Trustees Nate Myers, left, and Kate Wise, right, take the oath of office as University Attorney Brent Stuckey administers it.

December 05, 2024

VINCENNES, Ind. - The Vincennes University Board of Trustees welcomed two new trustees, approved a significant investment in VU's Aviation Flight program, and extended the contract of VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson at its latest meeting.

Newly appointed Trustees Nate Myers (Spencer, Indiana) and Kate Wise (Depauw, Indiana) took the oath of office to officially begin their service at the Board's meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the Shake Learning Resource Center.

Myers is vice president and general manager of Cook Polymer Technology and K-Tube Technologies. In his more than 20-year career with Cook Medical, he has served in multiple roles, including engineering management, operations management, and site/company leadership. He has been active with VU as a Center for Applied Robotics and Automation (CARA) Advisory Board member and through VU's close relationship VU with Cook Medical. Myers earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Strategic Management from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. He graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Wise is the new Student Trustee. She should graduate with an associate degree in Legal Studies in Spring 2025. She plans to continue her studies at VU to earn a bachelor's degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety. Wise serves as treasurer of the Legal Studies Club and secretary of the Bass Fishing Club. She also works as a tour guide in the Admissions Office. After VU, Wise plans to enroll in law school and become a practicing attorney.

Gov. Eric Holcomb appoints VU trustees. Myers replaces Rick Schach, who retired from the Board. His term expires on Oct. 4, 2026. Wise will serve until Oct. 5, 2025.

"We're excited to welcome Nate and Kate," Johnson said. "We look forward to working with you on the important work we must do as a Board."

VU to purchase new airplane fleet

The Board demonstrated a strong commitment to the future of VU's Aviation Flight program by approving a significant investment in a program that produces graduates who enjoy great success in high-demand careers.

The Board approved an airplane replacement proposal to purchase nine Cirrus SR20 airplanes for VU's Aviation Technology Center in Indianapolis for nearly $6.7 million. Trustee Scott Brand commented that these planes are among the safest in the aviation industry.

To offset the total cost of $6,672,042 dollars, VU will apply the sale of its existing fleet of planes ($2,976,000) and tap into a plane replacement fund ($2,768,782) established in 2018 to fund future aircraft purchases for a net payout of $927,260. The new aircraft will replace the ATC's current airplane fleet.

VU President receives contract extension, Board officers reelected

The Trustees recognized Johnson's exceptional leadership by unanimously voting to extend his contract an additional year. Johnson's employment contract will run through Dec. 31, 2027.

Trustees unanimously reelected the following Board officers: Reggie Henderson was elected as First Vice Chair; Scott Brand was elected Second Vice Chair; and J.R. Gaylor was elected Secretary.

Trustees hear reports

The Board heard several reports from multiple VU leaders, including Senior Director of External Relations Sarah Fortune. She highlighted the exciting launch of virtual reality (VR) tours and immersive 360-degree experiences. In 2025, students can visit the VU website to find out how much money they can earn based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

As part of her report, Director of Admissions Sarah McLin noted an increase in applications, admitted students, and enrolled students for Spring 2025 at all campuses, except for the American Sign Language & Deaf Studies Campus in Indianapolis. She also shared that the VU is seeing a trend of higher applications for Fall 2025 in months that it historically hasn't. She imparted the exciting news that a new faculty portal and a redesign of the student portal will launch soon.

The Board also heard from Dr. Sarah Alderfer, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFE). She detailed new initiatives, including a department chair network, faculty fellows, and thank-a-prof, which collects messages of praise from Trailblazers. She provided an outlook on how the CAFÉ continues to empower faculty by expanding tools, strategies, and support.

President's Remarks

• VU's Mid-Year Commencement is on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center. Johnson noted that more than 600 degrees will be conferred to graduates with around 112 accepting them in person.
• Johnson touted the VU faculty and staff for their support of the University community and greater community, including a Thanksgiving in a Bag food drive and Sandy's Pantry donations for VU students, the 2024 Christmas Families Project, which will provide gifts for 30 families and 67 children in the community, Toys for Tots, and Generations' Build-a-Basket campaign which provides holiday baskets for the region's older adults. 

VU Athletics teams celebrated

The Board welcomed VU's Cross Country and Volleyball student-athletes to the meeting and recognized them for their extraordinary Fall 2024 seasons.

The four-time defending Region 24 champion volleyball squad advanced far into the postseason, reaching a NJCAA Division I Midwest District A Semifinal. The season also included a 30-13 overall record, with the graduating class securing its second 30-win season and second region championship, plus compiling an overall record of 62-20 in two seasons. Isadora Dias, Elisa Dalla Pozza, Laura Tavares, and Libby Mehringer earned All-Region 24 honors. Dias was also honored as a NJCAA Division I Third Team All-American and the NJCAA Division I Region 24 Player of the Year.

The VU Men's and Women's Cross Country teams wrapped up the fall with seventh-place finishes in the 2024 NJCAA Half Marathon Championships. Anis Abdaoui won the NJCAA Region 24 Men's individual championship, while the Trailblazers successfully defended their men's and women's team titles at the same meet.

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