VU Board of Trustees selects youth advocate Dennis Bland for Honorary Doctorate of
Education
March 04, 2026
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The Vincennes University Board of Trustees has approved the awarding of an honorary doctorate to highly distinguished youth advocate and community leader Dennis Bland, President of the Center for Leadership Development.
The Trustees unanimously voted during their retreat and meeting at the Monroe Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 24, to confer upon Bland an Honorary Doctorate of Education, recognizing a lifetime dedicated to expanding opportunity, inspiring achievement, and transforming futures for urban youth and families.
For more than two decades, Bland has led the Indianapolis-based Center for Leadership Development (CLD), building one of the state’s most impactful nonprofit models for preparing young people for college, careers, and leadership. Through his vision and commitment, thousands of students have gained pathways to higher education and lifelong success.
Bland will receive the honorary degree during VU’s Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 2, at the P.E. Complex on the Vincennes Campus, where graduates, families, and the University Community will celebrate his enduring legacy of service and leadership.
The Board of Trustees also advanced several key initiatives supporting academic excellence, community service, and campus infrastructure.
In compliance with House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1001-2025 (Public Law 213-2025), Trustees approved updates to the University’s post-tenure review policy, originally adopted in 2014, establishing a strengthened framework for evaluating faculty productivity and performance.
Trustees accepted a grant from the Public Media Company, acting on behalf of the Public
Media Bridge Fund, to support WVUB-FM. The funding reinforces the vital role of public radio in serving rural communities
through trusted news, education, and programming.
To ensure programs remain aligned with workforce demand and student interest, the
Board approved the deletion of eight degrees or certificates in Emergency Medical
Services/Paramedic, Education, Supply Chain and Logistics, and Hotel and Motel Management
that are no longer active or relevant.
The Board approved two major facility improvement projects designed to enhance campus operations and learning environments:
- An $890,000 contract with Cici Boiler Rooms, Inc. (Evansville) for Steam Plant renovation equipment.
- A $913,000 mechanical construction contract with Mehringer Plumbing & Heating (Jasper) for HVAC renovations in the Homeland Security Building.
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