WHO: 👉 You! If you are not a faculty member, you are a member of SAA

WHAT: SAA Assembly Meeting

WHEN: Today at 2:00 PM

WHERE: Ridgway University Center, Eykamp Hall Room 251

WHY: Inspiration, connection, and energizing fun

If you are working remotely, please join us virtually: https://wwwtest.evansville.edu/live/saa.cfm

Can’t wait to see YOU!

Click here to sign up!

Aces Pep Band will rehearse Monday, January 12, 4:00-5:00pm in Krannert 110. All are welcome. If you still need access to the playlist and music files, please contact Dr. Kenneth Steinsultz at ks306.

If you or someone from your team is in need of a headshot, please contact Julie Beer (jb855) to be added to the list. Headshots will be taken on Thursday, January 15, at 9:30 a.m. near the southwest corner of the front oval lawn. In the event of inclement weather for photos (like lots of wind or really cold temps), headshots will be moved indoors to the SOBA atrium.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the third consecutive year, the University of Evansville will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day by hosting a free event for Tri-State area children kindergarten through eighth grade on Saturday, January 31, in association with Ascension St. Vincent.
 
The event is a free multi-sport clinic led by current UE student-athletes, coaches and staff. UE teams represented include golf, volleyball, softball, women's basketball, women's soccer, track & field, and spirit. At the clinic, participants will work on sport specific drills taught and ran by student-athletes. Doors will open at 8:30 AM, with the camp beginning at 9 AM. Pick up starts at 11:45 AM.
 
The event is open for children ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade. Campers will receive a free t-shirt and a voucher to attend any home women's regular season sporting event (must be redeemed by December 31, 2026).  Registration is now open and will close on January 27^th, 2026. No walk-ups will be allowed. Camps are open to any and all, limited only by number, age or grade.

To register, visit – gopurpleaces.com/ngwsd

The University of Evansville (UE) will host the 2026 William G. & Rose Mays MLK Day Lectureship on Monday, January 19, welcoming renowned journalist and scholar Dr. Jelani Cobb as the keynote speaker. The event will take place in Eykamp Hall within Ridgway University Center, with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 4:00 p.m.

This year’s Lectureship focuses on the theme “Servant. Strategist. Change Agent. The Anatomy of Transformative Leadership.” The event is designed to help the campus and community reflect on what strong, positive leadership looks like today. Each year, UE uses this Lectureship to bring important voices to campus who help expand conversations about civil rights, fairness, and how we can work together to create meaningful change. The Center for Inclusive Excellence leads this effort and supports the programming that surrounds it.

Dr. Cobb’s work on race, history, democracy, and social change has established him as one of the most respected voices in contemporary public discourse. His participation in the 2026 Lectureship offers the campus and greater Evansville community an opportunity to explore transformative leadership in both historical and modern contexts.

The Lectureship is open to the public, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional details about the event and the full 2026 MLK Celebration schedule can be found here.

The Honorary Degree Committee is seeking your recommendations for honorary degrees to be conferred at the May 2026 Commencement.

We need your help in selecting accomplished individuals to receive one of our university’s highest honors.  Nominations may be made on the basis of individual service to the University or individual achievement that exemplifies the University’s mission.  Recently selected persons have excelled in a variety of areas including law, medicine, education, business, literature, politics, and entertainment.

The committee will forward nominations to President Pietruszkiewicz so he can make his recommendations to the faculty for their approval later this semester.

Please send your suggestions to the committee chair (bj23@evansville.edu) by Thursday, January 22^nd.  It would help us if you could provide some biographical information, the rationale for your nomination, and contact information for the nominee.

The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) awards scholarships to United Methodist college students in the United States. Applications are now open for scholarships to help fund the 2026-27 academic year. Please visit https://umhef.org/apply for more information and to access the application. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.

Proposals are now being solicited from students and faculty for the 2026 UExplore summer research program. A PDF of a letter-of-intent for summer research project proposals is due by Friday, January 23, 2026. A PDF of the summer proposal must be submitted by Monday, February 16, 2026. Both documents must be submitted to Doug Stamps (ds38). See the Undergraduate Research website ( https://www.evansville.edu/undergraduateresearch/ ) for the proposal template and further information about the program. Proposals from nearly every department on campus have been funded. We hope you will participate this year by submitting a proposal.

If you're passionate about helping new students make connections and find their way at UE, enhancing your leadership skills, and being a part of a close-knit team, apply to be an Orientation Leader for the 2025 school year! Deadline to apply is January 30th. 

Application Link: https://forms.office.com/r/GtRwcuHArb 

What is an Orientation Leader (OL)?   

An orientation leader is a student committed to serving the University by offering information and assistance to incoming and new students and their families. OLs wear many hats so they must possess a “we care” attitude as they support students during orientation, welcome week, and beyond. OLs are held to the highest standards of good conduct and must possess leadership skills that allow them to be good role models for other students.

The “We Care” Attitude 

OLs must be able to adapt and adjust quickly and easily to different situations and support a variety of differing needs and backgrounds of incoming students. A genuine interest in caring for people and an ability to spend long hours working with others are important. OLs are frequently asked to embody a spirit of team work and prioritize the needs of new students and family members above their own interests.

Qualifications 

• Understand and believe in the mission of the University of Evansville.  
• Support the University, including the regulations and policies as stated in the Student Handbook.  
• Must maintain a 2.5 G.P.A. and be a full-time student.  
• Must be in good disciplinary standing.  
• Must relate well with faculty, administrators, families, and new students.  
• Must be reliable, confident, sincere, flexible, and display a willingness to help others. 
• Must have good communication and time management skills. 
• Must have the character, academic success, and exemplary attitude that will serve as a good role model for others. 
• Must be able to meet all time commitments associated with the position. 

Do you have any questions? Contact co-chairs Cole Johnson (cj174@evansville.edu) or Elise Horton (eh341@evansville.edu).

Join us on Saturday, January 17 for MLK Day of Service. Honor the legacy of Dr. King by giving back to the Evansville community. You can sign up as a group or as an individual, and after you register our team will assign you to a site. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt. The day begins at 7:30 AM in Eykamp. See you there!

MLK Day of Service Participant Registration 2026 – Fill out form

We’re excited to announce a new streamlined disposal workflow. This updated process is designed to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency.

Effective immediately, please submit requests thru the Property Disposal workflow under Admin Services.

http://workflow.evansville.edu/

The University of Evansville community extends heartfelt sympathies to Dianna Cundiff, Director of the Center for Career Development, and her family on the passing of her husband, Rodney William Cundiff (July 9, 1969 – January 7, 2026). We grieve with Dianna and her loved ones during this difficult time and offer our thoughts, support, and care as they remember Rodney and honor his life. Read the full obituary and schedule of services by clicking this link.

The University of Evansville community extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, colleagues, and former students of Charles “Chuck” Watson, a proud UE alumnus, longtime faculty member. Dr. Watson returned to his alma mater to chair the Department of Education for years, where he dedicated himself to teaching and preparing future educators for meaningful careers. His passion for students, commitment to educational access, and belief in the transformative power of learning left a lasting impact on the University and on the many lives he touched. He will be remembered with gratitude and respect by the UE community. Read the full obituary by clicking here.

Are you interested in studying abroad at Harlaxton College? Do you have questions about the program or want to learn more about the experience? Stop by to learn more about our semester programs and exciting new updates to the Summer programs!

• Where: Ridgway University Center
• When: Wednesday, January 14
• Time: 11:30 a.m- 12:30 p.m

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, pick up helpful information, and hear more about the unique opportunities available at Harlaxton. We are also happy to visit classes to talk with students about the Harlaxton experience. If you would like us to stop by, please reach out to schedule a time!

The University of Evansville (UE) is grateful to announce a $50,000 gift from alumna Kristin Bailey '81, establishing the James '79 and Kristin '81 Bailey Endowed Scholarship to celebrate the enduring connection Kris and her late husband, Jim Bailey, shared with UE.

The endowed fund will support undergraduate students in the College of Education and Health Sciences, helping them pursue meaningful careers in fields that reflect the Baileys' lifelong dedication to service.

For Kris, the scholarship is a heartfelt tribute to both her husband's life of service and the education that shaped their shared journey.

"UE has always been near and dear to our hearts," she said. "It's where we met. We served on several committees together, including student government and Union Board. We got to know each other through those experiences, and many of the friendships we made then have lasted to this day."

A 1981 nursing graduate, Bailey served as a registered nurse in both teaching and community hospital settings, and in private practice. She credits UE's nursing program with preparing her for a lifetime of compassionate care.

"We were taught critical thinking skills and given a broad base of clinical understanding," she said. "Our instructors were fabulous, both in the classroom and in clinical settings. Over the years, I've compared what I received at Evansville to other programs I've encountered, and I continue to hold UE among the very best."

She added, "There's such a need for advancement in education and health sciences. Our healthcare system is growing so quickly, and we need well-educated people to provide those services. I know that pursuing an education requires tremendous dedication and sacrifice, and I hope this scholarship can help open doors and create opportunities for students who are working toward their dreams."

Jim Bailey, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from UE in 1979 and later an MBA from the University of Dallas, dedicated his life to serving others. He built a respected career as a funeral director in Portage, Indiana, and served his community through the Rotary Club, the Orak Shrine Center, and the Masonic Lodge.

"Jim served our community in so many ways," Kris shared. "He was very active in Rotary and the Shrine, and we both believed deeply in using our lives to serve others. I am confident he'd be thrilled to know that UE students will benefit from this scholarship."

Kris also reflected on the values instilled at UE that continue to guide her life. "Even back then, there was an underlying intention for service," she said. "We were taught that the world exists beyond our own little bubble and that we have a responsibility to make it better. That's always stayed with me."

Bailey hopes this scholarship will inspire other alumni to give back. "I just think if you can, you should," she said. "If you've been blessed by your education and your experiences at UE, then pass it along. Even a small amount can make a difference for a student who needs a little help."

"This gift from the Baileys will make a remarkable difference in the College of Education and Health Sciences," said Dr. Andy Lampkins, dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences. "Their generosity strengthens our program's ability to expand opportunities for students to learn, lead, and serve. Their gift will prepare future professionals who will carry forward the compassion and dedication that have defined the Baileys' lives."

Each graduate who benefits from this scholarship will carry their spirit of compassion, service, and courage into the world, continuing the example that Kris and Jim set at UE.

The University of Evansville (UE) is building on the rapid momentum of its Esports program with the appointment of Ethan Jaworski '24 as Head Esports Coach & Coordinator.

Jaworski officially joined the program in July 2025, just months after leading UE's Overwatch 2 team to the program's first-ever NECC Regional Championship and National Championship as a student-athlete.

A December 2024 graduate with a bachelor's degree in Sports Communication, Jaworski brings a unique perspective as both a recent alumnus and championship team captain. His return marks a full-circle moment for a program that has quickly emerged as a competitive force on the national collegiate esports stage.

"This program gave me opportunities I never imagined when I arrived at UE as a student," Jaworski said. "To return as head coach and help guide the next generation of Aces, both competitively and professionally, is incredibly meaningful. We've built a strong foundation, and now the focus is sustaining excellence, expanding opportunities for our players, and continuing to raise the national profile of UE Esports."

Under Jaworski's leadership and momentum from the 2024-25 season, UE Esports continues to demonstrate sustained success across multiple titles. During the fall 2025 semester, both the Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate teams completed undefeated regular seasons. The Overwatch 2 team advanced to the Regional Championship finals, while Super Smash Bros. Ultimate reached the semifinal round of the Regional Playoffs.

The Overwatch 2 team also achieved a significant visibility milestone this fall, earning its first feature on the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Twitch broadcast during its semifinal victory, an indicator of UE Esports' growing national recognition.

Beyond competition, UE Esports is investing in experiential learning and student development. The program recently launched its official Twitch streaming platform, featuring live commentary provided by players and coaches to create a more immersive and accessible viewing experience. Plans are underway to further professionalize broadcasts with upgraded equipment, a dedicated commentary booth, custom graphics and transitions, and a student stream producer role.

These enhancements will also create hands-on learning opportunities through partnerships with UE's Creative Technologies program, connecting classroom learning with real-world experience in broadcasting, production, and digital media.