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USI Board of Trustees approves Presidential Search Committee members, biennial capital improvement request and rates for 2025-26 housing and meal plans

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At its regular meeting on Thursday, September 5, the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees announced the members of the Presidential Search Committee, and the national search firm, Academic Search, has been engaged to assist with the selection of the University’s fifth President. Christina Ryan, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, is leading the committee, which will oversee bringing forward candidates for full Board consideration and final approval to fill the President role.

The fifth President will succeed Steven J. Bridges who is serving as USI Interim President since the departure of Ronald S. Rochon, the University’s fourth President.

Search Committee members are as follows:

  • Christina M. Ryan, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee and First Chair of the USI Board of Trustees
  • Jean M. Blanton ’01, Chair of the USI Foundation Board
  • W. Harold Calloway, Board of Trustees Member
  • Dr. Michael D. Dixon, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Professor of History
  • Dr. Trent A. Engbers, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program
  • Randa D. Gatling ’99, Women’s Basketball Associate Head Coach
  • Andrea R. Gentry ’05, Vice President for Development
  • Fouad L. Hamami ’25, Student Trustee
  • Dr. Pamela F. Hopson D’23, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Dr. T. Kyle Mara, Associate Professor of Biology
  • Troy A. Miller, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management
  • Dr. Sudesh N. Mujumdar, Dean of the Romain College of Business and Professor of Economics
  • Dr. Erin M Reynolds, Chair of Health Services and Associate Professor of Health Services Administration
  • Dr. Nicholas D. Rhew M’11, Chair of Management and Information Sciences and Associate Professor of Management
  • Ronald D. Romain ’73, Board of Trustees Member
  • Patricia A. Tieken ’09 M’13, Chair of Administrative Senate and Senior Travel Buyer
  • Abby E. Yates, Chair of Staff Council and Senior Administrative Associate
  • Nita R. Musich ’10, Senior Executive Assistant to the President for Board and Executive Relations – Ex-Officio
  • Kindra L. Strupp M’22, Vice President for Marketing and Communication – Ex-Officio
  • Sarah K. Will ’05, Executive Director of Human Resources – Ex-Officio

The presidential search is anticipated to be completed by summer 2025.

The Board also approved the 2025-27 Capital Improvement Budget Request to be presented to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the State Budget Committee and the fiscal committees of the Indiana General Assembly during the 2025 Legislative Session.

The University’s request seeks funding for two capital projects, including $43 million for Academic Phase II renovation and $39 million for Academic Phase III renovation.

In addition, the Board approved housing and meal plan rates for the 2025-26 academic year. Housing and meal plan options were evaluated with student preferences and national trends in mind, and the approved rates maintain affordability while providing flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students.

USI Baseball announces 29 roster additions for 2025 Story Links

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball and Head Coach Chris Ramirez announced the addition of 29 players to the 2025 roster. The 29 players include five Division I transfers, five Division II transfers, two NAIA transfers, and 17 NJCAA transfers. By position, the 29 new players include 16 pitchers, seven infielders, five outfielders, and one catcher.
 
“This will go down as one of the more memorable recruiting classes of my coaching career,” said Ramirez. “Stepping into the program with only 14 players on the roster in mid-July, I can’t say enough about the work our coaching staff did to build this team. 
 
“We were able to sign players from all over the country,” continued Ramirez. “The JUCO route was our sweet spot, as we targeted guys with a track record of success at winning programs. We also dipped into the transfer portal to add some high-talent players from the D1, D2 and NAIA level that should make an immediate impact as Screaming Eagles!”
 
The new Screaming Eagles are:
 
PITCHERS:

Name B-T Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School Previous School
Ian Anderson R-R 6-1 215 Sr. Iron Mountain, MI / Iron Mountain Middle Tenn. St.

 

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Anderson: “Ian can be a strikeout machine with a power arm and a big-time breaking ball. He has the experience of having the ball in his hand when the game is in balance. We look forward to Ian getting back to being the strikeout guy he can be.”
 

Mason Bell R-R 5-8 180 Jr. Knoxville, TN / Gibb Motlow State

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Bell: “Mason is a dog on the mound. He’s not afraid of anyone and competes his butt off. Mason is a guy who wants the ball in his hand when the game is on the line.”
 

Justin Breitenstein R-R 6-5 225 So. Estero, FL / Estero Lafayette

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Breitenstein: “Justin is a big guy who is not afraid to go after hitters. He had a great summer in Florida, and we look for Justin to keep growing and really develop with us.”
 

Camden Dimidjian R-L 6-0 215 Gr. Pittsburgh, PA / Thomas Jefferson USC-Beaufort

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Dimidjian: “Cam is an experienced left-handed starter. He has had a successful career in the Peach Belt Conference and it’s first ever perfect game. He is now two-years removed from Tommy John and we look for him to return to return to his pre-TJ dominance.”
 

Andres Gonzalez R-R 6-0 190 Jr. Nogals, AZ / Sahuarita Gateway C.C.

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Gonzalez: “Andres is a big-time competitor. He comes to USI after logging a lot of college innings and success. We are looking for Andres to be a work horse for us and bring his competitiveness to the pitching staff.”
 

Jai Jensen R-R 6-3 225 Jr. Clinton, IA / Clinton Des Moines Area C.C.

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Jensen: “Jai had a good freshman year, but had a back luck injury during his sophomore year. He has a plus-arm with the ability to fill up the zone without giving up hard contact. Another winning program guy who’s had the ball in his hand during a lot of big games. We look for Jai to be back to 100%.”
 

Ryan Karl R-R 6-0 175 Jr. Eureka, MO / Cuba Southwestern Illinois

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Karl: “Ryan has an electric arm and is a plus athlete. He is going into year two off Tommy John surgery. We expect him to make another big jump this year and contribute meaningful innings for us.”
 

Jay Kennedy R-R 6-5 215 So. Iowa City, IA / Iowa City Southeastern C.C.

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Kennedy: “Jay is a dynamic left-hander who makes hitters uncomfortable. A winning-program athlete who has pitched in back-to-back NJCAA world series. Jay is a tough competitor, mentally prepared for any situation, and we look for him to continue his success.”
 

Blake Kimball R-R 6-1 185 Jr. Tolono, IL / Tolono Indiana-Kokomo

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Kimball: “Blake knows how to compete and has a big presence on the mound. He recently made the move to the mound after playing his entire career at shortstop. Blake’s arm strength and athleticism are evident when he toes the rubber and we are excited to watch him continue making big strides on the mound.”
 

Matthew Lighthall B-R 6-5 180 Jr. Littleton, CO / Chatfield South Mountain

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Lighthall: “Matthew has a big-time athletic arm and comes to USI after a successful sophomore campaign as a starter from an Arizona JUCO Conference. This summer, he showed very well in the Northwoods. We are excited to have part of our program and look forward to him competing to being one of the core guys on the staff.”
 

David Marshall R-R 6-3 210 Fr. Newport, VA Liberty

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Marshall: “David has a plus arsenal of pitches and dominated when given the opportunity this summer. We believe his summer success is going to be a solid foundation for him build on and be a big part of what we do at USI.”
 

Jake Porter L-L 6-0 190 Jr. Winterset, IA / Winterset Des Moines Area C.C.

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Porter: “Jake has shown the ability to be electric on the left side of the mound while striking out a lot of hitters. He has pitched for two of the winningest programs in recent junior college history. We look for Jake to build consistency with more innings.”
 

Aaron Rubio R-R 6-1 190 So. Henderson, NV / Basic Southern Nevada

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Rubio: “Aaron knows how to flat out compete on the mound.  He brings it every day, and you know exactly what he is going to give each outing. Aaron’s comfortable in high pressure situations and was successful for Southern Nevada, a winning program. We expect Aaron to be a versatile piece to our pitching staff this year.”
 

Justin Stimpson R-R 6-4 185 Jr. Evansville, IN / North Rend Lake

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Stimpson: “Justin is another local player, who is an experienced arm by logging a lot of college innings. We except him to keep growing and become a trusted arm for us.”
 

Brian Uribe R-R 6-0 205 Jr. Camarillo, CA / Camarillo Southern Nevada

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Uribe: “Brain has a big arm with a plus slider. He was a major part of the bullpen this year for Southern Nevada who made a run to the NJCAA World Series. Brian is used to working in tough spots and environments and will be ready for whatever we throw at him. We expect Brian to give us big moments on the mound this year.”
 

Hiroyuki Yamada R-R 6-2 210 Sr. Nagoya, Japan / Toyoake Lewis & Clark St.

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Yamada: “Hiro attacks hitters from a funky arm slot. He’s thrown a lot of college innings with success in every role he has been put in. We look forward to Hiro being a work horse this year and continue his track record of success.”
 
CATCHERS:

Name B-T Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School Previous School
Micajah Wall R-R 6-6 200 Jr. Marion, NC / Central Lenior-Rhyne

 

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Wall: “Micajah is a plus-athlete with elite-arm strength behind the plate. He is the guy pitchers want to throw to. We need Micajah to continue to grow as a player and become a leader.”
 
INFIELDERS:

Name B-T Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School Previous School
Kannon Coakley R-R 6-2 230 Fr. Maquoketa, IA / Maquoketa Des Moines Area C.C.

 

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Coakley: “Kannon has plus-power with the ability to make any park look small. A versatile catcher who can play multiple positions. He comes from a winning program, playing in several big games. We look for him to continue dropping bombs, this time for us.”
 

Carter Hood R-R 6-0 190 Jr. Newburgh, IN / Castle Southeastern Illinois C.C.

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Hood: “Carter has great bat to ball skills and is a trusted fielder who makes all the routine plays. Carter is “old school” and we are expecting him to keep grinding and have an impact on the program.”
 

Cole Kitchens R-R 6-3 215 Jr. Centerton, AR / Bentonville West Crowder

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Kitchens: “As an everyday player for Crowder, Cole displayed next level power. His versatility and ability to consistently put barrel to the ball with plus-power gives him the opportunity to be a middle of the order bat who projects well for the next level.”
 

Parker Martin L-R 5-10 190 So. Missouri City, TX / Ridge Point Allen County C.C.

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Martin: “Parker is an absolute gamer and was the everyday shortstop as a freshman in a strong Kansas Junior College Conference. At the plate, he hits to all fields and is impossible to strikeout. His actions defensively are so fluid he makes the spectacular play look routine.  He has an opportunity to be a main stay in the middle of the field for us.”
 

Clayton Slack R-R 5-11 177 Jr. Viroqua, IA / Viroqua Madison

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Slack: “Clayton is an athletic, sure handed middle infielder who has shown the ability to hit for a high average. He is another guy who comes from a winning program and has played in a world series. Clayton is going make our lineup more versatile with ability to play all over the infield. Our expectations are very high for him.”
 

Noah Smallwood R-R 5-10 170 Jr. Owasso, OK / Owasso Seminole State

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Smallwood: “Noah is a natural hitter, displaying power, ability to hit for average, and steal a base.  A plus-athlete who can play anywhere on the infield, he is guy from a winning program in Seminole State that one win away from the NJCAA World Series this year. We look forward to him bringing his winning ways to USI.”
 

Anthony Umbach R-R 5-7 140 So. Midland, NC / Hickory Ridge Emory & Henry

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Umbach: “Anthony knows how to grind and makes his opponents feel his presence on the field. He has been challenged and prepared for this next level after being an everyday shortstop for Emory & Henry, which plays in one of the top D2 conferences, and playing for Cleveland (Community College).”

OUTFIELDERS:

Name B-T Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School Previous School
BJ Banyon R-R 6-1 180 Sr. Bartlett, TN / Bartlett Charleston Southern

 

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Banyon: “BJ knows what it takes to be successful at the D1 level. He is coming off a good junior year at Charleston Southern where he led off & played the outfield every day. We expect more of the same and hoping he can provide some leadership.”
 

Khi Holiday R-R 5-9 160 Sr. Tupelo, MS / Tupelo Christian Lenior-Rhyne

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Holiday: “Khi has contagious energy about him. He is a tone setter at the top of the lineup, who can cover the entire outfield with his elite speed. Khi is the guy other teams hate seeing in the other dugout. We look forward to seeing him develop into one of our leaders and bring it every day.”
 

Patrick McLellan R-R 6-0 190 Jr. San Diego, CA / Westview Palomar

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on McLellan: “Patrick is a natural hitter, who has shown he can handle all pitchers, even with a wood bat. He plays anywhere on the field, which will allow us to do many things with him in our lineup. He comes from Palomar, one of the winningest junior colleges in California.”
 

Hunter Miller L-R 6-0 190 Jr. Fort Pierce, FL / Central USC-Beaufort

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Miller: “The great thing about Hunter is you know exactly what you are getting from him — consistency. His consistency has been on display since day one as freshman when he earned an everyday role and continued in that role as sophomore in a really strong conference. We look forward to Hunter continuing what he has done for the last two years.”
 

Evan Zapp L-R 5-11 205 So. Greenwood, IN / Center Grove Queens University

 

Assistant Coach Brandon Krennrich on Zapp: “Evan has all the tools to be a program difference maker. He has great bloodlines and knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level. Evan is a local kid who wanted to come back home and be part of what we are establishing at USI.”

In addition to the 29 newly announced additions since July 1, Screaming Eagles had signed eight players last fall and in the spring. Signing prior to July 1 are freshman catcher Kevin Cruz Lopez (Toa Baja, Puerto Rico); freshman pitcher Marshall Loch (Union Grove, Wisconsin/Union Grove); junior catcher Charlie Marisca (Grayslake, Illinois/Central/Parkland); sophomore pitcher Kiefer Parsons (Evansville, Indiana/Reitz/Oakland City); freshman pitcher Mitchell Renfro (Evansville, Indiana/North); junior outfielder/catcher Mason Roehr (Granite City, Illinois/Granite City/Southwestern Illinois); freshman pitcher Sage Stout (Birdseye, Indiana/Forest Park); and freshman pitcher Colin Wolfe (Evansville, Indiana/North).  

UE men’s soccer goes for fifth straight win at Lindenwood

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The Purple Aces return to the road for two games
 
ST. CHARLES, Mo. — The University of Evansville men’s soccer team will look to match its best start since 2008 on Friday night.
The Purple Aces continued their perfect start to the season on Wednesday night with a 1-0 win over Eastern Illinois. UE took 29 shots throughout the match but only found the back of the net once, as EIU’s goalkeeper kept the Panthers in the game. But Evansville kept the ball far away from its own goal for its fourth straight victory. The 29 shots that the Aces took on Wednesday night against Eastern Illinois was the most by a UE men’s soccer team since the 2017 season. In 2017 Evansville set a program record for shots against Anderson with 46 in 90 minutes.

Lindenwood comes into Friday’s match still searching for its first win of the season. The Lions return home after having their first road loss to Wright State. Lindenwood surrendered four unanswered goals after scoring the first goal of the match in the 4-1 loss. The Lions are led by two different players, senior midfielder Josh Francombe and freshman defender Anel Kafedzic with a goal apiece.

UE now becomes one of only 17 teams across Division I with a 100% win-loss-tied percentage. Evansville is also alone atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings as the only team with four wins on the year. The Aces also lead the MVC in save percentage (85.7%), shots per game (16), shots on goal per game (7.5), and team goals against average (0.5). UE is now Top 10 in the nation in goal differential coming in at number 10.

With his second clean sheet of the season, freshman goalkeeper Michal Mroz (Elk Grove, Ill. / Elk Grove HS) now leads the Missouri Valley Conference in shutouts. Mroz also leads the conference in goalkeeper minutes played with 360 minutes so far. Along with leading two categories, Mroz is second in the conference in several statistical categories including goals against average (0.500) and save percentage (85.7%).

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

LETTER TO EDITOR{: Chuck Whobrey President of Teamsters Local 215 Have Served The Membership With Class, Dignity And Honor

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Chuck Whobrey President of Teamsters Local 215 Have served the Membership With Class, Dignity, And Honor

BY CHARLES L.  BERGER, ESQ

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

Dear CCO Editor

The recent announcement of the retirement of Chuck Whobrey as President of Teamsters Local 215 takes me back to when he first became the President. An article appeared on December 13, 1992, in the Evansville Courier, profiling Chuck as the new President of Teamsters Local 215. When you review that article and you consider his career since that time, he is a person who never wandered from his path as a strong and forceful labor leader in our community. Chuck’s influence has been one of a very positive influence upon our community. He helped create many different forces for change in the betterment of the working folks in our community, who he has represented and even those who he did not represent have benefited from his leadership and courage. He has made possible better health benefits for many individuals who never would have seen them but for his leadership and negotiating savvy.

He was instrumental in creating a scholarship fund to help individuals, who are without all of the necessary financial means, to provide a higher education for their children with an additional source of funds to do so.

Chuck has always stood up for his members and for the importance of improving the conditions of the working men and women in our area of the state. While Chuck’s influence will continue, his presence will be dearly missed missed

Sincerely,

BERGER & BERGER

By:

Charles L. Berger

CLB:nas

 

Evansville, A Clean City???

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Evansville, A Clean City???

Written by John Blair

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

Recently, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management announced they had designated Evansville as a “Clean City.” I applaud the promises Evansville made to IDEM to “achieve” this designation since they are all clearly needed. However, it should be noted that this designation is not because we are actually “clean,” only that we intend to make an effort to be. As usual for IDEM, the criteria for this award are minimalist, completely ignoring way too many dirty streets and poor air quality Evansville and the region regularly exhibit.

In July, Indiana was found to be 49th out of 50 in quality of life. In the past, Hoosiers have notoriously had really high levels of infant mortality, toxic emissions and 100% of our streams and likes carry the dubious designation of Fish Consumption Advisories. Those FCAs warn women of child bearing age to limit their consumption of Indiana caught fish to one quarter pounder a month, lest they cause their yet to be born to have developmental disabilities due to mercury contamination.

Not long ago, Evansville was near the top of the list of “Obese” cities and last month the Indiana Lottery introduced “Rick, from Evansville” as a buffoon, snack eating competitor “going for the Gold” in the Hoosier Lottery as he cannonballs his entrance into a swim race.

Just so you know, Evansville does have new energy. Its new administration will hopefully address serious problems that impact our health. Improved quality of life will actually be something to celebrate instead of ridicule. But until our citizens finally recognize they shouldn’t throw their trash on our streets or in their neighbor’s yards and we are no longer forced to breathe fouled air, any claims of being “clean” are premature.

Here are the criteria listed on IDEM’s website as to how a community becomes a “clean” city. Leave it to IDEM to only require the completion of forms to satisfy their requirements just as they do with all the toxic pollution they permit:

Steps to Become a Clean Community:

1. Access and complete the application form.

2. Just so you know, the signature on the application must be that of the highest-ranking public official for the municipality (for example: mayor, county commissioner, etc.).

3. Attach the completed form to an email to: clean@idem.in.gov with “Application for Clean Community Program” in the subject line.

4. You will receive a confirmation that you’ve received your application for processing.

5. As with all IDEM recognition programs, successful applicants must have a positive environmental compliance history. This will be determined through an IDEM environmental compliance history check process.

6. Upon successfully meeting the requirements of environmental compliance, you will be contacted by the Clean Community program manager to fill out a Clean Team & Project Information Sheet.

7. The sheet will identify your population, the number of projects required based on that population, and the name of the projects that you are choosing from the list of Clean Community pre-approved projects. This project list will be provided to you by the Clean Community program manager.

8. Once your projects are chosen, the Clean Community program manager will provide you with specific project descriptions that outline exactly what needs to be submitted to qualify for Clean Community program requirements.

9. Lastly, you will identify your Clean Team members, a group of people in the community who will help plan and implement your sustainability efforts. It is recommended that your Clean Team be comprised of people from multiple departments and areas of expertise, both within the municipality, businesses, or through citizen involvement.

10. Based upon the review of the items above, you will be issued either a Welcome or Denial Letter. A denial will explain areas of improvement needed to qualify for entry into the program.

11. Work at your own pace to complete your municipality’s chosen projects.

12. A simple Annual Report is required that keeps the Clean Community program manager informed of your progress.

13. Attendance by at least one representative of your Clean Team at the Clean Community Annual Meeting is also required.

Questions or Interest in Joining? Please contact the Clean Community program manager.

FOOTNOTE:  This article was posted by the CCO without bias or editing.

JEFF LYONS SELECED AS A 2024 CCO “ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE” AWARD WINNER

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JEFF LYONS SELECTED AS A 2024 CCO “ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE” AWARD WINNER

by Johnny Kincaid

September 16, 2024

The Annual City-County Observer “Annual Community Service  Awards” luncheon is held at Bally’s-Evansville on September 20, 2024 in the Walnut room. at noon.

We are pleased to announce that this event is a total sellout and we expect almost 300 people to attend this well-respected annual awards ceremony.

Jeff grew up in Evansville and is a 1982 graduate of FJ Reitz High School.   He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications from Indiana University in Bloomington.  His first job was at WTHI-TV in Terre Haute as a morning weathercaster.   He continued studying meteorology in Terre Haute at Indiana State University, completed certification as a meteorologist with the American Meteorology Society, and holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal. Jeff returned to Evansville in 1988 and began his career at WFIE as a reporter and meteorologist.

In his 35+ years with WFIE, Jeff has visited every county in the Tri-State and routinely speaks 40-50 times each year at schools, community groups and church organizations.   He has been an active board member at The Arc of Evansville since 2000, and co-wrote, produced and hosted The Really Big Show for 21 years.  The show was a major fundraiser for ARC and raised over 1.5 million dollars for the organization.  Jeff served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Southern Indiana for 17 years and taught broadcast performance in the school’s communications department.
Jeff has been married to his wife, Kate, for 35 years and has 3 children.  He and his wife are avid bicyclists and musicians.  Jeff currently plays the organ and his wife sings at St. Boniface parish.  Jeff was also involved with a restoration project of the pipe organ in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  Jeff has deep roots in Evansville and is the sixth generation to live on the Westside.

Bally’s Evansville’s Cavanaugh’s On The River Wins OpenTable’s 2024 Diners’ Choice Award

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Bally’s Evansville’s Cavanaugh’s On The River Wins OpenTable’s 2024 Diners’ Choice Award 

Evansville, IN – September 6, 2024 — Bally’s Evansville is thrilled to announce that Cavanaugh’s on the River has been awarded OpenTable’s 2024 Diners’ Choice Award. This esteemed accolade recognizes Cavanaugh’s as a premier dining destination, celebrated for its exceptional steak and seafood and remarkable riverfront setting.

Located on the second floor of the Riverfront Event Center, Cavanaugh’s on the River offers an unforgettable dining experience featuring a delectable menu of steak, seafood, and more. Guests can enjoy their meals while overlooking the scenic Ohio River views and indulge in live entertainment provided by regional musicians at Cavanaugh’s piano bar. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere and vibrant entertainment make it the ideal choice for a memorable evening out.

Reservations are highly recommended to ensure an exceptional dining experience. For more information or to book a table, please visit Cavanaugh’s on the River (ballys.com) or Open Table.

FEATURE: LAUREN JONES IS “RAISING THE BAR”

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LAUREN JONES IS “RAISING THE BAR”

BY DAVID KETTERLING

September 6, 2024

As she does nearly every morning, Lauren Jones wakes up at 4:00 a.m. and prepares to go for a run that could be anywhere from three to ten miles, sometimes in preparation for another marathon.  On the mornings she does not run, she is lifting weights at the YMCA.  She lives on the west side of Evansville with her husband, David, two cats, and a beloved puppy, Candi.  Lauren will be either the first or second person (depending on her husband David’s schedule) opening the law offices of Jones · Wallace in the Fifth Third building in downtown Evansville.  She is the Firm Administrator and paralegal, and since 2019 has been Chief of Staff for the Vanderburgh County Law Department.  She has been in the legal field for 30+ years.

Lauren was the Paralegal and Chief of Staff of the Law Department of the City of Evansville from 2004 through 2011 where she demonstrated unequaled professional

skills, competence and dedication as a paralegal.  At that time, then-Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel said:

“As Chief of Staff for the City Law Department, Lauren Jones shoulders a great deal of responsibility. From her work at Code Enforcement hearings to handling tort claims, we depend on Lauren to represent the City and its interests.  She serves as a role model to other paralegals and helps raise the standard for the profession.”

In addition to her administrative skills in coordinating the activities of members of the City Law Department who were in various law firms, she represented the City in prosecuting City Code ordinance violations in Administrative Hearings, which proved invaluable to the City in reducing the back log of cases, and eliminated the need for an attorney.  The City’s Code Enforcement Coordinator, Greg Bryant, remarked at the time:

“For the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Lauren on Code Enforcement legal issues.  Her client dedication and case preparedness are always there.  She just exudes professionalism with a can-do attitude and it has truly been my pleasure to work with her.”

Lauren was the Paralegal in every jury trial for the City in that period of time from 2004 to 2011.

For a number of years, Lauren worked with a small group of dedicated paralegals from around Indiana seeking to create a statewide certification program to raise the standards of professionalism for paralegals in the Indiana Bar Association.  Former Indiana State Bar Association President, Spence Walton, observed:

“ As President of the Indiana State Bar Association in 2000-2001, we passed changes to the admission requirements allowing paralegals to join the ISBA.  I have had the pleasure of working with Lauren Jones and others to establish the Paralegal Committee to enhance paralegals’ roles in the Indiana legal system.  Lauren has always been at the forefront of her profession to make the practice of law in Indiana not only better for paralegals, but also the clients we all serve.”

In 2014, after many years of effort and perseverance, the small group of paralegals, which included Lauren working with former ISBA President and Ethics Chair John Conlon and Indiana Appellate Court Judge Ed Najam, persuaded the ISBA Board of Governors and the ISBA House of Delegates to approve a program for registered paralegals, which ultimately was adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court.  Lauren was one of the first paralegals to receive the designation of Indiana Registered Paralegal with registration number three.  She has Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, and is a PACE Registered Paralegal, and an Indiana Registered Paralegal.  As a member of the Indiana State Bar Association for many years, she has served as Vice Chair of the Affiliate Membership Committee and a member of the ISBA Ethics Committee.  Lauren served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Paralegal Association, serving two terms as President.  She also chaired the IPA Ethics Committee and was a long-serving member of its Regulation Committee.  Lauren is currently a member of the ISBA, IPA, National Federation of Paralegal Association and the Evansville Bar Association Paralegal Section, where she served as the first Chairperson.  Lauren has been a member of the EBA Diversity Outreach Committee.  

In 2013, Lauren was awarded the Indiana Paralegal Association’s Outstanding Board Member of the Year award.  In 2012, she was awarded the Indiana State Bar Association’s Affiliate Committee Award.  In 2010, Lauren was awarded the Outstanding Paralegal of the Year by the Indiana Paralegal Association.  She also received the 2010 Evansville Bar Association’s Outstanding Paralegal Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Profession of Paralegal and Dedicated Service to the Legal Community.  She was the 2005 recipient of the Evansville Bar Association President’s Award.

As the late and revered former Executive Director of the Evansville Bar Association, Susan Helfrich once said: 

“Without Lauren’s dedication, hard work, and professionalism, paralegals would not be valued members of the Evansville Bar Association.”

She is also active in the community and currently serves as a member of the Community Correction Advisory Board.   She is a member of the Board of Directors of A Network of Evansville Women (ANEW) and has been a member for 15+ years. She currently chairs ANEW’s Orientation Committee and has chaired and served on several ANEW committees. Lauren currently performs duties on the Women’s Equality Day committee as well.  Lauren served as a volunteer for the Vanderburgh County Juvenile Court’s Teen Court Program; has volunteered for the Volunteer Lawyer Program; and has served as a volunteer paralegal for members of the military reserves who were called to active duty.  She has donated many hours annually assisting charitable organizations, as well as individuals, especially youth and the elderly.

Lauren has been a member of Abundant Life Community Church in Newburgh since 1998, where she has taught Sunday School for over 25 years.  Former Associate Pastor Kevin Kappler remarked before he accepted a position at another church:

“Lauren Jones has been my youngest son Kraig’s Sunday School teacher for approximately a year.  Lauren and her husband David have been faithful and incredibly committed to their group of students in their endeavor to deliver the Word of God and display the compassion of Christ.  Not only did they take the time to personalize their classroom through painting and decorating, but they have also taken the students to several off-ground activities.”

Lauren Jones has been a role model for others in the legal community through her years of commitment to raising the bar of professionalism and helping to provide a higher standard of legal services.

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