April 10, 2025

Robin Ratcliff '89 personifies Vincennes University's motto, “Learn in Order to Serve,” through a lifelong commitment to social work and community well-being. As an Outpatient Telehealth Therapist in Montana, she continues to empower individuals and families. Her passion for public service was ignited as a VU student when she was part of the Social Work Club that helped organize a homeless camp to raise awareness—an experience that shaped her future career.

From that pivotal night to her impactful work later with homeless women and families, Robin exemplifies the incredible power of learning to serve others.

In this Q&A Alumni Spotlight, Robin shares how she continues to utilize the skills she learned at VU and how she met her husband on campus.

Q: Why did you choose VU?

“It was the place that I needed to start my college experience. It was a solid degree, and I still use the skills I learned. I was a social worker for over 20 years before having a small business, and then I got my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and master's degree in Community Chaplaincy. All my success started at Vincennes University because I learned I could do what I put my attention to. My confidence was built!”

Q: What made VU stand out?

“I graduated from a small high school and was not ready to attend a large college. What I liked about it was the small class size, and I could walk from class to class on campus. I had a friend who went to VU, and she gave me her school catalog. When I saw the Social Work degree, I knew I would enjoy the classes. I enjoyed the reading, and the application to real learning was talked about in class. I still enjoy reading about diagnosis and treatment.”

Q: Tell us about your VU experience.

“The biggest highlights for me were when our Social Work Club set up a homeless camp to place light on the plight of the homeless. I slept out there all night, and this was my first time thinking about homelessness. As a social worker, I later worked with homeless women and families. Also, we were able to go to the prison in Terre Haute, and this was an eye-opener as I had never been to a prison. When I did my internship years later for my master’s in Marriage Therapy, I was able to work in a sheriff's department with prisoners, and it helped me be at ease with my clients.”

Q: Why is VU special?

“VU will always be special to me. I met my wonderful husband there, as we got to know each other in the Harrison Hall lobby.”

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