When was Vincennes University founded?

Vincennes University was founded in 1801 and incorporated on November 29, 1806, as Indiana's first college.

Who was the founder of Vincennes University?

William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President and then-governor of the Indiana Territory, founded the university.

What are VU's notable historical firsts?

VU is Indiana's first college and established Indiana's first dual credit program, Project EXCEL, in 1975.

Who founded Vincennes University?

Vincennes University was founded by William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, while he was serving as the governor of the Indiana Territory.

Is Vincennes University the oldest college in Indiana?

Yes, Vincennes University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Indiana and is one of only two colleges founded by a United States President (the other being the University of Virginia founded by Thomas Jefferson).

What is the motto of Vincennes University?

The official motto of Vincennes University is 'Learn in Order to Serve.'

What is the oldest building on the Vincennes University campus?

The Welsh Administration Building is the oldest building on the Vincennes campus.

What is the historical significance of the VU Jasper campus?

The VU Jasper campus was established in 1970 to expand access to higher education in the region. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020.

What is Project EXCEL at Vincennes University?

Project EXCEL, started in 1975, is Indiana's first dual credit program. It allows high school students to earn college credit while still in secondary school and is a pioneer in concurrent enrollment.

The History of Vincennes University

Some teach history. VU made history.

Home of the Trailblazers.

For more than 200 years, Vincennes University hasn’t followed paths — we’ve blazed trails.
Born before the State of Indiana even existed, VU helped shape the earliest foundations of American education and remains one of the nation’s most historically significant institutions.

Founded in 1801 by territorial governor and future U.S. president William Henry Harrison, Vincennes University began as Jefferson Academy in the Indiana Territory becoming Indiana’s first college and the only public university established before statehood. From the start, this was never just a school. It was a frontier institution built to prepare leaders, builders, and citizens for a growing nation.
VU faced hardship, political battles, and the uncertainty of a young America but it never lost its purpose. Instead, it blazed forward, pioneering accessible, practical, career-focused education long therefore becoming the mold for higher education, shaping the national model.

More than two centuries later, that Trailblazer spirit still drives us.

Today, Vincennes University stands as a living piece of American history and a state-supported public institution committed to opportunity, innovation, and student success across Indiana and beyond. We encourage everyone to blaze their own trail because this has always been our mission:
Open doors.
Build futures.
Lead the way.

Learn in Order to Serve.