Largest single building project ever: Vincennes University breaks ground on $33.9 million Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning
VINCENNES, Ind., February 19, 2024 – Vincennes University is undergoing a project that will redefine the landscape of health sciences education in Indiana and elevate how students engage in learning as VU prepares to build the $33.9 million Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning.
The landmark structure is an unprecedented pinnacle for Indiana’s First College. Funded by the State of Indiana, it is the largest single building project in Vincennes University history, symbolizing a bold commitment to high-quality education and innovation.
VU held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday, Feb. 19, for the Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning. VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, VU Board of Trustees Chair Mike Sievers, VU Director of Architectural Services and Facilities Andrew Young, and Good Samaritan CEO Rob McLin shared their profound remarks, emphasizing their commitment to advancing education and fostering collaboration.
Wearing hard hats and surrounded by students, VU leaders and community leaders, ceremoniously put shovels into the dirt, symbolizing the commencement of the construction project with unity and excitement.
According to VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, “We are embarking on a transformative journey that underscores Vincennes University’s dedication to academic excellence. This monumental center signifies the physical expansion of the Vincennes Campus and the boundless opportunities it offers for cutting-edge learning and one-of-a-kind experiences. The center will have profound and far-reaching impacts on the lives and careers of countless VU graduates and innumerable Hoosiers.â€
The construction of the new 72,000-square-foot, two-story center promises to enhance the healthcare infrastructures of an infinite number of communities by helping to meet critical workforce needs. Yearly, hundreds of VU graduates enter the workforce as healthcare heroes. Many of those VU alumni enjoy careers with Good Samaritan.
Good Samaritan CEO and VU graduate Rob McLin said, “The mission of Good Samaritan Hospital is to provide excellent healthcare by promoting wellness, education, and training through trusting relationships. Vincennes University is making investments today in healthcare that will have a profound impact not only on Good Samaritan but on our mission for decades to come. The single greatest challenge that Good Sam has is access to world-class caregivers and our ability to recruit and retain the best and brightest, not only for Good Samaritan but for this community. Today kicks off what I think will be one of the most incredible feeder systems for healthcare in this region and really for healthcare across the state. The center will train and educate caregivers ranging from nursing to pharmacy techs to surgery techs to health information managers, and other sorts of allied health professionals that will be a godsend to places like Good Samaritan Hospital.â€
A Jewel in the Heart of Campus
The Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning’s strategic location within the Vincennes Campus further amplifies its transformative potential.
Nestled in the heart of campus, it will serve as a beacon of accessibility and convenience. Its central location invites exploration and engagement from every direction. The center will rise from the site of the former Harrison Hall on Indianapolis Ave. between 2nd and Chestnut. It will act as a hub, effortlessly connecting students, faculty, staff, and visitors to a vibrant campus. The center is expected to open in the fall of 2025.
The new facility nearly doubles the footprint of the current health sciences center. It is the future home of Nursing, Health Information Management, Surgical Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Pharmacy Technology, and Funeral Service Education programs. It will also house a Center for Active Learning.
The newest jewel in the academic crown of VU will be a stunning addition to the Vincennes Campus and features an environmentally friendly design. The center’s aesthetic will take on that of the new buildings in the same area, including its closest neighbor Updike Hall – Center of Science, Engineering and Mathematics.
Students will have access to cutting-edge classrooms, simulation labs, and multidisciplinary health labs infused with the newest technology, reflecting the evolving needs of healthcare education.
College of Health Sciences and Human Performance Dean Michelle Cummins said, “This state-of-the-art facility will empower VU students to excel in in-demand and rewarding careers. The center will serve as a driving force for VU students, providing an environment where knowledge is not only gained but actively applied. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning, it will be a catalyst for producing highly skilled professionals who will elevate the standards of health and contribute significantly to the vitality and well-being of communities across the state of Indiana and beyond.”
Dynamic Spaces with the Latest Technology
New simulation labs will replicate real-world healthcare scenarios for a realistic educational experience. Very critical in the healthcare arena, these ultra-modern clinical simulation labs will include the highest quality and latest state-of-the-art technology, including high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality simulators, and video recording systems.
​Active learning spaces will promote collaborative, team-based, flexible learning classrooms, which will be utilized by all colleges on campus, integrating dynamic and engaging learning. Students will also enjoy vital breakout spaces, including study and lounge areas that encourage interaction between students and faculty.
The center will also include administrative, faculty, and staff offices.
With a meticulous use of glass, VU has created dynamic views and diligently integrated daylight strategies to maximize natural light penetration throughout the building. The goal is to create an environment that promotes health and productivity, offering vibrant spaces for learning and work. Another key highlight is an outdoor plaza and space that provides an indoor/outdoor experience year-round.
More than brick and mortar, this monumental facility embodies the VU’s dedication to shaping the future, fostering collaboration, and nurturing excellence in every facet of higher education. With its grandeur and vision, the Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning promises to redefine the landscape of VU and beyond.
Architect, Mechanical and Structural Engineers – Architect: Gibraltar Design, Inc. (Indianapolis); Mechanical Engineer: Heinz Associates, LLC (Jasper, Indiana); Structural Engineer: Lynch, Harrison & Brumleve, Inc. (Indianapolis)
Construction Team – General Construction: Empire Contractors, Inc. (Evansville, Indiana); Mechanical Construction: Huntingburg Machine Works (Huntingburg, Indiana); Electrical Construction: Weyer Electric, Inc. (Ferdinand, Indiana); Site Construction: Kerns Excavating, LLC (Bicknell, Indiana)
ARE DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION CLOSELY LINKED VALUES TO ASSURE SUCCESS IN THE WORK FORCE
Do organizations believe in diversity equality and inclusion?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three closely linked values held by many organizations that are working to be supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.
“Whitelash†and Other Current Challenges to DEI in the Workplace Â
ARCC NEWS
 August 17. 2023
Despite heightened public awareness around systemic racial inequalities, much of which was galvanized by the murder of George Floyd in 2020, there are now equally escalating challenges to efforts aimed at improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Here are some of the biggest barriers to DEI efforts in corporate America today.
Why Can It Be Challenging for Some Companies to Hire a Diverse Workforce?
Multiple factors are setting up the current obstacles to achieving diverse and inclusive workplaces. Here are some that everyone should be aware of.
Pre-Existing Low Engagement With DEI
Just as cultural and political leanings skew different ways in different US regions, so do values around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This has been true long before the recent discourse about racial justice, and unfortunately, deepening ideological divisions are intensifying these differences.
As of 2017, company DEI programs flourished the most in New England, Middle Atlantic, and West Coast states. The regions where DEI fared worst included the South (Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas) and Mountain states (Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming). In these large swathes of the country, DEI programs are especially unlikely to thrive with any additional threats or challenges to their existence — and there are several.
Confusion Around Federal vs. State EEO Laws
Federal laws around DEI are set and enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These are known as Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws, which are most commonly referenced by companies in rote boilerplate statements. Although most employers are familiar with federal EEO laws, some states have their versions of these, which can make DEI program compliance tricky at best and legally risky at worst.
Conservative Backlash Against DEI Awareness and Engagement
If you’ve read, watched, or listened to any news in the past few years, you’ve heard about the conservative backlash — also known as “whitelash†— of right-wing politicians, industry leaders, and individuals who resent policy efforts aimed at protecting liberty and justice for all Americans.
These groups present a false argument that America is under attack from “woke culture†and the so-called “woke agenda.†In doing so, conservatives choose to ignore hundreds of years of profound and continuing racial injustices — which, even today, are far from being adequately addressed — in favor of the idea that white populations are now the victims of “reverse racism.â€
However unfounded, political and public whitelash has necessarily spilled over into corporate America, whose C-suite staff are still overwhelmingly white and male. As a result, DEI officers in many companies and industries feel they have to tread carefully in how they advocate for equity in hiring and promotion practices as well as other important company policies.
To begin with, many of these business leaders, well-intentioned and otherwise, are simply unaware of the ways and degree to which they have enjoyed automatic advantages because of their race and gender. They may not realize that even “meritocracy†— a concept speciously championed by politicians like Texas Governor Greg Abbott — often fails to account for how the barrier-ridden realities of life keep non-white and other marginalized workers from achieving the same successes as their white male peers, despite their best efforts and sacrifices.
Others have additional conscious or unconscious racial biases and are unwilling to fully examine how these function in their career or in company operations, much less invest the time and resources needed to eliminate them in the workplace.
Mass Layoffs of DEI Professionals
Far from what Americans might expect in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and increased awareness of racial inequalities, many companies are cutting DEI staff rather than stepping up related efforts.
Although corporations actively sought out these professionals between September 2019 and September 2020, DEI roles began facing mass elimination just months after the death of George Floyd. This downward trend has been driven in large part by a slow economy, cooling interest in corporate accountability about racial equity, and public whitelash against the principles that drive DEI as a whole. Related job cuts exist across all industries, but most notably in top tech firms.
The SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action in College Admissions
In addition to all of these factors, the Supreme Court recently ruled that affirmative action in college admissions is unconstitutional. In short, it is requiring higher education institutions to eliminate race-conscious aspects of admissions (which take racial barriers into account) for race-neutral ones (which don’t).
This decision may also have a legal impact on affirmative action hiring practices. Although employers cannot lawfully discriminate against employees based on a protected status like race, they may, conversely, run into other legal challenges if they use race-conscious policies like those used by many universities. Employers are also likely to be concerned with avoiding backlash and lawsuits from prospective and actual employees who believe they were discriminated against because of their white race or male gender.
How to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Your Workplace
Your company can overcome current challenges to DEI efforts in the workforce. Educating yourself, your coworkers, and your direct reports about ethically and legally sound DEI policies is a great place to start. You can learn about this by reading books like The Anti-Racist Organization: Dismantling Systemic Racism in the Workplace by HR strategist Shereen Daniels, which offers a four-part approach for tackling structural racism in the workplace.
Support DEI in the American Workplace With ARCC
The Anti-Racism Commitment Coalition (ARCC) is an inclusive coalition of dedicated people committed to eradicating racism and spreading anti-racism throughout our communities, countries, and the world. We work to help and educate people on their transformative journey to anti-racism by providing access to related support and resources. On [fill in date and time and link to social media or website landing page], ARCC welcomed Shereen Daniels, who visited us as part of her book tour.
You can help us to build a racism-free world. Subscribe to receive news and updates about our work. Be sure to check out our newsletters and ARCC of Change podcast series. Show your commitment to anti-racism by purchasing ARCC merchandise or by donating.
FOOTNOTE: THE CITY-COUNTY Â OBSERVER POSTED THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT BIAS, EDITING OR OPINION.
“Dynamic “ leader honored with the Dr. John M. Caldwell Lecture Series Award Lana Burton EVANSVILLE
EVANSVILLE (Ind.) February 12, 2024 — The Soul Writers’ Guild(SWG) at the Evansville African American Museum, Inc., is honored to present the 7th Annual Dr. John M. Caldwell Lecture Series Award to Lana Burton, a co-founder of the Evansville African American Museum (EAAM).
Burton succeeded EAAM Founder Sondra L. Matthews as president of the Board of Directors in 2008. The presentation and lecture will be held 12 noon – 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in the Browning Events Room of the Evansville Central Library, 200 S.E. Dr. M.L. King Jr.. Blvd.
The Caldwell Lecture Series is named for the late Rev. Dr. John M. Caldwell, who was pastor of Zion Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years, and for his many accomplishments. For instance, he was the first African American elected to the Evansville City Council as 4th Ward councilor in 1967, president of the Evansville Branch NAACP, and author and publisher of his sermons.
Additionally, Dr. Caldwell was a teacher in the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and a graduate of Evansville College (University of Evansville).
“Lana is a powerhouse in her own right,†said Aretha Sebree-Graves, SWG president. “We’re. honored to recognize her leadership in education as principal in several schools of the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp. (EVSC). As well, she has been a committed teacher and superintendent of Christian Education at Zion Missionary Baptist Church for decades, not to mention her community service to the museum.â€
In March 2020, students lost access to books as their schools closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, though retired, Burton coordinated book donations to children at EVSC sites and those receiving food from the weekly giveaways by Feed Evansville at Hartke Pool. More than 18,000 books were given away.
She’s been a member of the UE Alumni Board of Directors and held leadership positions in the University of Evansville African American Alumni Association (UEAAA).
A graduate of Bosse High School, Culver, & Glenwood elementary schools. Burton has spent the past 40 years educating, empowering, and enhancing children and their families in Evansville.
Recipient of numerous awards, Burton was awarded the YMCA 100 Women Award in 2011 and was inducted into the EVSC Hall of Fame in 2020. She was named the Helen Klamer-Phillip Community Service Leadership Awardee by the Junior League of Evansville in 2022.
Burton is married to Rickey Burton and mother of Alexander Burton, 4th Ward councilor of the Evansville City Council, and grandmother to Arrington Burton. Previous winners have been current Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry; Constance “Connie†Robinson-Blair, formerly 4th Ward City Council president and financial chairperson; Estella Moss, first African American elected Vanderburgh County Recorder; the late Deacon Thomas Pore and wife, Mother Jacqueline Pore, directors of Greater St. James Education & Recreation Center; James and Deborah Wagner, directors of EAAM Summer Theatre Camp, and Rev. Dr. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr., pastor of Memorial Baptist Church and president of Memorial Community Development Corporation.
The lecture series is free of admission and open to the public. For more information, contact Sebree-Graves at 812-802-9586 or 812-423-5188.
McNamara, O’Brien respond to Gov. Holcomb deploying Indiana National Guard for Texas border security mission
FOOTNOTE:
State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) issued the following statements in response to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s decision to deploy the Indiana National Guard to support the ongoing border security mission in Texas. Following the recent direct request from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Holcomb announced he will send 50 Hoosier guardsmen to help the Texas National Guard during a 10-month deployment:
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2024) – “The record wave of illegal immigrants and illicit drugs coming from the southern border is deeply concerning and troubling. This is an issue that doesn’t just affect Texas. It’s a worsening nationwide challenge and our local communities will feel the strain on government services and resources, including law enforcement and medical providers. However, it’s encouraging to know that Indiana is stepping up to help Texas protect itself, especially as the federal government continues the status quo of maintaining an open border,” said State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
“This ongoing crisis has only continued to grow thanks to the inaction of our federal government and the Biden Administration. I’m fully in support of Governor Holcomb sending a strong message that Indiana is willing to step up in times of crisis – and that’s exactly what Texas is facing. Every state should be concerned about the waves of illegal immigrants and drugs getting in unchecked,” saidState Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville).
Evansville African American Museum Soul Writer’s Guild Announces
Black History Month Malcolm X Event!
FEBRUARY 12, 1014
Evansville, IN— On Friday, February 16, 2024, from 6-8 pm, EAAM’s Soul Writers’ Guild will host: “Malcolm X: His Life, Legacy, and Misconceptionsâ€, our first Black History Month event honoring this civil rights leader. A lecture will be delivered by Bro. Umar Faruq from Terre Haute, IN (formerly Kenny Maddox of Evansville, IN), and Bro. Faraji Garth.
There will be a time for discussion and Q & A. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free to the public.
Aces women’s basketball picks up first Missouri Valley Conference win at Valparaiso
The Purple Aces led for over 25 minutes in their first conference win
VALPARAISO, Ind. – Using its experience in late-game situations, the University of Evansville women’s basketball team came away with a 71-68 win in Valparaiso against the Beacons.
The Purple Aces dominated in the paint on Sunday afternoon, a key factor in earning their first MVC win of the season. Freshman forward Nevaeh Thomas added another double-double to her resume leading UE with 23 points, coming one shy of her career high with 14 rebounds. Sophomore Kynidi Mason Striverson and forward Maggie Hartwig also had double-digit games.
Hartwig hit a three to start the game and set the tone for a fast-paced battle in Valparaiso. The Aces were able to use consistent offensive pressure to keep the lead for all but 30 seconds over the first 10 minutes. UE was helped by early fouls from the Beacons, going to the line on four separate occasions and making all but one shot. Evansville ended the quarter with two at the stripe from Thomas to hold a 14-10 lead going into the second quarter.
The Aces kept up their breakneck offense with a four-point run to take their largest lead of the game ahead by eight. Valpo responded quickly but an and-1 opportunity from Thomas put UE back ahead by seven. Thomas kept Evansville in the lead for the next minute and a half. But at the halfway point of the quarter, the Beacons had their first lead. It turned into a back-and-forth affair heading into the second half until the final minute. The Aces made back-to-back layups to end the first half with a three-point lead.
It was a slow start to the second half for UE as its first basket took over two minutes to make. Valparaiso took the lead back for the first half of the quarter as Evansville struggled to finish its shots. But a three-pointer from guard Julia Palomo spurred a seven-point run for the Aces to grab a five-point lead. The Beacons responded in kind, making it just a one-point lead. A trey from Tené Smith gave UE a four-point lead which they held onto until the final minute. Valpo ended the third on a six-point run putting Evansville back by two.
The Aces tied the game back up in the fourth at the line after both teams struggled to make shots in the first minute and a half. The Beacons hit a layup to take the lead back, but a successful three-point play for Hartwig gave UE a slim one-point lead. Guard Lexie Sinclair had an and-1 opportunity of her own right after, putting Evansville back up by four with 6:05 remaining.
It was back-and-forth free throw opportunities over the next two minutes as neither team made a field goal. Thomas broke the pattern with a layup to give the Aces another four-point lead. The game quickly went back to free throws as another field goal wasn’t made until the 1:47 mark. Valpo was able to tie the game up with back-to-back free throw opportunities, making all four. But UE was able to close out the game with second-chance layups from Hartwig and Thomas. Sinclair sealed the win for Evansville with a steal in the final 10 seconds while making one of two free throws after drawing a foul on the steal for the 71-68 final score.
Thomas led the Aces on both sides of the ball with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and a career-high 3 blocks. Mason Striverson added 16 points and five assists while Hartwig had 10 points along with nine rebounds.  Guard Madlena Gerke also added a season-high three steals against in UE’s win against the Beacons.
Evansville returns home to Meeks Family Fieldhouse for two games next week. The Aces will first welcome Southern Illinois to town on Thursday, Feb. 15. Tip-off against the Salukis is set for 6 p.m.