Ann Hefner

Ann Hefner is an Associate Professor of Communication at Vincennes University, bringing more than a decade of teaching experience and a passion for helping students develop essential communication skills. Through practical instruction and active learning, she prepares students to communicate confidently and effectively in academic, personal, and professional settings.

Preparing Students for Professional Success

Hefner teaches Speech, Interpersonal Communication, Voice and Articulation, and Business and Professional Communication.

Her teaching emphasizes real-world applications, encouraging students to strengthen their public speaking abilities, build interpersonal relationships, and develop the professional communication skills needed to succeed in their future careers.

To bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world networking, Hefner collaborates annually with Chef Jeff Hume and the VU Culinary Arts department to host "Dinnerviews." Through this interactive program, students participate in a mock interview experience over a multi-course dinner, gaining valuable practice in professional table manners, conversation, and career readiness. 

Inspiring Student Engagement Beyond the Classroom

As the faculty advisor for VU's Communication Club, Hefner creates opportunities for students to collaborate, express their creativity, and strengthen their communication skills outside the classroom.

Her commitment to active learning encourages students to put their knowledge into practice while building confidence and developing meaningful connections with their peers.

Bringing Experience to Vincennes University

Before joining Vincennes University, Hefner taught at the University of Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville.

Now in her tenth year at VU, she continues to draw on her extensive teaching experience to create an engaging learning environment that connects classroom instruction with practical communication skills.

Areas of Expertise

• Public speaking and speech communication
• Interpersonal communication
• Voice and articulation
• Business and professional communication
• Student engagement and experiential learning