VU Board of Trustees approves Greenhouse naming, champions community services

August 20, 2026

JASPER, Ind. - Vincennes University’s deep-rooted commitment to educational innovation and community services was at the center of the VU Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Jasper Campus.

Meeting highlights included the official naming of a soon-to-be-constructed greenhouse at the University’s Agricultural Center, which will set a strong foundation for elevating hands-on learning opportunities for studying plant sciences, sustainability practices, environmental awareness and career exploration.

A gift of an undisclosed amount from Nancy Winemiller-Basinger will establish the James D. and Kay Winemiller Greenhouse, in honor of Winemiller-Basinger’s late parents. Her generosity will help fund the ultra-modern instructional lab facility, which will be located adjacent to the Agricultural Center that opened in 2019 on U.S. 41, just north of Vincennes.

“The Winemiller family has been associated with Vincennes University for a long, long time,” VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said. “Jim Winemiller is a VU alum and was a very successful business person.”

The 3,500-square-foot greenhouse is being funded mostly through the generosity of donors, including the Indiana Farm Bureau Foundation, Knox County Farm Bureau, Spriestersbach Farm Corporation, CHS Inc., Keystone Cooperative and Villwock Farms.

The project is currently in the design phase with bidding slated for this fall. Construction will take place through the spring and early summer of 2027. The greenhouse is slated to fully open in fall 2027.

Johnson said, “It is a facility that is going to be state-of-the-art instructional lab facility, one that will elevate the experience of VU students in Agriculture, Agribusiness and Horticulture. It will be a showcase for the strength of our Ag programs.”

Specialized support for older residents and adult education

The trustees also heard presentations from VU leaders detailing the University's vital community outreach, emphasizing expanded adult education opportunities and impactful services for older adults.

Assistant Vice President of VU Community Services and Executive Director of Generations Laura Holscher announced Generations, a division of VU’s Workforce Development and Community Services, was awarded a $89,550 grant from AmeriCorps to support older adult volunteer service in Dubois and Pike counties.

“The grant will allow us to expand and formalize our volunteer services for individuals 55 plus,” Holscher said.

It will support initiatives in Dubois and Pike counties, including Fraud and Scam Prevention, Tax Preparation, Nutrition Support, Healthcare Education and Training, Caregiver Support and Coaching and Non-profit Resource Development.

A report by Adult Basic Education Lead Instructor Vicmary Jimenez-Bene highlighted the University’s powerful community footprint through robust adult education programs.

The report detailed the education opportunities VU provides to Farbest Foods employees in Dubois and Knox counties. Jimenez-Bene also shared how VU provides adult students in Dubois County with GED and English classes in person and online. The expansion of Integrated Education and Training (IET) and Workforce Education and Training (WEI) pathways that will connect more adults to credentials was also shared.

VU Jasper Enrollment Growth

Interim VU Jasper Dean and Assistant Vice President Alli Tempel spotlighted impressive enrollment growth, including a 34% increase in headcount for summer courses, 16.8% increase in students enrolling full-time and an 11%increase in continuing student numbers compared to last year.

Tempel also shared updates on the industry and community partnerships driving success at VUJ, strategic priorities, and staff and faculty achievements.

Appreciation for Student Trustee

The meeting culminated in the Board honoring two-term Student Trustee Kate Wise '26 as she concludes her service on the Board.

On behalf of the trustees, Dr. Johnson presented a Resolution of Appreciation to Wise in honor of her distinguished service as a trustee.

Wise of Depauw, Indiana, earned a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Public Service and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors this spring.

Wise's term expires on Oct. 5, 2026.

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