March 29, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS - A student in the award-winning Vincennes University Jobs for America’s Graduates College Success Program dominated a state competition at the annual JAG Indiana State Career Development Conference.

VU Homeland Security and Public Safety major Mason Caudill of North Judson, Indiana, won first place in the College Success Program category and had the opportunity to meet Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on March 17. Competitors delivered presentations explaining their career pathways and shared the benefits of participating in the JAG College Success Program.

Caudill also placed first in the College Success Program division in 2021.

According to Caudill, "It was an honor to be able to compete in the state JAG CDC. It feels awesome to know that I am a two-time champion of this event. It was great to meet Governor Holcomb. I enjoyed sharing my story about how the VU JAG College Success Program has helped me during my college career.”

JAG is a state-based, national organization committed to supporting young people of great promise and focuses on helping them reach economic and academic success.

VU JAG College and Career Success Program Manager Shaun Brames is elated with Caudill’s first-place finish and achievements. 

“We are so proud of Mason for the effort that he has put into being a two-time winner at the JAG State Career Development Conference,” Brames said. “We are even more proud of all the work he has put into his studies at Vincennes University these past four years.”

Caudill will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety from VU in April.

“I really want to thank Shaun Brames for all the help he has given me with homework and career planning over the past four years, and for always being there for me,” Caudill said.

The VU JAG College Success Program was awarded a National Educational Leadership Award in 2020 in recognition of the extraordinary leadership and support VU contributes to America’s most successful program in helping young, promising students learn in-demand employability skills, pursue postsecondary education, and enjoy career advancement opportunities.

VU hosts a JAG Summer Academy annually for nearly 200 high school students on the Vincennes Campus. The weeklong immersive experience focuses on college survival strategies, college readiness, and leadership development activities. It also highlights the outstanding opportunities offered at VU.

To learn more about the VU JAG College Success Program and VU JAG Summer Academy, explore www.vinu.edu/web/workforce-development/jag-college-success.

# # #