VU Board of Trustees recognizes students, approves tenure and promotions

April 21, 2023

VINCENNES, Ind. - At its April 19 meeting, the Vincennes University Board of Trustees approved tenures and promotions, received in-depth updates on student recruitment and the University’s Information Technology, and heard from several students doing amazing things in and outside the classroom.

VU is fortunate to have dedicated, talented, and excellent faculty and staff. Nearly 20 individuals (see list below) from across the University have earned promotions or received tenure. 

Students were also center stage during the meeting. Students from two degree programs showed off their real-world skills for the Trustees at the Shake Learning Resource Center.

Precision Machining Technology students who won a global competition were in attendance. Nate Conrad, Luke Schirmer, and Jackson Roberts designed and manufactured an innovative and unique electric skateboard that won first place in the Educational Division of the 2022 Mastercam Wildest Parts Competition. Conrad, Schirmer, Advanced CNC Assistant Professor Jonathan Vennard, and College of Technology Dean Ty Freed displayed the award-winning skateboard for all to see. 

Information Technology majors Bryce Coleman and Marianna Guillen shared how VU students are working closely with the University’s Information Technology staff as part of a class project to help better VU’s current student portal. The upgrades should improve efficiency and enhance the student experience as they access all information relevant to their time at VU. IT students are conducting testing, creating visual resources such as tutorial videos and PDFs, and training a pilot group.

Newly appointed Executive Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Jaci Lederman and Director of IT Security Levi Ramsey also highlighted the significant cybersecurity investments VU has made in the last 1 ½ years to maintain the integrity of systems and to protect students, faculty, and staff from data breaches. They presented detailed reports regarding the University’s digital transformation and modernization. They also shared updates on upgrades like the new cloud phone system and the conversion of more learning spaces to smart classrooms.

Interim Admissions Director Sarah McLin spotlighted the tremendous growth of students enrolling in VU bachelor’s degree programs and the substantial recruitment efforts driving the increase. McLin also shared she is very positive that VU will up the number of admitted students and enrolled students over the next few months before Fall Semester 2023. She reported to Trustees that it is still early in enrollment but noted VU is enjoying an increase in admitted applications at almost all campuses

During the meeting, Trustee and First Vice Chair Mike Sievers provided an update on the upcoming renovations of the Green Activities Center and the awarding of nearly $2 million in contracts.

The Board took action on the following items:

• Trustees approved several curriculum items, including the addition of a Pre-Health Care Professional Certificate that is being developed to support a partnership with Knox County high schools and offers students interested in a healthcare profession the opportunity to earn a certificate in a high-demand field and a chance to stack required course into a VU healthcare degree. 
• Board members approved an Aviation Maintenance Technology – Military Airframe Certificate, Aviation Maintenance Technology – Military Powerplant Certificate, and an Education – Intense Interventions Certificate. The Intense Interventions Certificate will help meet the demands for teachers in the area of intense interventions and ensure students in Indiana who have intense needs are being taught by teachers licensed in that area. 
• New concentrations in Aviation Maintenance Technology - Military Airframe and Aviation Maintenance Technology – Military Powerplant were approved.
• The Board suspended a Supply Chain Logistics certificate, a Supply Chain Logistics Management associate degree program, and a Pre-Law Program. VU continues to offer an associate degree in Legal Studies.

2023-24 PROMOTION AND TENURE LIST

VU faculty members who received tenure:

Ann Herman, College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication, Education

Scott Wallace, College of Technology, Precision Machining, Advanced CNC Machining

VU faculty members promoted to the rank of professor:

Amanda Haag, College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, Mathematics

Ann Herman, College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication, Education

Matthew Norman, College of Humanities, English

VU faculty members promoted to the rank of associate professor:

Jessie Davis, College of Humanities, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Aiqin Fang, College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, Chemistry

Lisa Miller, College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication, Education 

VU faculty members promoted to assistant professor:

Geoffrey Hodgson, College of Health Sciences and Human Performance, Funeral Services Education

Jon Mckinney, College of Technology, Aviation

VU staff member promoted to professional staff level IV:

Shanni Simmons, Extended Studies, Assistant Vice President of Lifelong Learning

VU staff members promoted to professional staff level III:

Cheryl Litherland, Curriculum and Instruction, COPE Student Support Services

Jennifer Meadows, Generations, Options Counselor

Jacob MacGibbon, Military Education Program, Florida Site Director

Jennifer Robinson, Workforce Development Services, Jobs for America’s Graduates Program Manager

Alex Sievers, Military Education Program, Indiana Military Education Program Director

VU staff members promoted to professional staff level II:

Jayme Bellman, Workforce Development Services, Jobs for America’s Graduates Specialist

Shaun Brames, Workforce Development Services, Jobs for America’s Graduates College and Career Success Program Manager

Aimee Cummings, Old Post Bookstore, Manager – Marketing and Merchandise

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