Leadership transition announced at VU Jasper

June 01, 2026

VINCENNES, Ind. - Adam Watkins, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Vincennes University Jasper, has made the difficult decision, for personal and family reasons, to step down from his role, effective June 26. VU Jasper Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Services Alli Tempel will serve as the Interim Dean of VU Jasper while the University conducts a national search.

VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said, “We are grateful to Adam for his leadership of VU Jasper and for the energy, commitment, and sense of partnership he has brought to this important role. Adam has helped strengthen relationships across the Jasper Campus and throughout the region, and he has supported important initiatives that are creating real momentum for VUJ. We respect his decision, appreciate his service to Vincennes University, and wish him and his family the very best.”

Watkins expressed strong confidence in VU Jasper's future, noting that the campus is well-positioned for continued growth, academic excellence, and long-term prosperity through the collaborative work of its faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

Watkins said, “Serving the Jasper Campus and the broader Vincennes University system has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my professional life. VU is an exceptional institution, and I am profoundly grateful to President Johnson and the University leadership for their unwavering trust, mentorship, and support.

“I want to emphasize that Vincennes University Jasper is in an incredibly strong position. Over the past year, our faculty, staff, and community partners have worked hand in hand to build powerful, authentic momentum aligned with the University's strategic vision. This progress has never been about a single individual; it is the direct result of a highly collaborative, collective commitment to our students and the regional workforce.”

Watkins added, “While this is a very difficult goodbye, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team, and I will forever be proud to call myself a Trailblazer.” 

The search for the Assistant Vice President and Dean of VU Jasper will begin soon, with the goal of filling the role by early in the Fall 2026 Semester.

VU Jasper students, faculty, staff, and the greater community can expect a seamless transition as Tempel assumes the interim position.

Johnson said, “We are grateful to Alli for her willingness to take on this added responsibility, and we are confident that VU Jasper is in excellent hands during this transition. Alli’s deep knowledge of VU Jasper, her longstanding commitment to students, and her outstanding work over the years leading student and academic services make her exceptionally well prepared for this interim role. Most recently, as Assistant Dean, Alli has continued to play a central role in advancing campus priorities, supporting faculty and staff, and strengthening the student experience.”

Tempel has served at VUJ in Student Activities, Student Services, and Academic Support Services, which have helped her build a vast knowledge of university systems and processes. She currently provides strategic leadership, coordination, and operational support across academic scheduling, faculty coordination, student advising, and student support services, and works to implement academic-based innovations in advising, recruitment, and retention. She is also the coordinator of the annual STEM Academy at VU Jasper.

Her degrees include a master’s in Higher Education from Walden University and a bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Indiana State University.

"Serving VU Jasper in this interim role is an honor," Tempel said. "I'm excited to collaborate with our faculty, staff, and all members of our University Community to continue the positive momentum that Adam has created here at VUJ. Together, we’ll continue advancing the mission that makes VU Jasper so incredibly vital to VUJ students and Dubois County."

Tempel’s leadership ensures the many positive initiatives and strong momentum at the Jasper Campus will continue during the upcoming search. She is working to ensure continuity across student services and academic support functions throughout this transition, so that students, faculty, and staff experience the same high level of support and engagement they have come to expect from VU Jasper’s leadership team.

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