Vincennes University director receives supplier diversity award at state conference

Vincennes University Director of Procurement and Risk Management Michael Morrison has received an award recognizing his work advocating for supplier diversity in Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Administration Division of Supplier Diversity honors him with the Ralph W. Adams, Jr. Supplier Diversity Trailblazer Award. The division acts on behalf of the State of Indiana to actively promote, monitor, and enforce the standards for certification of minority, women, and veteran business enterprises.

Morrison was presented the Ralph W. Adams, Jr. Supplier Diversity Trailblazer Award at the annual Division of Supplier Diversity Business Conference on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Indiana Government Center South.

Morrison said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive an award honoring the late Ralph Adams. Ralph and I both served in the Air Force, and I had the privilege of working with Ralph while he was with the IDOA Supplier Diversity team.”

Morrison’s advocacy has transformed VU’s procurement landscape by fostering an inclusive environment that empowers underrepresented suppliers and businesses.

“This recognition reaffirms VU’s commitment to a more equitable institution, where the diversity of our suppliers is not only celebrated but integrated seamlessly into our operations,” Morrison said.

In his 11th year with the University, Morrison is responsible for procurement, risk management, contract administration, federal and state compliance, fixed assets, and identifying, developing, and maintaining supplier diversity.

“We believe in a vibrant and inclusive business ecosystem,” VU Vice President of Financial Services Tim Eaton said. “Michael is driving positive change within our University while setting a powerful example for the entire state of Indiana. In celebrating Michael’s well-deserved recognition for championing supplier diversity, we acknowledge the profound impact that commitment to inclusivity and equitable business practices have on Vincennes University’s success and the success of our suppliers. By embracing diverse suppliers, we are advancing economic equity and paving the way for a strong future for all stakeholders.”

Morrison is a military veteran proud to have served in the United States Air Force. While serving, he earned an associate degree in Electronic Systems from the Community College of the Air Force and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from Park University. Morrison is also an alumnus of VU.

His professional career includes serving as a vice president and commercial loan officer for German America Bancorps in Vincennes. He honed his skills at purchasing through his role as a purchasing director and then account manager for The AME Group, formerly Advanced Micro-Electronics, Inc., a Vincennes-based I.T. solutions company with an immensely diverse client list. He continues to use his vast business experience as a business administrator for Robinson Excavation & MTR Farms in Vincennes.

Morrison has served on the Knox County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. He served 20 years as the treasurer for the Knox County Visitors Bureau and has served on various Knox County Chamber of Commerce committees.