VINCENNES, Ind., December 7, 2023 – The Vincennes University Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 6, was engrossing, as the Trustees were brought up to speed on significant happenings within the University community.

The highlights included a comprehensive update on the upcoming construction of the $33.9 million, 70,000-square-foot Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning. The visionary project, set to elevate the educational landscape, promises state-of-the-art facilities and resources for VU students.

The Shake Learning Resource Center Innovation Room buzzed with excitement as architectural renderings and plans, outlining a facility designed to foster innovation and collaboration, were unveiled by Director of Architectural Services and Facilities Andrew Young. The new center will house the Center for Active Learning, Nursing programs, Surgical Technology, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy Technology, and Funeral Services. It will be located on the site of the former Harrison Hall.

According to Young, the University will begin receiving bids in January 2024 and construction starts in February 2024. The center should open in the Fall of 2025.

“This is an exciting project for us,” VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said. “We have many crown jewels. This will be another jewel in the crown.”

Following the overview of the new Health Sciences project, the Board reveled in the exceptional achievements of the VU Volleyball Team, which just concluded a history-making season. Their outstanding teamwork, victories, post-season honors, and high team GPA were celebrated. This fall, the Trailblazers achieved a 32-7 record, the most wins in program history since moving to the NJCAA Division I level, VU’s third-straight undefeated Region 24 Championship, and they reached the NJCAA Midwest District A Championship game for the first time since moving to the NJCAA Division I level. Coach Gary Sien and the players in attendance were saluted with an exciting round of applause.

As the meeting continued, a report on VU’s fourth annual Innovative Teaching Summit by College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication Dean Dr. Cynthia Ragle captured the Board’s attention.

The recent summit, attended by 150 educators, teachers, administrators, and VU Education majors from diverse educational levels and backgrounds, showcased ideas and strategies related to supporting underserved populations, STEM, technology tools, and effective learning environments for all students. The summit offered a range of breakout sessions, including diverse topics such as the science of reading, supporting diverse learners, teacher and student well-being, STEM education, and educational technology. The event also featured a Technology Playground for hands-on learning.

VU Trustee and Vincennes Community School Corporation Superintendent Greg Parsley praised the University, Education Department, and VU Education students and graduates.

“The importance of the Education Department, just to the K-12 partners, not only in Knox County but in our region, we desperately need this program, and you are turning out some very strong students,” Parsley said.

During the meeting, the Trustees elected officers. Reggie Henderson became First Vice Chair after most recently serving as Second Vice Chair. Scott Brand was elected Second Vice Chair. JR Gaylor will remain as Secretary.

The Trustees also unanimously approved a one-year extension of VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson’s employment contract. His contract will run through Dec. 31, 2026.

In other Board business,

·      The Board authorized the Finance and Revenue Committee to approve bids for the construction of the Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning.

·      The Board approved the program suspension of the Biomedical Equipment Technician Concentration and the program deletion of Restaurant and Food Service Management.

·      The Board heard updates from Senior Director of External Relations Sarah Fortune and Director of Admissions Sarah McLin.

VINCENNES, Ind., December 6, 2023 – Vincennes University is embarking on an inspiring initiative to propel STEM education into the future by implementing Design and Innovation Studios for students attending six public Knox County elementary and intermediate schools in partnership with Purdue Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC). 

This groundbreaking endeavor aims to cultivate the next generations of high-tech thinkers and doers, providing young minds with hands-on experiences that ignite curiosity and foster a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. VU held ribbon-cuttings of studios at Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary School in Vincennes and South Knox Elementary School last week. In the coming weeks, VU and its partner schools will cut the ribbons for studios at North Knox Intermediate School and Franklin, Riley, and Vigo elementary schools in Vincennes.

VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson said, “This collaboration not only brings cutting-edge resources to local classrooms but fosters an exceptional learning environment where curiosity, innovation, and academic excellence converge through hands-on project learning. Every student should have the opportunity to explore their interest in STEM. Together, we are contributing to the economic growth of Indiana, shaping the future of education, and empowering young minds to blaze their trails in the exciting world of STEM.”

Strong partnerships are the cornerstone of success

By establishing these Design and Innovation Studios in partnership with Purdue IN-MAC and STEM Education Works, VU is helping to develop an outstanding learning environment where elementary and intermediate-level students can explore, create, and collaborate, laying the foundation for future leaders in STEM fields such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, computer sciences, physics, engineering, electronics, and design. The studios introduce young learners to coding, programming, 3D printing, robotics, and more through hands-on experiences.

South Knox School Corporation Superintendent Jeff Cochren said, “In partnership with Vincennes University and Purdue IN-MaC, we are making a meaningful impact on how students in our school corporation experience STEM. Hands-on STEM education is paramount for elementary school learners as it cultivates a tangible understanding of complex concepts, fostering a love of learning that extends beyond textbooks.”

Eager to elevate educational experiences for Vincennes Community School Corporation students, Superintendent Greg Parsley was enthusiastic about forming a transformative partnership with VU and IN-MaC to establish Design and Innovation Studios at every public elementary school in Vincennes.

“Together with VU and Purdue IN-MaC, we are providing students unparalleled opportunities,” Parsley said. “We believe early access to STEM education prepares students for future careers and ignites a passion for exploration and problem-solving. Through these immersive experiences, we are equipping young learners with the skills to innovate and thrive, and we expect this to have an extraordinary impact on their future academic and professional endeavors.”

Hands-on learning at its best

Excitement buzzed among students in a classroom at Tecumseh-Harrison as they interacted Sphero BOLT Coding Robot and Sphero indi Robot that teach programming.

Jessica Whipkey, a third-grade parent, sits at a nearby table, beaming with enthusiasm. She said, “(The studio) is a fantastic experience for the students. My son loves it. He loves building. He loves coding. He loves the little robot balls. It has just really opened up his view on all of those things. He is really looking forward to the 3D printers. They haven’t done them yet, but he knows they’re coming. He asks every week, ‘When will we do the 3D printers?’ He can’t wait.”

A flurry of excitement also surrounded the other studios VU implemented in Daviess, Dubois, and Perry counties in 2022. Design and Innovation Studios opened at Northeast Dubois Elementary School, Holland Elementary School, Perry Central Elementary School, and Washington Junior High School. The deployment of all six Knox County studios will bring the total number of studios that VU has funded to 10. 

North Knox School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Darrel Bobe said, “We are excited about witnessing the transformative power of our partnership in nurturing a design and innovation studio for our students. Together, we are not merely shaping young minds. We are cultivating a future where creativity and STEM education converge, laying the foundation for generations poised to innovate, discover, and lead with boundless curiosity.”

This initiative reflects VU’s commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly technology-driven world, ensuring that Knox County and Southern Indiana remain at the forefront of educational innovation and excellence. The partnership will have deployed more than 62 studios by the end of 2023. 

In addition, through the support of the Lilly Endowment, the Vincennes Campus will soon be home to a Design and Innovation Training Studio. The studio will provide professional development opportunities and workshops for teachers throughout the year in the Summers Center. Additionally, the studio on campus will be incorporated into VU’s Education program to ensure that VU graduates are prepared to teach STEM curriculum and are equipped with the knowledge to implement technology in the classroom.