Martha Baker

The meeting included the Chairman's remarks, which reported on an Executive Session regarding the President's evaluation and contract extension until December 31, 2028. The Board unanimously approved the evaluation and extension. The Personnel & Nominating Committee recommended and the Board approved the re-election of several officers for another year. Key action items involved accepting two naming opportunities for the new Center for Health Sciences and Learning Innovation facility supported by donations from the McCormick Family and Cyrus and Margaret Adams, with proceeds supporting scholarships. The Board also approved submitting two major capital projects to the state for approval due to exceeding the $2 million threshold: the Clark Residence Hall Renovation (estimated at $2.9 million) and the Steam Plant Renovation (estimated at $3.5 million). A Conflict of Interest statement for Trustee J.R. Gaylor regarding his financial interest with Associated Builders & Contractors of Indiana was accepted, with Trustee Gaylor abstaining from the vote. Administrative reports covered AI's impact on teaching and learning, including the development of an AI Guidebook and a Student AI Literacy Course. Reports on student success highlighted improvements in fall-to-fall retention (from 57% in 2017 to 69.9% in 2025) and graduation rates. A strategic plan update reaffirmed six broad priority areas with corresponding Key Performance Indicators, covering enrollment growth, student success, sustainability, culture, operational excellence, and reputation. The President announced several personnel transitions, including new Interim Deans for Colleges of Health Sciences and Human Performance and Technology, and welcomed the new Executive Director of Human Resources. Other announcements included the Midyear Commencement plans, recognition as an Aspen Prize-eligible institution, the 50th anniversary of the Dual Credit program, and requests for Lilly Endowment funding related to AI.

This Strategic Plan for Vincennes University outlines a roadmap for 2026-2030, aiming to enhance student success, institutional excellence, and community impact. It establishes six institutional priorities: Enrollment Growth and Diversification, Student Success and Career Readiness, Sustainability and Growth, People and Organizational Culture, Operational Excellence and Innovation, and Institutional Reputation and Strategic Communications. The plan reaffirms a commitment to high-quality, affordable education, expanding opportunities for all learners, and strengthening the university's role in regional and state economic and community development, with a vision to innovate and build futures.

The meeting included the re-election of the Board Chair, a proposal for investment in flight simulators, and an update on the Program Review with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. There was also a review of the University's free speech policy and an annual update from the VU Foundation, highlighting the growth of the VU Endowment. Updates were provided on the Amazon and Walmart training programs, and the President shared encouraging news on enrollment trends and student support programs. The grand opening of the Health Sciences and Innovative Learning Center and the Skelton Museum addition were also discussed.

The meeting included updates from the VU-Jasper Campus, focusing on enrollment increases, partnerships with local high schools and medical centers, and the success of graduates. There was also a presentation on external relations, highlighting relationship building, brand consistency, and marketing strategies. An update on enrollment showed increases at the Vincennes and Jasper Campuses. The board discussed a partnership with Marian University for the Riverside Education and Innovation District (REID), focusing on career and technical education programs. The President's comments included recognition of staff promotions, updates on construction projects, budget decisions due to state and federal cuts, and a review of DEI programs, which led to the council's name change to the Council for People, Access, and Community (CPAC).

The meeting included reports from various committees, including the Personnel & Nominating Committee, which recommended the re-election of the Board Chair, and the Finance/Revenue Committee, which discussed and approved bids for the Skelton Museum REBID project. The VU Foundation provided an annual update, highlighting donations, scholarships, and new capital projects. The President's comments covered topics such as peer recognition recipients, new athletic director, encouraging fall census numbers, campus improvements, Women IN Tech week, the Latino Initiative, expanded partnership with the University of Evansville, and planning for the next Strategic Plan. The board also discussed University policies related to tenure, cultural diversity, institutional neutrality, and foreign contracting.