The University of Evansville has received formal reaffirmation of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), extending our accreditation through the 2035–36 academic year. The University will continue on the Open Pathway and will complete a mid-cycle quality initiative focused on student success during Years 1–4 of the cycle.

This is a significant milestone for our institution and a direct reflection of your dedication and commitment to our mission. The HLC review is a comprehensive process, and the work completed across every area of the university demonstrated the strength of our academic programs, operations, and community — and is the reason for this successful reaffirmation.

A special note of appreciation goes to the HLC Steering Committee for their outstanding leadership and persistence throughout this process. This was no small undertaking, and their efforts made an enormous difference in guiding UE to this successful outcome.

Thank you for the role each of you played in this achievement. Please take a moment to celebrate this well-earned recognition.

Please be aware that neither the University of Evansville nor the Office of Technology Services (OTS) will ever send an email asking you to validate, verify, or confirm your email account or password.

If you receive an email requesting this information, it is a phishing attempt. Do not click any links, open attachments, or provide any personal information.

If you believe you may have received a phishing message, use the reporting tool in Outlook. If you did enter your credentials, change your password immediately.

Staying vigilant helps protect your account and the university’s systems.

We are excited to announce that our annual day of giving, Pep and Vim, will be on Friday, April 17, 2026.

This is a great time for departments and programs to raise funds for a specific project. If you are interested in funding a project, please contact Jaime Wilder jw663@evansville.edu with your project idea no later than February 2, 2026.

The University of Evansville Theatre is pleased to offer a special Chicago theatre experience featuring STEREOPHONIC—the most Tony Award–nominated play of all time and the most Tony Award–winning show of 2024.

The performance will take place on Saturday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m. in Chicago. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience one of the most celebrated productions in Broadway history while enjoying a weekend in the city.

Guests may register for an exclusive weekend package that includes a two-night stay at the historic Palmer House (Friday–Sunday), a ticket to the Saturday matinee performance, and a post-show reception with University of Evansville Theatre alumni. Hosted at the Palmer House, the alumni reception will bring together UE Theatre graduates, students, faculty, and supporters for an evening of connection, conversation, and community in the heart of Chicago’s theatre scene.

Pricing for the weekend package is $850 per couple or $675 per individual.

For those who would like to attend the performance without staying at the Palmer House, individual tickets are available for $135. Ticket holders are also welcome to attend the alumni reception.

This experience offers a unique blend of world-class theatre, community connection, and cultural engagement in one of the nation’s premier theatre cities.

For additional details or to reserve a package or ticket, please contact Wes Grantom at GG23@evansville.edu

Join us for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship! This semester, the Abundant Life women's group will be reading about some of the great women in the Old and New Testaments. The group meets weekly from 4 to 5 pm on Fridays at the Newman house, but feel free to stop by as much or as little as you are able. All students are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation!

To ask questions or to join our GroupMe, please email Grace at gg126@evansville.edu

Signups for the intramural 5v5 Bball league close this Thursday.

There are mens competitive, recreational, womens and coed leagues available.  Games are played at 7, 8 and 9pm  Monday through Thursday.  There is a mandatory Captain's meeting this Thursday at 6:30 inside the Fitness Center lobby for those participating.

Any questions? Contact Drew @ah519

The intramural doubles pickleball tournament will be held this Thursday at the Fitness Center starting at 7pm.  The tournament is open to all UE faculty students and staff, the winner receives an IM Champion shirt.   The tournament is an open tournament any combination of gender can play on the same team.

Signup on imleagues.com or by downloading the mobile app, emailing Drew @ah519 or by showing up 15 minutes early with a UE ID.

All equipment will be provided but you're welcome to play with your own if you wish.

All graduating seniors in good standing at UE are eligible to be considered for the Senior Keynote. We encourage you to consider applying at https://www.evansville.edu/commencement/keynote.cfm by Friday, March 27, 2026.

Do you play a band instrument? Come play in the UE Community Band. Rehearsals begin Thursday, January 15. The Band meets every Thursday in Krannert 110, 7:00-9:00pm, with a concert on April 23 in Wheeler Concert Hall.

Hope to see you there.

For more information, contact Dr. Kenneth Steinsultz (ks306).

David Green of the Department of History, Politics and Social Change, and Harlaxton College has contributed an essay to The Cambridge Companion to Late Medieval English Kingship, published by Cambridge University Press. The essay explores the reigns and reputations of England's rulers in the fourteenth century.

If you are expecting a refund for the Spring 2026 term and would like to receive this as a direct deposit, please enter your bank information in Self-Service under "Bank Information- Refunds and Reimbursements".

Refunds will be processed begining this week, and continue into the coming weeks.  If you have any questions regarding your student account, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

RA Applications open on January 14th and close on January 30th. To apply, please visit evansville.erezlife.com. Any questions can be directed to Teddy DeCorrevont (kt194@evansville.edu)

The Admissions Ambassadors invite interested students to apply to join our organization.

Admissions Ambassadors play a key role in welcoming prospective students and families to campus. Ambassadors represent UE by leading campus tours, assisting with recruitment events, and sharing their experiences as Purple Aces.

Students selected for the program will receive training and work closely with the Office of Admission throughout the academic year. The role is ideal for students who enjoy meeting new people, speaking about their UE experience, and serving as representatives of the University.

Applications are open from January 12^th to January 23^rd- Apply here - https://apply2.evansville.edu/register/AmbassadorAppSpring26.

Email Maggie Gross mg415@evansville.edu with any questions!

Don't miss this chance to go on this short-term international experience in May! Join the Schroeder School of Business on this 10-day trip to Harlaxton, Leicester, Derby, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and London and earn academic credit while traveling and learning abroad. These trips are best if you are unable to travel to Harlaxton for the longer full semester trips.    For School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) students, this course may count as a free elective (note: not all SECS programs include free electives). Students outside the School of Business and SECS should consult their program advisor to confirm how this course can fit into their degree plan. Trip Details:

• Course: BUS 365 (3 credit hours)
• Dates: May 15–25, 2026
• Who Can Apply: Open to all UE students 
• February 2: Deadline for application (by email to yo21@evansville.edu)
• See attached flyer for more details.

This is a unique opportunity to gain global experience, earn credits, and explore Harlaxton in just 10 days. Apply now and be part of an unforgettable summer experience!   If interested, join us for an information session:

• January 29 at 12:15 pm in KC133 and
• January 30 at 12:15 pm in SB 250. 

Please promote this to your fellow students and friends. Hope you join this trip.

View the flyer.

The Office of Accounting/Payroll will be issuing W-2s for 2025 no later than January 31, 2026.  You may choose 1 of 2 options to receive your W-2:

• Electronic W-2 – If you provide your consent, you will be able to view/print in Self-Service as soon as they are ready.  Notification will be sent through Purple Pulse. 

• Paper W-2 – If you prefer, you can continue to receive your W-2 in the mail. 

An electronic W-2 will give you earlier access than a mailed copy.  It is IRS compliant and can be submitted with your tax return as usual. 

To give consent for the electronic W-2, log in to Self-Service https://selfservice.evansville.edu and go to “Tax Information”.  Select “Receive my W-2 only in electronic form” and save.

If you are eligible to participate in the university’s health plans, you may give consent to receive your 1095-C form electronically here also.  If you choose to withhold your consent to view/print your online W-2 and 1095-C, a paper copy will be mailed to your home address.  Please make sure that your current address is on file.

If you have questions, please contact Shannon Bray at payroll@evansville.edu.

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.

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).

🚗 Be a Road Trip Host! 🤠

Hey Aces! Road Trip Rodeo is coming up, and we’re hyped to welcome admitted students to campus — but we need YOUR help to make it awesome.

Sign up to host a Road Tripper (or two) for the weekend! Don’t live in the dorms? No worries — commuters and fraternity members can move onto campus for the weekend.

As a host, you’ll get:
✨ A free Road Trip Rodeo T-shirt
🍽️ Friday night dinner
🎉 Access to all Road Trip events
🙌 The chance to show off how great UE life really is

Grab your roommates and sign up today — it’s gonna be a blast!
Questions? Hit us up at RoadTripHosting@evansville.edu

CHICAGO – Josh Hughes tied for the game high with 16 points to pace the University of Evansville men’s basketball team in a 76-49 defeat at UIC on Tuesday evening inside Credit Union 1 Arena.

Along with his 16 points, Hughes led the Purple Aces with six boards. Bryce Quinet joined Hughes in double figures with 10 points. Elijah Crawford led UIC with 16 points while three players finished with 10 including Rashund Washington Jr., who posted his first double-double with 10 boards and 10 tallies.

“I thought we came out and were able to punch first, but give UIC credit, they took control from there,” UE head coach David Ragland exclaimed. “The way we played is not our brand of basketball; it is disappointing to make the trip to Chicago and play the way we did.”

Evansville converted its first two attempts of the evening to take an early 5-0 lead. Josh Hughes found a cutting Leif Moeller for the opening basket of the game before Bryce Quinet connected from downtown. The defense for the Purple Aces was locked in, holding the Flames to eight consecutive misses to begin the contest.

Following the dry spell, the Flames rebounded to hit five of their ensuing eight attempts to go up 13-7. UE would miss six consecutive attempts before Chicago native AJ Casey found the scoreboard. His basket ended a run that saw UIC score 11 in a row. The Flames did not take long to regain their edge as their defense forced 10 turnovers in the opening 11:30 as they went up 22-9 with 8:30 remaining in the half. One minute later, they added another basket to go up 24-9. After trailing by a 5-0 tally, the Flames outscored UE by a 24-4 margin to open the lead.

Quinet’s driving layup with 4:07 on the clock cut the deficit to 11 points at 28-17, however, six in a row by UIC push the lead to 34-17 with exactly one minute on the clock. Alex Hemenway’s first 3-[pointer of the game completed the first-half scoring as UIC held a 34-20 edge at the break. Hughes led UE with six tallies.

After closing the opening period with a triple, Hemenway started the second half with his second field goal from downtown to cut the gap to 11, but six in a row by UIC matched the largest lead of 17 points. With 13:39 left in the game, the Flames opened their largest lead of 19 points (49-30). Josh Hughes did his best to keep the Aces in the contest, knocking down a pair of triples to keep his squad within 16 points at 52-36 with 11:20 left.

With the final half approaching its final 10 minutes, UIC opened a game-high 21-point lead at 57-36. James Dyson-Merwe converted his first field goal of the night while Trent Hundley hit a triple to get back within 16. Unfortunately, UIC would not let the Aces get any closer. The final score was also their largest lead of the night as they took the game by a final score of 76-49.

UIC shot an even 50.0% for the night while holding the Aces to 30.2%. The Flames completed the game with a slight 36-33 rebounding edge. Evansville committed 19 turnovers, which led to 29 points by the Flames. Another difference came in the paint as UIC outscored the Aces by a 46-18 margin. UE returns home Sunday for a 3 p.m. game against Southern Illinois.

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce a leadership gift from H. Lee Cooper III H ’88 and Ann S. Cooper ’59 that will endow and formally name the Lee and Ann Cooper Outstanding Teacher Award.

The Outstanding Teacher Award is presented annually during the University’s Spring Commencement, honoring faculty whose teaching transforms lives, builds confidence, and inspires students to pursue bold ideas.

The Lee and Ann Cooper Outstanding Teacher Award reflects one of UE’s defining commitments, elevating the faculty who empower the University’s mission for each student to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world. Selection of the Lee and Ann Cooper Outstanding Teaching Award is based on demonstrated excellence in teaching, innovative pedagogy, impactful advising and mentoring, scholarly or creative engagement that strengthens classroom learning, and meaningful service to the University and community. In addition to an honorarium, the award will also provide recipients with financial support that encourages continued professional development and scholarly growth.

The establishment of the Lee and Ann Cooper Outstanding Teacher Award reflects the Coopers’ belief in the transformative power of purposeful and student-focused teaching, the kind that stays with students long after they leave the classroom. The University is proud to honor that belief through an award that celebrates their enduring commitment to UE, its faculty, and its students.

Ann Scheller Cooper is a 1959 graduate of Evansville College, whose lifelong commitment to education has remained a defining thread throughout her personal and professional life. As a secondary education major, she developed an early passion for helping others learn, a passion she carried forward in her work supporting adult learners returning to college and navigating new academic pathways. For decades, she has championed her alma mater with a steady dedication, strengthening programs, celebrating student success, and investing in the enduring impact of exceptional teaching.

H. Lee "Lee" Cooper III, is a retired banking executive who served as chairman, president, and CEO of CNB Bancshares, Inc. in Evansville. A long-time University of Evansville trustee, he served on the Board of Trustees from 1984 to 2008, including service as board chair from 1990 to 1993, and was named a Life Trustee in 2008 before being recognized as an Emeritus Trustee beginning in 2023 in acknowledgment of his long-term leadership and dedication. Lee received the Samuel Orr Honorary Alumnus Award in 1988, underscoring his deep connection to the University community.

Together, the Coopers have served the University as dedicated and influential champions, supporting students, faculty, and strategic initiatives across campus. Their philanthropy reflects a shared belief that great teaching changes lives and that universities thrive when faculty are encouraged and equipped to innovate in the classroom.

“This gift from Lee and Ann Cooper honors the faculty who stand at the center of the mission of the UE experience,” said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Their generosity celebrates the educators who see potential in every student and helps them realize it. Because of the Coopers, generations of Aces will learn from faculty who teach with both purpose and passion.”

Mary Kessler, Acting Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, noted how the gift reinforces UE’s strong commitment to teaching excellence. “Our faculty are mentors, challengers, and partners in discovery,” Kessler said. “This award recognizes our gifted faculty who provide opportunities for our students and shows students how their ideas can make a real impact. The Coopers’ generosity ensures that inspired teaching continues to thrive at the University.”