VINCENNES, Ind., May 5, 2025 – The Honorable Eric Holcomb has a lifelong connection to Vincennes University, the city of Vincennes, and Knox County. This connection spans generations, making it fitting and profoundly personal for VU to bestow an honorary doctorate upon the 51st Governor of Indiana.
Holcomb, who served as Indiana’s Governor from 2017 to 2025, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service during Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 3, in the P.E. Complex. VU began the tradition of awarding Honorary Doctorates in 1952.
“As someone with deep Knox County family roots dating back to the 1800s and a lifelong history buff, I couldn’t be more sentimental and grateful to Vincennes University for this recognition,” Holcomb said.
His parents, Neil and Marcia Holcomb, are Knox County natives who met as students on the Vincennes Campus and graduated from VU in 1961.
Eric Holcomb said, “Six decades later, I, as Governor, got to work with President (Dr. Chuck) Johnson, faculty, and trustees to support VU’s vital state mission. The future productivity of Hoosiers calling Indiana home, both citizens and companies alike, has become dependent on VU’s areas of expertise.”
University leaders recognize Holcomb’s strong connection to VU, which is enhanced by his exceptional professional reputation, which is rooted in innovative leadership.
VU Board of Trustees Chairman Mike Sievers said, “Vincennes University is incredibly proud to award an honorary doctorate to the former Governor Eric Holcomb. His distinguished public service and deep-rooted ties to our institution embody the very essence of leadership and civic dedication. We are sincerely grateful for his tireless advocacy on behalf of Hoosiers.”
As Governor, Holcomb championed initiatives that propelled Indiana to new heights in economic growth, global engagement, and workforce development. He is a true catalyst for transformation and advancement. There’s no denying his powerful impact on driving forward-thinking initiatives that foster growth. His leadership instills a sense of motivation that encourages Indiana residents to transcend limitations and strive for excellence.
President Johnson said, “VU welcomes Eric Holcomb among our esteemed honorary doctorate alumni, celebrating his distinguished career in public service. As Governor, he demonstrated extraordinary leadership during extraordinary times and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of all Hoosiers. His many contributions to education, economic development, and community development serve as an inspiration to VU students and graduates. The University is honored to recognize his remarkable achievements, which are even more special because of his strong personal connections to VU and Knox County.”
Holcomb speaks warmly about his time in the 1990s living in Vincennes, his mother’s hometown. His father hails from Oaktown.
Holcomb said, “When I got out of the U.S. Navy from overseas, I moved back to Vincennes, Indiana, into the home my mother was raised in and where our family spent annual holidays with my grandmother.”
Living in Vincennes gave him ample chances to explore VU and its campus. Holcomb commends VU for its impact across the state and its advancements in higher education.
He added, “As a Vincennes resident, I immediately started to attend what would become countless events on this beautiful campus, which has remained in lockstep with the industry of tomorrow while providing upward mobility today for those who seek to make and use the products that make our future.”
