Leslie Townsend has been appointed director of Historic Southern Indiana, a University outreach program that promotes the historic, natural, and recreational resources of a 26-county region in southern Indiana. The appointment was effective July 1.

Townsend has been associated with Historic Southern Indiana for more than a decade. She worked closely with its founder, Dr. Darrel Bigham, professor emeritus of history, in shaping the program and developing plans that continue to move it forward. She has served as interim director since January while Bigham enjoyed a sabbatical semester before retirement.

“Leslie was enthusiastically supported as the new director by the members of the Historic Southern Indiana Board,” said Dr. M. Edward Jones, dean of Extended Services. “Her awareness of the region and her skills in developing collaboration among the diverse constituents of Historic Southern Indiana made her a natural for the director’s position. Leslie’s plans for future programs and new partnerships to promote the region’s historical strengths and expand heritage tourism opportunities are exciting.

“In the next five years, many of southern Indiana’s river towns celebrate bicentennials. The Lincoln Bicentennial is next year, and the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is just around the corner. Leslie and Historic Southern Indiana will be at the forefront in helping emphasize our region’s important role in U.S. history and working with USI departments and other regional stakeholders to develop educational programs and tourism around these events.”

Townsend joined the University in 1990 as an admission counselor and was appointed assistant director of Admission in 1996. She became program coordinator for Historic Southern Indiana the following year and assistant director in 2005.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history and sociology and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree from USI.