VINCENNES, Ind. – Tony Hahn has been named Vice President of Government Relations for Vincennes University, President Chuck Johnson announced Thursday.

Hahn has served since 2012 as Director of State Relations and Policy Analysis for Purdue University.

“Tony is someone who has developed a great reputation among legislators and key stakeholders in the state,” Johnson said. “He’s well respected by his peers. VU is very fortunate to have him join our team.”

Before his work at Purdue, he served as Deputy Director and Chief of Staff in the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. His experience also includes private law practice.

Hahn, a Greensburg native, earned his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management from Purdue in 1999. He also is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Law.

“Tony brings a great background to this position,” said Board of Trustees Chairman John Stachura. “I and the Board look forward to working with him to help advance VU’s priorities and mission.”

Hahn succeeds longtime Vice President for Financial Services and Government Relations Phil Rath, who passed away in July. Hahn’s appointment begins Nov. 1.

“There is a lot of energy in the state behind workforce initiatives in higher education policy,” Johnson said. “VU is in the mix in all of those discussions, and with Tony in this role, we are sure to stay in the mix.”

Hahn is excited about the new opportunity.

“VU is well positioned for the workforce challenges in Indiana,” he said. “VU can be a leader in meeting the future of workforce in Indiana. Phil put VU on a great path. I’m joining an incredible team in the VU family.”

Hahn’s deep passion as an advocate for higher education comes from personal experience. Hahn, who grew up on his family’s farm in Decatur County, was a first-generation, Pell-eligible student when he attended Purdue.

“I am really passionate about VU’s mission and the student body it serves,” he said. “I know the impact higher education can make on a family, on a life, and life’s trajectory.”

During visits with Rath, Hahn said he was impressed with VU’s campuses and the University’s many assets that encourage students’ success.

“I want to listen to the VU stories of student, faculty, staff, and administration when I get there,” he said. “One of the reasons I’m coming to VU is everyone I’ve met who works for VU has a deep passion for the community and the institution, and I want to hear their stories.

“In the Statehouse, we are essentially storytellers. I need to be able to convey and relay that passion into good education policy and good outcomes.”

Hahn is active in the community, serving as an advisory board member for the Irsay Family YMCA in Indianapolis and on the Next Indiana, GRAD, & Career Ready Editorial Advisory Board. He previously served on Purdue’s College of Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Council and the National FFA Convention Local Organizing Committee. Hahn also volunteers as a Cub Scouts Cubmaster. He was recognized for exceptional service as a recipient of an Honorary American FFA Degree.

He and his wife, Beth Hahn, a practicing attorney, have two children, Evan and Caroline. He will split his time between Vincennes and his office in Indianapolis.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. A leader in developing Early Colleges statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 36 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

###

Vincennes University Newsroom

MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom