December 17, 2024

VINCENNES, Ind. - Jaci Lederman, the Executive Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Vincennes University, has proudly been selected for the 20th cohort of Tobias Fellows by The Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence at Indiana University.

Lederman is one of 22 exceptionally talented and experienced leaders chosen for the prestigious yearlong interactive program.

According to VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, "Jaci's extraordinary leadership and extensive knowledge have been pivotal in transforming Vincennes University. She has successfully modernized our technology landscape, making a lasting impact on the VU Community. Her selection as a Tobias Fellow is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions."

The Tobias Fellows program focuses on cultivating skills that help fellows further develop personal leadership and ensure an immediate impact on their institutions and organizations. Fellows engage in leadership retreats and one-on-one executive coaching sessions and work toward mastering key leadership competencies, including mindset, vision, perspective, collaboration, communication, and self-awareness.

Lederman is eager for the unique leadership development opportunities she’ll experience as a fellow.

Lederman said, “Joining the Tobias Fellows excites me! It will enhance my knowledge, broaden my perspectives, foster unparalleled connections, and challenge me to grow into a more impactful leader. I can't wait to embrace this incredible journey."

Her professional career and previous IT leadership in Southwest Indiana is nothing short of impressive. A VU graduate, Lederman started as a faculty member in the Information Technology program in 2011, eventually achieving the professor rank and serving as the department chair for more than five years. Before becoming the Executive Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer in 2023, Lederman served as the University’s Director of Enterprise Applications.

Lederman has led VU’s IT modernization and digital transformation. She has been instrumental in launching the new VU-X internal portal and app, as well as multiple other software tools. She also founded the inaugural VU Women IN Tech Symposium and Showcase in 2024. Lederman demonstrates a deep commitment to community service and is a dedicated volunteer for United Way's Day of Caring, consistently giving time and effort to support impactful initiatives.

Her qualifications include a range of credentials, including IT, cybersecurity, and project management certifications, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in IT Management from Western Governors University, a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix, and an Associate of Science in Computer Programming from VU.

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