Sickman selected to serve as USI Vice President for Finance and Administration

Jeff Sickman has been selected to serve as Vice President for Finance and Administration at the University of Southern Indiana, effective Wednesday, October 1. He will report to Steve Bridges, USI President, and will serve on the USI President’s Cabinet and Council. 

Most recently, Sickman, a two-time USI alumnus, served as Director of Faith Formation and Finance at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Newburgh. Prior to that role, his career at USI spans over 30 years. While at USI, Sickman held several leadership roles, including Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration, Controller and Assistant Treasurer. 

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Sickman for much of my 36-year career at USI, and he has served the University well in every position he has held,” said Bridges. “We are excited to welcome him back, and I look forward to the many ways his leadership will continue to advance the University and strengthen its long-term financial stability.” 

As Vice President for Finance and Administration, Sickman will serve as the chief business and fiscal officer of the University. He will provide administrative direction and management in formulating policies and guidelines pertaining to financial planning and business operations to include development, implementation, and coordination of business and financial programs, policies and procedures. 

"I appreciate the opportunity to return to USI as Vice President for Finance and Administration, and I am grateful for the trust that President Bridges has placed in me,” Sickman says. “I look forward to working with him and the entire University community to invest in strategic initiatives that promote enrollment growth and serve the educational, cultural and economic development needs of the region and the state. I am honored to continue the legacy of financial stewardship that precedes me, and I am confident that the best days of USI are in front of us." 

He will be responsible for overseeing the University’s overall budget, which includes state appropriations, tuition and fees and other funding sources. He will also advise the President on fiscal affairs and provide leadership to ensure the integrity of the University’s financial, personnel and management reporting systems. 

In addition, Sickman will work closely with the President, Vice Presidents, Deans and the Board of Trustees to identify budget challenges and opportunities, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, local and University regulations. The role also serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, represents the University on financial matters and prepares finance-related agenda items for Board of Trustees meetings including the Finance and Audit Committee. 

Beyond fiscal oversight, Sickman will direct and coordinate multiple areas critical to supporting the University’s mission, including the Business Office, Facilities Operations and Planning, Information Technology, Campus Store, Auxiliary Operations and Internal Auditing. He will often collaborate with students and University leadership on facilities planning, financing, construction and maintenance, while ensuring the proper management and investment of University assets. Additionally, he will play a key role in strategic and master planning, developing policies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and presenting the University’s strategic plan to internal and external stakeholders. 

Sickman earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1993 and a master’s degree in business administration in 2000, both from USI.