February 04, 2026

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University is ushering in a new era for the College of Health Sciences and Human Performance. The college’s new home, the Center for Health Sciences and Learning Innovation, opened for classes this semester, introducing ultra-modern laboratories and classrooms, as well as vibrant study and work spaces designed for collaboration.

The opening represents a defining moment for VU and its continued evolution as a leader in workforce-focused education.

The University’s newest academic facility elevates the learning environment for multiple programs by combining modern design with advanced instructional technology. Located in the heart of the Vincennes Campus, the dazzling, light-filled center houses state-of-the-art classrooms and labs that are infused with leading-edge technology and immerse students in real-world settings.

VU Board of Trustees Chair Mike Sievers said, “The Center for Health Sciences and Learning Innovation represents a significant investment in students and in the well-being of the State of Indiana. When we invest in education at this level, we strengthen communities, support workforce development, and ensure VU graduates are prepared to lead in successful careers.”

VU leaders, students, faculty, staff, and community members celebrated the center with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Speakers at the ceremony included Sievers, VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, College of Health Sciences and Human Performance Interim Dean Dr. Jason King, Director of Architectural Services Andrew Young, Professor and Former College of Health Sciences Dean Michelle Cummins and the Director of the Center for Advancement of Faculty Excellence Dr. Sarah Alderfer. Students commemorated the event by showcasing their skills in the center’s labs for guests touring the dynamic spaces.

At more than 72,000 square feet, the two-story center nearly doubles the footprint of the former Health Sciences center. Construction kicked off with a ceremonial groundbreaking in February 2024.

The $33.9 million facility is the single-largest building project in university history, and funding was provided by the State of Indiana.

President Johnson emphasized the long-term impact of the new center.

Johnson said, “The Center for Health Sciences and Learning Innovation reflects Vincennes University’s strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and opportunity. The faculty, staff, and students will benefit from a center that strengthens hands-on learning, elevates instructional delivery, and enhances the value of a Vincennes University education. The addition of this beautiful facility reinforces VU’s position as a leader in workforce-focused education.”

VU graduates hundreds of health care professionals each year, many of whom serve communities throughout Indiana. The center expands VU’s capacity to meet growing workforce needs as the population ages and supports health care systems statewide and beyond.

King said, “VU graduates serve in hospitals, clinics, care facilities, and other fields throughout Indiana. The new center allows us to meet growing workforce demands by educating students in spaces that mirror the environments they will enter after graduation. This ensures they graduate ready to meet workforce demands and make an immediate impact.”

The center provides a bright, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing space to all who enter. With a meticulous use of glass, VU has incorporated incredible views and diligently integrated daylight strategies to maximize natural light penetration throughout the center. The goal was to create an environment that promotes health and productivity, offering vibrant spaces for learning, collaboration, and work. Another key highlight is an outdoor plaza that overlooks the Updike fountain, intramural fields, and more.

The center is a new home for:

•   Associate of Science in Nursing
•   Nursing LPN to BSN Completion
•   Practical Nursing
•   Nursing RN to BSN Completion
•   Healthcare Services Administration
•   Health Information Management
•   Surgical Technology
•   Physical Therapist Assistant
•   Pharmacy Technology
•   Funeral Service Education
•   Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence Active Learning (CAFÉ)

The Center for Health Sciences and Learning Innovation features:

•   A high-tech Multidiscipline Health Science Lab that includes high-fidelity Manikins that can simulate breathing, sweating, blood pressure, heart rate, and voice responses, allowing for realistic medical scenarios.
•   A Nursing Simulation Room designed to simulate real-life hospital environments and treatments that contain simulation equipment, including “patient” beds with monitors, IV stands, programmable Manikins equipped with lifelike features.
•   Video recording systems for viewing live or recorded simulations.
•   Shared Active Learning Classrooms that are technology-rich, flexible places designed to foster student-centered collaboration.
•   Retail and hospital pharmacy labs that are simulated training environments for Pharmacy Tech students.
•   Physical Therapist Assistant inpatient and outpatient assessment rooms designed to replicate real-world settings.
•   Surgical Technology Lab, Surgery Prep Room, Mock Operating Cubicles, Sterilization Room for students who are training to become operating room technicians or scrub techs.
•   Funeral Services Lab provides space for lectures, work stations for restorative art, and a space for simulated arrangement conferences.
•   A fully-functional Embalming Lab where Funeral Service students learn technical skills.
•   Student Study Hub with individual, small group, and large group collaborative spaces.
•   Collaborative Classroom that emphasizes group education.
•   The Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence promotes improved teaching and learning.
•   Computer Lab.
•   Administration, faculty, and staff offices.
•   Public and faculty outdoor terraces that offer some of the best views of campus.

With the investment in technology and space provided by the Center for Health Sciences and Learning Innovation, VU expects to attract a high-caliber student body and ensure that the University continues to produce the best graduates.

Explore the College of Health Sciences and Human Performance at  vinu.edu/college-of-health-sciences-and-human-performance

Architect, Engineer, Contractor, Construction, Vendors and Graphic Teams:

Architect: Gibraltar Design, Inc. (Indianapolis)

Civil and Mechanical Engineer: Heinz Associates, LLC (Jasper)

Structural Engineer: Lynch, Harrison & Brumleve, Inc. (Indianapolis)

General Contractor: Empire Contractors, Inc. (Evansville)

Mechanical Contractor: Huntingburg Machine Works (Huntingburg)

Electrical Contractor: Weyer Electric, Inc. (Ferdinand)

Site Construction: Kerns Excavating, LLC (Bicknell)

Landscape Contractor: Nature by Design Landscape, Inc. (Vincennes)

Irrigation Contractor: CAS Environmental Services LLC (Vincennes)

Furniture Vendors: Binford Group of Indiana (Noblesville), Hubbard Design Solutions LLC (Fishers), Hudson Office Solutions (Washington)

Graphic Displays: Ewing Printing Co. Inc. (Vincennes)

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