after the earthquake.
This organization has projects in Albania, Mexico, Greece, Russia, and
Jamaica, as well as special outreach assignments at various agricultural
fairs, machinery shows, and the Future Farmers of America Annual
Convention.
Sargent is a graduate of Sandborn High School. He enlisted in the Navy,
spent time in an electronics school, and served two years aboard the
aircraft carrier USS Lexington. He traveled to the Far East, making stops
in Hawaii, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Guam, Okinawa, and Japan. He was
also stationed in Iwakuni, Japan, for two years as a radar technician in a
flight crew that flew missions along the Chinese and Russian coasts. He
married Maridell (Miller) Sargent in 1958 between deployments. Mrs.
Sargent was named the recipient of the Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation
for Service in 2000.
Rowe and his wife, Maridell, are the parents of two children, Mark Sargent
(Deanna), and Susan Brocksmith (Mike). They have four grandchildren,
Patrick and Chris Sargent, and Victoria and Casandra Brocksmith.
Vincennes University Commencement features New York Times best-selling author Ira Wagler
April 23, 2012
VINCENNES, Ind.—New York Times best-selling author Ira Wagler will return
home to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters during Vincennes
University’s 206th Commencement on April 28. Both Wagler and VU President
Dick Helton will address the Class of 2012.
The author of the book “Growing Up Amish: A Memoir” (Tyndale House
Publishers, 2011), Wagler is a 1991 VU alumnus who holds a bachelor’s
degree in English from Bob Jones University (1993) and a law degree from
Dickinson School of Law (1997).
Wagler practiced law with the firm of Clymer & Musser, Lancaster, PA from
1997 to 2001 before beginning a career as general manager of Graber Supply,
LLC, Pole Building Supplier and Builder, Atglen, PA. Speaking of his
co-career as a writer, Wagler says on his website, “This I will do or die
trying. Actually, it’s just now all coming down, unfolding as you read
this. It’s been a wild, wild ride, far beyond anything I could have
imagined.“
Wagler describes his memoir as a “journey at its core no different than
many coming of age journeys.” Inspired by his favorite writer, Thomas
Wolfe, Wagler’s book is a true story of self-discovery and seeking where he
belongs. The epilogue to his book concludes, “I have no regrets for the
road I chose. And I rarely wonder how life would have been on the road not
taken.”
Born in 1961 in the small Old Order Amish community of Aylmer, Ontario,
Wagler’s book creates a vivid portrait of Amish life from childhood to his
decision to leave the Amish community for good at age 26. In between,
beginning at age 17, Ira left and then returned to the community numerous
times over five years, torn between his heritage and the freedom and
possibilities of the outside world. The book describes a difficult path
with “years of turmoil, rage, and anguish.” The 9th child out of 11
children, Wagler dedicated his book to his mother, Ida Mae, who “never
wavered in her deep love for all her children, even—and maybe
especially—for her wayward sons.”
Prior to enrolling at VU, Wagler received his GED from Washington High
School in 1989, having only completed the 8th grade in an Amish one-room
school in Aylmer, Ontario.
An avid hiker along the Tacquon Trail, completing as much as 12 miles in a
day, Wagler is also a big fan of football, especially the New York Jets
since 1981, as well as Nascar and baseball. Wagler also enjoys reading,
writing and describes himself as a “charcoal grill purist.“ Wagler
continues to work in “tidbits on the Great American Novel.“
VU’s Commencement will be televised live on WVUT-TV beginning at 2 p.m. EDT
on April 28.
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College
VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional
sites such as Indianapolis and the Gibson County Center for Advanced
Manufacturing and Logistics. VU also offers instruction at military sites
throughout the nation.
In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU
also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security,
nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and, science, and
special education/elementary education.
VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 28 other states, and 30
countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with
residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in
the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the
United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded
VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is
available at www.vinu.edu.
