The University Mission
American education assumes a link between the truth of an idea and the good it promotes for individuals and society. An educated person can be expected not only to be knowledgeable and more financially secure, but also a better citizen, among whose virtues are tolerance, judgment, and belief in freedom for self and others. These values develop in an atmosphere of open inquiry and pursuit of truth. Therefore, as the University of Southern Indiana seeks to support education, social and economic growth, and civic and cultural awareness in southwestern Indiana, it will be devoted primarily to preparing students to live wisely.The University of Southern Indiana is a broad-based institution offering instruction, research, and service. A liberal arts and science curriculum serves as the foundation of knowledge for all programs and complements undergraduate programs leading to careers in business, engineering, government, health professions, education, and related fields. Selected master’s degrees serve persons in professional and technical studies. As a public institution, the University of Southern Indiana counsels and assists business and industry and social, educational, governmental, and health agencies to higher levels of efficiency and improved services.
The University was established in 1965 as a branch campus of Indiana State
University with a regional mission, in response to a need for public higher
education in southwestern Indiana. In 1985, the legislature created the University
of Southern Indiana as a separate statewide public university. This change
in structure and mission was best delineated by then-Governor Robert D. Orr
in his charge to the Board of Trustees at its first meeting:
“You have a statutory mission that is laid out in the bill passed by the
legislature, and it is going to take a lot of effort on the part of everyone
to live up to those requirements as they have been spelled out by the Indiana
General Assembly. This is now a statewide institution, and it is important that
this point be emphasized. Heretofore, this has been a branch campus of Indiana
State University, and it has been understood to be regional in nature. It was
created to accomplish a regional mission...just as other branch campuses around
the state. Now this is a state institution in the fullest sense of the word.”
Community leaders have supported the University in providing a solid base for
its present success and future growth. The University is expected to grow moderately
in the years ahead as it seeks to positively affect postsecondary attainment
levels in Indiana. To this end, the University emphasizes programs and services
for traditional college-age students as well as for part-time, commuting, and
older students. It has developed partnerships with high schools and has expanded
opportunities for individuals in the workplace. The University is an institution
which students choose for the strength of its academic programs and the quality
of its student life.
A board of nine trustees, appointed by the Governor, governs the University.
This board must include one alumnus of the University, one current student,
and one resident of Vanderburgh County. Trustee terms are four years, except
the student term, which is two years. The board has powers and duties common
to other public postsecondary institutions in the State of Indiana.
The 1989 Indiana General Assembly authorized the trustees of the University
to construct, acquire, operate, and manage student housing facilities and to
issue revenue obligations for this purpose. The Commission for Higher Education
approved the transfer of ownership of student housing from a nonprofit foundation
to the University of Southern Indiana in February 1994. The addition of housing
facilities enables students to take full advantage of the educational, cultural,
and recreational benefits that a residential campus offers.
Excellence in teaching will continue to be the most important criterion in
faculty recruitment. At the same time, the ability to do research, to engage
in continuous scholarly and creative work, and to provide service, primarily
to the region and the state, will be important additional qualifications.
A major emphasis of the University of Southern Indiana is the delivery of credit
programs. The primary curricular offerings include liberal arts, pre-professional,
professional, technical, and occupational programs at the associate, baccalaureate,
and master’s levels. The University provides comprehensive outreach and
public service programs of short duration – including workshops, conferences,
seminars, and instructional courses. These programs will increase as the University
continues to address economic, social, and cultural needs in Region 13 as well
as in the state. The University’s location in Evansville, the center
of a predominantly rural region dotted with smaller population centers, gives
it opportunities to increase educational access by both traditional means as
well as through innovative instructional delivery systems, including active
participation in the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunications Systems networks
and other technology-based instruction.
The University welcomes appropriate partnerships for providing services to
its constituency and cooperates with public and private universities, hospitals,
and libraries to achieve this objective. The University participates with area
business, industry, social and governmental agencies for research and development
related to the problems and concerns of business development, labor-management
relations, tourism and recreation, health-care delivery, gerontology, energy
development, and environmental-quality analysis. Community groups often use
campus facilities for the purpose of meetings, programs, services, and instruction.
The University works in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Natural
Resources to manage historic properties and tourism programs in New Harmony,
Indiana, a community with a rich intellectual and cultural inheritance. The
community provides opportunities for research and laboratory learning experiences
which benefit both the town and the University.
The University provides a comprehensive range of support services for students.
These include academic skills development, child care, counseling, financial
aid, placement, housing, health services, student activities, and both recreational
and intercollegiate athletics. The University of Southern Indiana participates
in Division II intercollegiate athletics and is a member of the Great Lakes
Valley Conference.
The University admits graduates of commissioned high schools in the state of
Indiana who successfully complete college preparatory courses in English, mathematics,
science, and social studies with at least a C average. Other students will
be considered for admission to the University based on past academic performance
and promise for future success.
The University is accredited at the baccalaureate and master’s levels
by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Programs in business,
education, engineering technology, social work, and the health professions
are accredited by the appropriate professional organizations and state agencies.
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A Video Message from Dr. Bennett
In January 2010, President Bennett met with groups of University faculty and staff to discuss the higher education funding environment in the state of Indiana and how it affects USI. Click above to view Dr. Bennett's presentation slides.
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University of Southern Indiana
8600 University Boulevard
Evansville, Indiana 47712
Phone: 812/464-1756
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