University of Southern Indiana

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University of Southern Indiana Campus map.

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is a public university in Evansville, Indiana. This publicly-funded institution is rapidly growing and is the fastest growing comprehensive state university in Indiana.^[2] Fall enrollment figures in 2004 broke 10,000 students for the first time. The University boasts a modern 300-acre suburban campus situated within wooded rolling hills.^[3]

[edit] History

[edit] Regional campus

The University of Southern Indiana began in 1965 as a regional branch of Indiana State University, which is located in Terre Haute. Classes were originally held in a former elementary school on the west side of Evansville known as Centennial School – denoting the year it was built in 1876. The property was leased from Bristol-Myers Squibb, which still has a large facility nearby.

In 1971, the school moved to its current campus on the extreme western edge of Evansville. The first buildings constructed were the original Library and the University Center. Slowly the school built facilities, as funding became available during the Indiana State University-Evansville period.

[edit] Independence

The relationship with Indiana State University was an awkward one from the start. Local leaders, who were not pleased with the level of support, contended that if the campus was to thrive it would need to gain independent status.^[4] A coordinated effort was made to establish the campus as an independent state university.

Opposition came immediately from Indiana State University along with Indiana and Purdue universities, which were concerned that granting the campus independence would set a precedence for other small branch campuses around the state.^[4] However, the local campus continued to rally support from state legislators, business leaders, and local groups.

In 1985, independence was finally granted when Robert D. Orr signed the school's charter and started a new chapter as the University of Southern Indiana. Since gaining its independence, USI's growth has continued to where it is now the fastest growing comprehensive university in the state.^[5] The University established student housing, diversified the programs offered, and enrollment has more than doubled since gaining its independence.

[edit] Student body

Over 10,000 students enrolled at USI in the fall of 2006. Although the student population is largely local and regional, the international student population is growing each year.^[6] The University reported students came from 90 Indiana counties, 36 other states, and 42 other nations for the 2006-2007 academic year. Additionally, more than 15,000 people participate annually in continuing education courses and special programs sponsored by the Division of Extended Services.^[7] Over 20,000 students have graduated since 1971. Nearly 75% of USI's graduates remain in Indiana. Annual credit enrollment is expected to exceed 11,000 in the next five years. The University serves an additional 9,000 persons annually through comprehensive noncredit programs of short duration.

[edit] Campus

A place to rest.

Trees on campus near a skyway connecting the student union with the old library.

In 1967, the Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc., (SIHE) acquired 1,400 acres. Since September 1969, the University has occupied 300 acres, most of which was donated by SIHE. Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. still owns 1,100 acres for development of higher education opportunities.

Nearly all students who live on campus (with the exception of some freshmen who are housed in modern suite-style facilities) are assigned large apartments with full kitchens.

A new building for the School of Business, opened in 1990, was named the Orr Center in honor of Governor Robert Orr, an Evansville native. Since then, four other large buildings have been built for the Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Education divisions, as well as a large fitness center for students and faculty. The number of classrooms has more than doubled since the campus was first opened, but the University is still planning for continued growth.

Construction was recently completed on the David L. Rice Library, which opened in the fall semester of 2006. The building is five stories and features computer access, study tables/rooms, and copy machines located on each floor. The first floor is also home to a Starbucks. With the growth of extracurricular organizations, the administration chose to convert the old library building into an extension of the University Center and is connected by an elevated walkway. A new building for the College of Business is being planned along with several other construction and renovation projects.

[edit] Academics

[edit] Colleges and Divisions

University of Southern Indiana is organized into five degree-granting colleges and two non-degree-granting divisions:

• College of Business
  • containing the Departments of: Accounting and Business Law, Economics and Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Applied Computer Science, and Marketing and Business Communication
• Bower-Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services
  • containing the Departments of: Social Work, Physical Education, and Teacher Education
• College of Liberal Arts
  • containing the Departments of: Art, Music, and Theatre, Communications, English, Foreign Language, History, Philosophy and Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• College of Nursing and Health Professions
  • with academic programs in Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Imaging Sciences, Respiratory Therapy, Health Services, and Food and Nutrition
• Pott College of Science and Engineering
  • containing the Departments of: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geology and Physics, and Mathematics
• University Division
• Extended Services Division

[edit] Faculty

The USI Multicultural Center office works to build diversity awareness among students as it relates to race, gender, religion, nationality, age, sexual orientation, and disabilites.^[8]

USI reported in the 2006-2007 academic year that it employed 557 full-time faculty, lecturers, and academic administrators, and 264 part-time faculty.^[9] Each college is led by a dean who reports to the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

The Indiana University School of Medicine - Evansville Center, housed in the Health Professions Center, is one of eight regional divisions throughout the state. The center provides classes for first- and second-year medical students.

[edit] Degrees

• Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Health Administration
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Science in Accountancy
• Master of Science in Education (Elementary and Secondary)
• Master of Science in Industrial Management
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
• Master of Social Work

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of General Studies
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Social Work

• Associate of Arts
• Associate of Science
• Associate of Science in Nursing

[edit] Accreditation

The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and carries several discipline-specific accreditations as well. After the first class of engineering students graduated in May 2006, the University is now eligible to stand for accreditation by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology; a site visit is scheduled for October 2006.

[edit] Athletics

The University of Southern Indiana Athletic Department is a competitive member of the NCAA Division II and the Great Lakes Valley Conference. USI sponsors 15 varsity intercollegiate sports. Since 1990, all 15 Screaming Eagles teams have participated in their respective national tournaments and/or were ranked at the national level. USI claimed one national championship (men's basketball, 1995), finished three times as the national finalist (men's basketball, 1994 and 2004; and women's basketball, 1997), and earned one third-place finish (men's cross country, 1982). The men's and women's cross country/track teams have produced three individual national championships since 1997:

• Elly Rono won three individual titles (1997 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships, 1998 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 5,000 Meters, and 1998 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 10,000 Meters).
• Heather Cooksey won the 2004 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 3,000 Meters.
• Candace Perry won the 2005 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the Long Jump.

The Screaming Eagles won the 2003-04 GLVC All-Sports Trophy by nine points, the largest margin of victory since Lewis edged USI by 9.5 points in 1986-87. In the 25 year history of the trophy, USI has finished first three times (2003-04, 1993-94, 1982-83); second nine times; third twice; and fourth three times.

It is common knowledge that the school has been without a football team since its inception - alluding to the motto "USI Football, undefeated since 1965." Several students took offense to this motto after it was printed on t-shirts and sold outside of the University Center. May 1st, 2001, just before finals, a group of students stole Archibald Eagle (the school mascot) and doused it with gasoline before lighting it on fire. Though no students were seriously injured, a reported $12,000 worth of damage was caused. Since then, May 1st has been celebrated as "The Day of the Blazing Bird."^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Notable Alumni

• Brad Ellsworth (Democrat), member of the United States House of Representatives in the 110th Congress, Indiana's 8th congressional district and former Sheriff of Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
• Vince Russo, former WCW Heavyweight Champion and writer for WCW, WWF and TNA Wrestling

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official website
• Official athletics website
• Campus map
• The Shield University of Southern Indiana Student Newspaper