USI Board of Trustees approves new degree in statistics, reviews campus master plan

At its regular meeting on Thursday, March 1, the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees approved a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Statistics degree program to be offered through the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. The proposed degree program moves next to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for approval.

The proposed program will support the Pott College's commitment to prepare individuals with rigorous and diverse experiences, both within the program and across the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Students pursuing degrees in mathematics, computer science, social science, or other programs may complement their degrees with coursework or a second major in statistics.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates statisticians will be the ninth fastest growing occupation in the 10-year period from 2014 to 2024 with an estimated growth rate of 34 percent. Similarly, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development's Occupational Demand Report estimates that there will be a 39 percent increase in the need for statisticians in Indiana across the same period. This ranks as the fourth largest change in the state, and the third largest change among occupations requiring a college degree.

In other business, the USI Board of Trustees heard a report on the new 10-year campus master plan from SmithGroupJJR, the lead consultants on the planning team. The plan, a result of a 12-month process beginning in January 2017, ensures that near-term physical projects align with long-term goals and strategic plans.

The board also approved retirements, including those of Dr. Linda L. M. Bennett, president, and Cindy Brinker, vice president for Government and University Relations. The conferral of degrees was approved for the spring 2018 Commencement Exercises on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28.