The Office of Technology Services (OTS) has resolved the issues affecting logins across several university websites. All systems are now operating normally.

The February 2026 meetings of the University of Evansville Board of Trustees will be held on campus Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28, 2026. Parking in front of Olmsted Administration Hall and the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration will be reserved for University Trustees. Employee parking on the front oval will be limited on both days.

The University of Evansville is honored to launch the UE Health Sciences Lecture Series with its inaugural lecture, “From Discovery to Cure: The American Journey of Medical Progress,” presented by Dr. Jay Moskowitz on Thursday, March 19, at 5:00 p.m. at the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences.

This inaugural lecture will explore the American journey of medical innovation—from George Washington’s early embrace of inoculation to the rise of biomedical research and transformative technologies such as pacemakers and cochlear implants, leading to today’s molecular and digital breakthroughs.

The lecture will highlight how progress occurs where science, courage, and human need intersect, and will examine how medicine has evolved into an era of precision, prevention, and personalization while maintaining its core purpose of improving and extending human life.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the lecture.

Guests are asked to RSVP by March 12 at evansville.edu/HSLecture.

For more information, please contact Billie Chandler at bc185@evansville.edu.

View additional information about the lecture and guest speaker.

Join us for the English & Creative Writing Department’s Spring Coffee Hour, Thursday, February 26 at 4:00 pm in the Melvin M Peterson Gallery. Visiting Creative Writing professor Shawna Kay Rodenberg will be reading from her current work, Mae. Rodenberg’s narrative blends research and oral history, memory and poetry in the story of her maternal grandmother. Letterpress prints featuring excerpts from the work will be available in limited quantities at the reading. Free and open to the public.

Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Join us on Tuesday, March 3, 12:25 - 1:05 in SB172 for an engaging workshop hosted by LEAD Forward, UE’s year-long, executive-style leadership development program designed for students who want to lead with confidence and impact. This interactive session will give a taste of what we do in LEAD Forward and will allow you to hear from the experience of current fellows.  Lunch will be provided; please RSVP in Career Bridge.

Questions about the program? Please email director Megan Conapinski at mt263.

Ready to apply? Complete the application here; applications should be sumbitted by Friday, March 6.

From the devices in our pockets to the bridges we drive across, from clean water systems to lifesaving medical innovations, engineering touches every part of our lives. That’s why each year, Engineers Week is a time to celebrate the people who make all this possible—and to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.

This year’s theme, Transform Your Future, is a powerful reminder that engineering doesn’t just shape our world—it shapes our opportunities, our communities, and the futures we can imagine for ourselves and our children.

We hope you’ll take a moment to recognize and celebrate the work of engineers and engage students in engineering. We invite you to be a part of our Engineers Week celebrations by participating in these events:

Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management Career Forum

February 24, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Eykamp Hall

Engineers Week Speaker: Amy Barrett, PE, F. NSPE, LEED AP – Electrical Engineer, Engineering Career Mentor and Leadership Development

February 25, 12:00pm – 1:00pm in KC 100

University of Evansville’s Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series welcomes VOCES8, the Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble.

Experience an extraordinary night of vocal music Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Benedict Cathedral.

This event is free and open to the public, no tickets required.

The Staff and Administrators Assembly (SAA) is excited to host the Second Annual Employee Services Fair designed to highlight the many campus services that support our employees, both professionally and personally.

The University of Evansville Theatre commences its Spring 2026 season with Christopher Chen’s PASSAGE. This production opens at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the May Studio Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Feb. 25, 26, 27, 28, and at 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 28 and March 1. Inspired by E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India, Christopher Chen’s PASSAGE is a poetic drama set in a fictional colonized country. When a tense encounter between a native citizen and an expat spirals into accusation and unrest, the play questions the murky ethics of imperialism, cultural misunderstanding, vulnerability, and identity. Through abstract storytelling, the play invites us to examine how fear and “otherness” distort even our most human interactions.

PASSAGE is directed by Assistant Professor Stacey Yen. Visiting Artist-in-Residence Austin Kuhn ’20 serves as the scenic designer; Maria Lenn ’13, guest artist, serves as the costume designer; Jonathan Roth ’26, senior design and technologies major, from Brookfield, Wis. serves as the lighting designer; Visiting Assistant Professor Jon Robertson serves as the sound designer; Saray Rodríguez Hernández ’27, junior theatre management major, from Caracas, Venezuela is the cultural coordinator; Marguerite Winzinger ’27, junior directing and dramaturgy major, from Bordentown, N.J. serves as dramaturg; Mel Denison ’27, a junior stage management major, from Gainesville, Texas, is the stage manager, and Assistant Technical Director/Scene Shop Manager Cody Kane serves as the technical director.

The cast ensemble features Guldana Karman, a junior performance major, from Katy, Texas; Owen White, a junior performance major, from Valley Center, Kan.; Philana Koto, a sophomore performance major, from Denton, Texas; Mason Norton, a senior performance major, from Bremen, Ind.; Blane Wheeless, a first-year performance major, from Midland, Texas; Rylie Sudduth, a junior performance major, from Versailles, Ky.; Bailey Crawford, a junior performance major, from Frisco, Texas; Luis Alejandro Gonzalez, a sophomore performance major, from Midland, Texas; Matthew Manders, a junior performance major, from Houston, Texas; and Shane Allison, a first-year performance major, from Spring, Texas.

Adult ticket prices are $25 and $20 for senior adults, UE employees. and non-UE students. UE students may obtain one free ticket with their student ID by visiting the ticket office. Single tickets may be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday, 12:00–5:00 p.m.

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International Club and International Student Engagement are collecting recipes for the International Food Festival on Friday, March 27 at 5:00 PM in The Eatery. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to submit a favorite recipe they would like to share with the campus community.

Students whose recipes are selected and who are interested will have the opportunity to cook their dishes alongside Chartwells. For everyone else, we look forward to seeing you on March 27 for an evening of global cuisine and community celebration.

The Department of Art invites the campus community to attend a Student Showcase featuring the work of Lilah Rogel and Zoe Caggiano.

Location: Krannert Gallery

Exhibit Dates: January 20 - February 28

Opening Reception: January 22 at 6:30 p.m.

This exhibition highlights student artwork and celebrates emerging artists within the Department of Art.  All are welcome to attend.

Your story can drive REAL change! Learn how in this Change Leadership Workshop with the Center for Innovation & Change. During this interactive experience, you’ll learn how to turn lived experience into meaningful messages that move people. Discover how to inspire action, shape conversations, and lead change with clarity and confidence.

In this workshop, you will:

• Practice telling a short, focused version of your life story
• Learn a simple framework to make your stories clear, compelling, and meaningful
• Identify how your lived experiences signal what you genuinely care about
• Map stakeholders and tailor your message to a specific audience
• Design and deliver a short change message in a team setting

Happening from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25 in Eykamp Hall. 

Free pizza (and a fun workshop) for all attendees! RSVP on UEngage to attend.

Hey, UE community! Ready to build confidence under the bar? Join our Barbell Instructional Class to learn proper technique for foundational barbell lifts so you can train safely and effectively. Plus, connect with other students interested in resistance training.

All experience levels welcome — sign up using the QR code!

The Margaret E. Schriefer Liberal Arts Scholarship has been established for the University of Evansville in loving memory of Margaret E. Schriefer. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student, covering full tuition, books, supplies, materials, and laboratory fees. To be considered for this scholarship, students must meet the following qualifications:

• Must be enrolled at the University of Evansville and have a major of study in Literature, English, Music or Theatre.
• Must be a natural-born citizen of the United States of America with no prior criminal record, other than minor traffic violations.
• Must be a free and accepted Mason in good standing in a local lodge under the authority of the Grand Lodge of its state, or be the descendant, sibling, or nephew/niece of a Master Mason in good standing in his respective lodge under the authority of the Grand Lodge of its respective state. If the related Mason shall not be living at the time of the student’s consideration for this scholarship, a letter shall be obtained from the Lodge of the related Mason to the effect that the related Mason was in good standing at the time of his death.

Must have and maintain a “C” average.

*Previously awarded students are eligible to re-apply for this opportunity.

If you meet the requirements for this scholarship, please complete the scholarship application and return to the Office of Student Financial Services by April 17, 2026.

Questions may be directed to Carly Cox, Office of Student Financial Services, by email at cc477@evansville.edu or by phone at 812-488-2364.

Nominations are now being accepted for consideration of The Howard S. Rosenblatt “Dean of Students Leadership Awards.”  These awards will be presented at the 33rd Annual Leadership Awards Reception scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026.  Invitations will be prepared by the Center for Student Engagement.  

Awards from the Dean of Students Office are presented in the following categories:

• Student Organization Advisor of the Year

• Student Organization of the Year

• Student Leader of the Year

Our student organizations are successful because of the commitment of the student leaders and the advisors who give freely of their time and support.  The recipients of these awards are selected based on their commitment to the University of Evansville as well as the development and success of their efforts within their chosen student organization.

The deadline for nominations is March 20, 2026.  Click on this link to submit your nomination: 

https://forms.office.com/r/5WhHUF7J6i 

If you have any questions, please contact the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students office at 812-488-2500 or by e-mail via deanofstudents@evansville.edu 

Thank you in advance for celebrating our student leaders’ achievements!

Do you know a senior deserving of the highest award given by UE? Ten finalists will be selected, and one student will be presented this award at Commencement. Selection is based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and community and campus engagement. 

 
The Guthrie May and Mabel Dillingham Nenneker Outstanding Senior Service Award nominations will be accepted February 18 – March 6, 2026. Students nominated must accept their nomination by 5:00 p.m. on March 20th, 2026. 

 
You can nominate deserving seniors by completing the form below. Once you submit a nomination, students will receive an automatic email giving them the opportunity to accept the award.  

https://form.jotform.com/220724520906046 

Please contact Shelby Bartholome, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Office (sg293@evansville.edu) with any questions.

Commencement Central is an event where students planning to graduate Spring or Summer of 2026 will check their diploma name and degree programs and touch base with the University Bookstore, Alumni Relations, and the Center for Career Development.

This event will be held in Eykamp Hall at the following dates/times:

March 2, 2026 : 11am-1pm

March 3, 2026 : 11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm

If you plan on graduating Spring or Summer of 2026, please use this link to sign up for a 20 minute time slot: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4DABA822A3FCCF8-62003536-2026

Even if you do not plan to attend the Commencement Ceremony, you should attend this event as this is the time when you ensure your degree and diploma information is correct.

Additional information about Commencement Central can be found at this web address:

https://www.evansville.edu/commencement/central.cfm 

**Note: Students at Harlaxton and graduate students out of state on clinical rotation, please reach out to Hannah Girten at hg64@evansville.edu**

Grokipedia has an article on "Modern Triangle Geometry" that describes a UE-based website known informally as ETC.  An excerpt follows: "The Encyclopedia of Triangle Centers by Clark Kimberling, initiated in 1998, revolutionized the field by computationally enumerating thousands of centers via barycentric coordinates (proportional to signed areas of sub-triangles) and group operations, revealing structures like orthocentric systems (quadruples including the orthocenter where each is the orthocenter of the others) and poristic loci (e.g., Poncelet triangles inscribed in conics). Contemporary extensions include applications to billiard dynamics, extremal area problems, and dynamic visualizations in tools like GeoGebra, while maintaining a focus on synthetic proofs and aesthetic configurations such as Napoleon triangles (equilateral triangles erected on sides, forming equilateral centers)."  You can access ETC at https://faculty.evansville.edu/ck6/encyclopedia/etc.html, or view an introduction here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclopedia_of_Triangle_Centers. For the Grokipedia article, see https://grokipedia.com/page/modern_triangle_geometry.

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.

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.

Dr. Logan Pant, Assistant Professor of Marketing in the Schroeder School of Business, has once again had a journal article accepted for publication by the global publisher Emerald Group. His article, “It’s 5:00 Somewhere: Exploring Consumer Drinking Mindsets,” was published by Emerald Group, headquartered in Leeds, England.

According to Dr. Pant, “This research aims to examine how different types of alcohol lead to various mental states that influence overall decision-making and consumer choices, especially for young consumers. It highlights how learned associations with specific kinds of alcohol consumption create distinct drinking mindsets.”

The article explores how different types of alcohol influence mental states and, in turn, affect decision-making and consumer behavior among young adults. This work contributes to an understudied area of consumer psychology by focusing on learned associations tied to specific types of alcohol rather than solely on intoxication. The research helps clarify mixed findings in prior literature, identifies future research opportunities, and offers practical insights for academics, policymakers, marketers, and consumers seeking to better understand alcohol-related decision-making. These insights may guide branding strategies and deepen understanding of consumer behavior.

The Schroeder School of Business is proud of Dr. Pant’s continued contributions to marketing research and looks forward to the impact of his future scholarly work.

Last week, Dr. Jean Gómez, Director of Orchestras at the UE Music Conservatory, was invited to serve as the High School Orchestra clinician for the 2026 All-West Clinic, organized by the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (WTSBOA). Dr. Gómez engaged and prepared highly talented musicians through rehearsals, culminating in a full-house concert.

Drs. Melissa Eisenhauer and Matthew Harmon, Program Administrator and Assistant Director of the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program, along with their colleague Dr. Richard Wilson of the Ursuline-SNAP Nurse Anesthesia Program in Ohio, had their most recent manuscript published in the Journal of Nurse Anesthesia Education (JNAE). The manuscript, entitled Experiences of Nurse Anesthesiology Residents with Clinical Preceptor Incivility: A Mixed Methods Analysis, illuminates the emotional and professional impact that negative experiences have on the critical stages of clinical training. The authors hope to foster meaningful dialogue, inform program development, and inspire intentional efforts to cultivate a culture of respect, dignity, and true mentorship in nurse anesthesia education. The full manuscript can be read here: https://jnae.scholasticahq.com/article/156077-experiences-of-nurse-anesthesiology-residents-with-clinical-preceptor-incivility-a-mixed-methods-analysis

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team will host an SEC team for a weekend series for the first time in program history this weekend, welcoming 18th-ranked Kentucky to Charles H. Braun Stadium. The series will begin on Friday with a 3 PM first pitch and conclude on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at Noon.

Evansville vs. #18 Kentucky | Friday, February 20 - Saturday, February 21 | 3 PM, 12 PM, 3:05 PM CT Site | Location German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium | Evansville, Ind. Links Friday, 3 PM:  Live Stats  | TV:  ESPN+

            Expected Pitching Match-Up:  UE LHP Kenton Deverman (0-1, 6.75 ERA) vs. Kentucky RHP Jaxon Jelkin (1-0, 0.00 ERA) 

Saturday G1, 12 PM:  Live Stats  | TV: N/A

            Expected Pitching Match-Up:  UE RHP Max Hansmann (0-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Kentucky LHP Ben Cleaver (1-0, 0.00 ERA)       
          
Saturday G2, 3:05 PM:  Live Stats  | TV: N/A

            Expected Pitching Match-Up:  UE LHP Kevin Reed (0-1. 32.40 ERA) vs. Kentucky RHP Nate Harris (1-0. 2.25 ERA)                        Follow the Aces  Baseball Site | Twitter  | Game Notes

Series History
- Kentucky leads the all-time series, 12-10
- The teams have met each season since 2021, with the Wildcats winning all five meetings
- Evansville holds a 5-2 advantage over the Wildcats at home
- The last meeting in the River City came in 2007, with Kentucky winning by a score of 5-4

Starting Strong
- In his first three years as an Ace, Max Hansmann was used primarily as a reliever, making 61 of 68 appearances out of the bullpen
- This season, Hansmann has transitioned to the starting rotation
- In his season debut last Friday at Kennesaw State, Hansmann tossed six innings of three-run ball, striking out a career-high six

Double Trouble
- Sophomore shortstop Drew McConnell enjoyed a hot start to the season, leading the Aces with a .364 batting average and a 1.098 OPS over Opening Weekend
- Three of McConnell's four hits were doubles, including two doubles on Saturday against Marshall
- After starting 49 games as a freshman last season, McConnell was named the #9 2027 MLB Draft Prospect in the MVC by D1Baseball heading into 2026

Fresh Faces
- A number of newcomers made an impact in their first games as Aces
- Illinois transfer Reagan Reeder went 4-for-12 over Opening Weekend and hit his first collegiate home run
- Charlotte transfer Reid Haire also hit his first collegiate home run, coming in game one
- Freshman Ximi Baftiri started all three games at third base and collected three hits and two RBI
- Preseason MVC Freshman of the Year Wyatt Pennington started his career with an RBI double in his first at-bat while starting all three games at second base

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville track & field team returns to the track on Saturday, making the trip to Terre Haute for the ISU Open. Live results can be found here.

Competing Teams

Campbellsville, Evansville, Greenville, Indiana State, Indianapolis, IU Indy, Lindsey Wilson, Marian, Marion Military Institute, McKendree, Rose-Hulman, Saint Louis, Vincennes

Meet Details
Saturday's meet will be held the ISU Indoor Track & Field Facility. The first event of the day, the women's weight throw is set for 11 AM CT, while the final event of the day, the 4x400 women's relay, is scheduled for 3:55 PM CT. 

Last Time Out
Last weekend at the Vanderbilt Indoor Music City Challenge, Evansville's distance medley team of Kyleigh Wolf, Taylor Johnson, Chase Hayes, and Avery Stephens recorded the second best time in program history at 12:40.83, placing eighth, while in the 400 meters, Taylor Johnson placed fifth of 39 competitors with a time of 57.34.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – After leading by 15 points at halftime, UIC pulled away for an 84-46 victory over the University of Evansville men’s basketball team on Wednesday evening at the Ford Center.

Trent Hundley led the Purple Aces with 12 points as he converted four 3-pointers. Josh Hughes and Leif Moeller scored nine points apiece. Hughes led the team with six rebounds. Five UIC players reached double figures with Andy Johnson leading the way with 17 points. He was a perfect 5-of-5 from long range.

“UIC is playing extremely well and have been one of the best teams in our league over the last several weeks. Tip your hat to them for how they played,” UE head coach David Ragland said. “They took advantage of our lack of depth. We did not shoot the ball well, but we need to have more resistance on the defensive end. Our guys are extremely competitive and are battling through this.”

Early on, it was a defensive battle with UIC holding a 4-0 lead just over four minutes in. Evansville opened the evening 0-for-4 from the field while committing four turnovers. Alex Hemenway got the Purple Aces on the board with a layup at the 15:23 mark. After a 3-pointer by the Flames put them up 9-4, Trent Hundley countered with a triple to cut the deficit down to two points.

UIC fought right back, opening a 16-9 edge thanks to four in a row from Sam Silverstein. Hundley’s second 3-pointer was followed by a Kaia Berridge trey that cut deficit to a point – 16-15 – inside of 10 minutes remaining in the period. Over the next four minutes, the Flames took their first double digit lead, utilizing a 12-2 run to go up 28-17 with 5:24 remaining in the period.

Two minutes later, Hundley’s third field goal from downtown made it a 7-point game, however, UIC made another rally. They scored the final eight points of the half to take a 38-23 lead into the break. The Flames shot 50.0% in the half while holding the Aces to 36.4%. Josiah Hammons registered 12 in the period while Hundley led UE with 9 points.

Knocking down three of their first outside tries of the second half, UIC opened a 47-23 lead in the opening three minutes of the second half. UE missed its first five field goal tries of the latter stanza before Hemenway knocked down the first Aces basket of the period.

The lead for UIC remained between 22 and 25 points through the middle portions of the half before they continued to pull away. Up 56-34, the Flames scored the next nine points to go up by 31 inside of seven minutes left. Their largest lead was the final tally of 84-46.

For the game, UIC shot 53.3% while the Aces finished at 32.7%. The Flames also finished with a 43-23 rebounding advantage. UE returns to the road on Saturday for a 3 p.m. game at Murray State.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Due to impending weather, Sunday's baseball game between Evansville and Kentucky has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 21. Saturday will feature a doubleheader, with game one beginning at Noon and game two beginning approximately 45 minutes following the conclusion of game one. Friday's game remains a 3:00 first pitch.

Tickets for Sunday's game are good for both games on Saturday, while tickets purchased for Saturday are good for both games of the doubleheader.

The University of Evansville (UE) has launched a new TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program, a federally funded initiative through the U.S. Department of Education designed to increase college retention and graduation rates for first-generation students, income-eligible students, and students with disabilities.

UE's initiative grant total for TRIO is approximately $1 million.

TRIO Student Support Services is part of the nationally recognized TRIO portfolio of programs, established under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to promote educational access for students who face systemic barriers to higher education. UE's TRIO SSS program will provide comprehensive, personalized support to help students persist, thrive, and graduate.

"TRIO Student Support Services represents a powerful investment in our students and in the University of Evansville's mission to support access, opportunity, and success," said Mary Kessler, UE Acting Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "This program strengthens our ability to meet students where they are and provide the tools and guidance they need to reach their full potential."

Supporting Student Success at UE

The University of Evansville's TRIO SSS Program is designed to serve 140 undergraduate students annually, focusing on students who meet federal TRIO eligibility criteria. The program responds to documented challenges faced by this population, including academic preparedness gaps, financial barriers, and the complexities of navigating college systems.

The program has established ambitious, student-focused goals, including:

• 80% year-to-year persistence for participating students
• 95% of participants maintaining good academic standing
• 70% graduation rate within six years

To achieve these outcomes, UE's TRIO Student Support Services Program will provide a comprehensive suite of evidence-based supports, including individualized Academic Success Plans with ongoing coaching and progress reviews; academic tutoring; financial aid advising and financial literacy education; career readiness and graduate school preparation; and cultural enrichment experiences. These enrichment opportunities, such as visits to museums, historical sites, arts events, and community organizations, are designed to broaden students' worldviews and connect academic learning to real-world experiences.

Leadership Appointment

The University of Evansville is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Gerth as Project Director of the TRIO Student Support Services Program. Gerth has been with the University since 2022, most recently serving as Assistant Director of the Center for Career Development.

"We are especially excited to welcome an internal leader into this role," said Kessler. "Tracy brings deep knowledge of our students, a strong commitment to student success, and a proven dedication to the University of Evansville community. She is exceptionally well-positioned to build and lead this program with vision, compassion, and excellence."

As Project Director, Gerth will oversee program implementation, student services, compliance with federal requirements, and campus collaboration to ensure the program's long-term impact.

For more information about the TRIO Student Support Services Program at the University of Evansville, visit https://www.evansville.edu/trio/index.cfm.

In a full-circle moment for one of Evansville's most versatile media voices, the University of Evansville (UE) has named Joe Atkinson as Director of Evansville NewsLab, a UE ChangeLab focused on strengthening civic journalism and community engagement across the region.

Atkinson has served as Communications Director for the City of Evansville under Mayor Stephanie Terry since 2024 and is widely known for his earlier roles in local journalism, his documentary film work, and as a member of the UE faculty. His appointment marks a return to his alma mater and former professional home, where he taught dozens of courses for nearly a decade before taking a job with the city.

Atkinson holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University and advanced degrees from the University of Evansville and the University of Nebraska Omaha. His background spans journalism, higher education, and public service, a blend that uniquely positions him to guide the NewsLab's mission of building trust and collaboration between media outlets and the Evansville community.

"Joe's career reflects the very essence of what Evansville NewsLab is about, empowering communities through storytelling and collaboration," said Andrew Carter, Associate Director of the Center for Innovation & Change. "His leadership will help us continue building a more connected and civically engaged Evansville."

Evansville NewsLab is a community-driven journalism initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between local media outlets and the public. Through innovative projects and collaborative research, the lab works to amplify diverse voices and empowers residents to actively participate in shaping the narrative of Evansville.

The program was awarded a $10,000 grant in 2024 from the Listening Post Collective, a nonprofit organization that supports innovative, community-focused journalism. The grant supported ChangeLab's expansion of outreach initiatives, including surveys and focus groups, as it works to develop a sustainable civic journalism hub for the Evansville area.

In 2025, Evansville NewsLab was awarded a $230,000 grant from the Lumina Foundation through the Press Forward Initiative. This new funding will allow NewsLab to expand its community connections, deepen partnerships with local organizations, and engage more students and community members in the production of impactful journalism.

The grant reflects growing national concern over the decline of local journalism, which has left many communities without trusted sources of news and accountability. Through Press Forward, Lumina Foundation joins a broad coalition of funders and organizations committed to rebuilding local news ecosystems.

"All across the country, communities are rethinking how local journalism can better support civic engagement and public understanding," Atkinson said. "Seeing the University of Evansville take on that question here in our community through NewsLab was compelling, and I'm honored to help lead the effort."

Evansville NewsLab is part of UE's nationally recognized Changemaker Campus initiative, which encourages students and faculty to develop real-world solutions to social and community challenges.

For more information about Evansville NewsLab and the Center for Innovation & Change, visit https://www.evansville.edu/centerforinnovation/.

The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Monique Dozier as Assistant Vice President for Development, effective March 3.

A graduate of Harrison High School in Evansville, Dozier returns home to serve the community that helped shape her, bringing with her more than two decades of distinguished leadership in higher education..

In this role, Dozier will provide strategic leadership to the University's Development operations, including oversight of Major Gifts and Advancement Services, with a focus on advancing philanthropic strategy, strengthening donor engagement, and supporting the University's long-term fundraising goals. Partnering closely with the Vice President for University Advancement, she will help ensure a coordinated, donor-centered approach to fundraising aligned with institutional priorities.

Dozier brings extensive senior-level experience in fundraising and development operations. Most recently, she served as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and President of the Foundation at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Her career also includes senior advancement leadership roles at the University of California, Riverside; Morehouse College; and Michigan State University. She has served on the board of trustees for the Council and Support of Education (CASE), Salesforce Advancement Advisory Board, IBM Predicative Analytics Board, amongst others.

"We are delighted to welcome Monique to the University of Evansville as she returns to her hometown. Her professional experience and accomplishments, combined with a deep personal connection to this community, will be a tremendous asset as we continue advancing the philanthropic priorities of UE," said Abigail Werling, Vice President for University Advancement.

In addition, the Office of University Advancement has announced that Sylvia DeVault will transition into the role of Senior Director of Community and Engagement, also effective March 3. In this expanded leadership position, Sylvia will oversee Corporate and Foundation Relations, in addition to leading the Alumni and Engagement team, which includes Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. This transition reflects both Sylvia's strengths after serving UE for more than 30 years and the University's continued commitment to deepening community partnerships, alumni connections, and external engagement.

These leadership appointments are part of a thoughtful restructuring within University Advancement designed to strengthen alignment, enhance collaboration, and support long-term philanthropic growth. Together, these changes position the University's Advancement unit for continued momentum and success in advancing the mission of the University of Evansville.

Werling added, "Sylvia has been an integral part of the University for many years, and we look forward to the leadership, partnership, and energy she and Monique will bring to the Office of University Advancement as we continue working together to move the University Forward."

The Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) welcomes the first cohort of new program partners, an expansion that strengthens collaboration, deepens community impact, and creates new pathways of opportunity for children and families across the Promise Neighborhood.

The EPN network now includes 33 partner organizations working together across the community, a growth that reflects strong alignment around the students, families, and six schools that make up the Promise Neighborhood.

"We're excited to expand our partner network and deeply grateful to the first cohort of program partners that have come on board," said Derek McKillop, Director of the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. "Their engagement speaks to the momentum behind this work and the power of partnership."

The new partners bring expertise across various industries, including healthcare, education, talent development, mentoring, and family support, increasing EPN's capacity to coordinate services and advance shared strategies. That added capacity directly strengthens the work already underway across EPN's four focus areas.

EPN Pipeline Workgroups are currently implementing initial collective action plans across four focus areas, each centered on a shared, high-impact strategy. Pipeline 1 focuses on kindergarten readiness and advancing literacy through Little Moments, Big Growth, a community-wide campaign that equips caregivers of children ages 0-5 with practical, everyday strategies to support early development. Pipeline 2 is focused on strengthening family engagement, improving access, and exploring shared incentives and solutions to help students stay connected to their school and be present in the classroom every day.

Pipeline 3 is bringing college and career conversations directly to families through mobile, community-based engagement, supporting multigenerational planning for the future. Pipeline 4, with a focus on health and wellness, is currently working to expand access to fresh fruits and vegetables while building knowledge around healthy choices through family and community engagement events and after-school programs. The addition of new partners strengthens each focus area by expanding reach, aligning resources, and accelerating progress across the Evansville Promise Neighborhood.

The following organizations have joined the Evansville Promise Neighborhood network:

• Ascension St. Vincent - Evansville
• Carver Community Organization
• City of Evansville / Mayor's Office
• Community Action Program Evansville (C.A.P.E.)
• J.D. Sheth Foundation
• Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville
• Old National Bank
• Southern Indiana Mentoring Academy
• Welborn Baptist Foundation
• YWCA

Together, EPN continues working on building strategic partnerships that unlock resources and create pathways of opportunity for children, families, and the entire community.

For more information, visit evansville.edu/epn.

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce that the world-renowned British vocal ensemble VOCES8 will perform as part of the Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series.

This special event will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the historic St. Benedict Cathedral on Lincoln Avenue just a few blocks from the UE campus. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Known as the world's top-streaming classical vocal group, VOCES8 has captivated global audiences with performances described by The Times as "flawless." Their repertoire spans five centuries, ranging from the sacred polyphony of the Renaissance to sophisticated contemporary pop and jazz arrangements. The ensemble earned a Grammy nomination in 2023 for The Lost Birds and is celebrated for a tonal clarity and "Rolls-Royce" precision that has made them staples at prestigious venues such as Wigmore Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the Vienna Konzerthaus.

The Patricia H. Snyder Series is made possible through an endowment from the late Patricia H. Snyder, a University of Evansville trustee and longtime friend of the institution. Established in 1997, the series brings speakers and performers of national and international renown to Evansville at no cost to the public.

By hosting VOCES8, the University continues this tradition, providing access to artists who exemplify the highest standards of musical excellence and global education. Through the VOCES8 Foundation, the ensemble reaches more than 40,000 people annually with its mission of "Music Education for All," closely aligning with the University's commitment to community enrichment. This performance is free and open to the public.