News

VU Board of Trustees endorses major upgrades to on-campus housing

Brick residence hall building with a female college student walking toward the glass entrance. Bicycles are parked in racks on a wide concrete path under a cloudy sky.

April 16, 2026

VINCENNES, Ind. - The Vincennes University Board of Trustees has endorsed a transformative housing project to strengthen the University’s partnerships with industry leaders such as Amazon and Walmart and to modernize VU’s on-campus housing, ensuring it meets the expectations of adult learners and traditional students.

Employers are increasingly looking to Vincennes University for apprenticeship and other hands-on technical training, taking advantage of the ease of doing business with VU and the amenities offered to students and trainees by its residential campus in Vincennes. The plan focuses on redeveloping Godare Hall, one of VU’s oldest residence halls, into a premium, all-private-room facility that offers a turnkey solution for employers.

VU Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Services David Tucker said, “Vincennes University is committed to providing adult learners with an exceptional educational and residential experience. High-quality private accommodations and dynamic social spaces ensure a vibrant environment where industry partners can send their employees, knowing every aspect of their on-campus experience meets the same level of excellence as the training itself.”

In addition, the plan calls for refreshing the popular Vanderburgh Hall before reintroducing it to the traditional student housing pool.

This project strengthens VU’s role as a leading industry education and training partner. By combining high-quality technical instruction from industry-expert teachers in world-class labs with modern, low-cost housing, VU is positioned to deliver an outstanding on-campus experience for adult learners.

The reimagining of Godare Hall creates a "total package" for industry partners and students alike that includes:

  • Typical and Efficiency Units, each with new private bathroom, new kitchenette area with refrigerator and microwave, and new hotel-style furniture
  • Reimagined and stylish amenity spaces
  • Refreshed interior spaces that create inspiring and relaxing environments
  • Typical units have the capability to convert back to traditional student housing

The renovation of Vanderburgh Hall also creates a modern, growth-oriented living environment for students:

  • Refreshes and maximizes efficiency for student restrooms
  • Revitalizes common areas with modern amenities to foster social interactions
  • Features furniture and designs specially curated to support student activities
  • Integrates smart technology built to sustain future growth

The housing project is expected to optimize University housing and dining facilities to reflect recent and expected enrollment shifts and changes in how programs are structured and students learn. It also aligns with the VU 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and will strengthen the University for the future.

Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs Tony Hahn, Vice President of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer Conya Wampler, and Director of Architectural Services and Facilities Andrew Young presented the housing renovation projects to the Board at its April 15 meeting in the Shake Learning Resource Center.

With the Board unanimously approving a resolution, the University will submit the project for the State of Indiana’s authorization, including the Commission of Higher Education, State Budget Agency, and the Office of the Governor.

University leaders are confident the housing project will be mostly funded through bond issuance, thanks to VU’s exceptionally low debt and robust financial position. The total construction budget estimate is $35 million.

VU plans to solicit bids for Godare in September 2026 with construction beginning in December 2026. The bidding process for Vanderburgh is scheduled for September 2027 with construction expected to start in January 2028. Occupancy is slated for both halls in 2028.

In other Board news….

  • Senior Outreach and Recruitment Strategist April Yap-Hennig updated the Board on the VU Mentor Leadership Program for high school students in Dubois County. The pilot program will expand access for first-generation college-going students. As the number of first-generation students grows in Southern Indiana, this presents an opportunity to strengthen the future workforce and raise educational attainment.
  • The Board approved the promotion and/or tenure of 14 faculty and staff, effective the 2026-27 fiscal year. Fourteen were promoted, including five faculty who were granted tenure.
  • Gunnar Gardner was introduced as the inaugural Men’s and Women’s Wrestling Coach, marking a historic milestone as he leads the launch of the Trailblazers’ newest intercollegiate sport. The program is set to begin competition in the 2026-27 academic year.
  • The Board recognized the contributions and achievements of multiple students, student-led organizations and clubs, and athletic programs. The students whose "Snow Minion" sculpture on the Vincennes Campus went viral in January were celebrated. The Trustees also acknowledged the success of the Auto Club, Biology Club, Blazer Catholic, Campus Christian Fellowship, Earth Science Club, and Photo Club, along with the competitive achievements of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Track and Field, Men’s Bowling, and Volleyball teams.
  • The Trustees authorized the Finance and Revenue Committee to approve bids for the renovation of Clark Hall and upgrades to the University’s steam plant.
  • The Trustees approved a contract extension for VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson.