News

Top 10 VU Stories of 2024

Female students wearing hard hats and scrubs while holding shovels inside boxes filled with dirt that have Vincennes University printed on them.

December 19, 2024

Reflecting on the 2024 stories from VU News fills us with pride for our extraordinary milestones, innovative achievements, and the collective successes we've celebrated together!

Overhead view of the Center for Health Sciences construction site filled with vehicles surrounding the unfinished building.

Celebrating construction of Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning

VU launched its largest single building project ever in with the groundbreaking of the $33.9 million Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning on Feb. 19, 2024. The new 72,000-square-foot, two-story facility aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure and address critical workforce needs in various communities. Each year, hundreds of VU graduates enter the workforce as healthcare professionals, making a significant impact in their fields.

VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson speaking to a large audience of VU students and families at New Student Orientation.

VU welcomes largest incoming class since 2021

VU made an impressive start for the 2024-25 Academic Year. The Vincennes Campus welcomed its largest incoming class since 2021, with nearly 1,100 new students at the beginning of Fall Semester 2024.

Ro Whittington embracing her husband, Shorty Whittington

History-making gift supports faculty and agriculture innovation

VU celebrated a significant milestone with the donation of a historic faculty endowment gift from Ro and Shorty Whittington. The Whittington Endowed Faculty Fund marks VU’s first-ever endowment specifically for faculty support. Their generous gift of $750,000 will enhance faculty development and promote agricultural innovation. Five VU faculty members were appointed as inaugural Roy and Shorty Whittington Endowed Professors.

A diverse foursome representing VU stands behind a table with a VU tablecloth and recruitment materials.

"¡Te Estamos Esperando!" campaign launches 

VU unveiled its new Spanish-language campaign "¡Te Estamos Esperando!" (We Are Waiting for You!) plus new scholarships to empower Latinx/Hispanic students and a myriad of additional support for students.

A cohort of many apprentinces wearing graduation gowns and cap, with some seated and standing with some holding diploma covere are flanked by staff and faculty.

Amazon and VU partnership surpasses 1,000 apprentices

The Amazon Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship program at VU hit a major milestone in late 2024. The Amazon-VU partnership has graduated 1,038 apprentices and 60 cohorts. VU was the first university to partner with Amazon in this exceptional apprenticeship.

3 male instructors and a female instructor look at a collaborative robot arm and a computer screen.

Collaborative robots take over Early College sites

VU's Center for Applied Robotics and Automation (CARA) made a significant advancement in education and technology by implementing 12 collaborative robots, also known as cobots, across eight Early College career centers in Indiana.

A diverse group of smiling female Nursing students with some of the crossing their arms.

Forbes Advisor recognizes RN-to-BSN Online Bachelor’s Degree

Forbes Advisor recognized VU as one of the Best RN-to-BSN Online Programs in 2024 and also as one of the Best Affordable RN-to-BSN Online Programs of 2024. It's a proud moment that highlights VU’s position as a leader in online nursing education.

A diverse group of young male and female college students are wearing white lab coats and smiling.

Perfect acceptance to pharmacy schools for 15 straight years 

VU has maintained a perfect 100% acceptance rate to pharmacy schools across the country for an impressive 15 consecutive years. This notable achievement highlights the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to preparing students for successful careers in the pharmaceutical industry.

Harry Meeks sitting on a chair on the sideline of a basketball court and pointing while a female player sits next to him.

Legendary AD and Hall of Fame Coach Harry Meeks retires

VU honored the extraordinary career of Harry Meeks, retired athletic director and hall of fame women's basketball coach. After 33 years of dedicated service, Meeks retired in June 2024, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in VU athletics and beyond.

A large and diverse group of male and female college students wearing eclipse glasses and pointing toward the sky.

A Mesmerizing Experience: The Total Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, VU hosted the Total Eclipse of the Heartland. Vincennes experienced the longest duration of darkness in Indiana, lasting four minutes and five seconds. The Vincennes Campus became a prime destination for sky gazers and astronomy enthusiasts during the "Great North American Eclipse."

For more VU News, explore vinu.edu/news

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