Steven J. Bridges became the fifth President of the University of Southern Indiana on April 2, 2025, following an interim appointment that began July 20, 2024. A two-time graduate of USI, Bridges is the first alumnus to serve as President of the institution.
Bridges earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from USI in 1989 and a master’s degree in business administration in 1995. His longstanding commitment to the University began the same year he earned his undergraduate degree, when he joined USI as a Staff Accountant. Over the next 35 years, he held increasingly senior leadership roles, including Controller, Business Office Director and Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA)—a role he held from 2015 until his appointment as President.
As VPFA, Bridges served as USI’s chief business and fiscal officer, overseeing the financial operations of the institution, including Budgeting, Accounting, Procurement, Human Resources, Information Technology, Facility Operations and Planning, Public Safety and more. He led initiatives related to debt and investment management, student loan accounting, food services, auxiliary operations, and the completion of University financial statements.
Among his major accomplishments are the completion of the largest single bond issuance in USI history and an auxiliary system bond issuance that briefly held the lowest rate in the history of Indiana higher education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his financial leadership ensured that USI avoided layoffs or terminations, an uncommon feat in the higher education sector at that time.
In earlier leadership roles, Bridges led the campus-wide implementation of the Banner administrative system, delivering the complex project on schedule and within budget. He chaired numerous internal committees focused on institutional effectiveness and long-term financial planning.
Beyond his service to USI, Bridges is active in community and regional organizations. A longtime supporter of Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana, he has served as Treasurer, Finance/Audit Committee Chair and on the Long-Range Property Plan Committee. He also holds leadership and board roles with WNIN, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, Holy Name Church Finance Committee, Ohio Valley Conference Board of Presidents and Indiana Chamber of Commerce. He serves as Chair of the Audit Committee for the Central Association of College and University Business Officers.
Bridges’ professional legacy is one of integrity, strategic leadership and dedication to the mission of public higher education. As both an alumnus and long-serving administrator, he brings a deep understanding of the University’s values and its impact on the region and beyond.
Bridges resides in Henderson, Kentucky, with his wife, Rosemary. They are the proud parents of three adult children and have four grandchildren, with a fifth on the way.
