The University of Evansville Theatre closes out its 2025–2026 season with THE HUMANS, by Stephen Karam. This production opens at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 23, in the May Studio Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on April 24 and 25, and, at 2 p.m., on April 25 and 26.

A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the 2016 Tony Award-winner for Best Play, THE HUMANS, packs a punch in this tragicomedy dealing with economic anxiety, guilt, grief, and forgiveness.  Masterfully rendered by a brilliant playwright, the play centers around a family gathering on a Thanksgiving night in a ramshackle apartment in lower-Manhattan.  As the sun goes down, tensions rise, and this middle-class family is left exposed and vulnerable—resulting in both a humorous and heartbreaking look into the realities of modern familial life.

THE HUMANS is directed by Landry Barker, a senior performance major from Fort Worth Texas. Brayden Havard, a junior performance major from Montgomery, Texas, serves as the scenic designer; Mia Lacy, a junior directing and dramaturgy major from Frisco, Texas, is the costume designer; Jonah Charpie, a junior design and technology major from Noblesville, Ind., is the lighting designer; Danny Perez, a senior performance major from San Antonio, Texas, is the sound designer; Olivia Roy, a junior stage management major from Henderson, Ky., serves as the stage manager; Sydney Gepson, a sophomore theatre studies major from Queen Creek, Ariz., is the dramaturg; and Visiting Assistant Professor Andy Hammond is the technical director.

The cast features Gage Dragoo, a sophomore performance major from Frisco, Texas, as Erik Blake; Rachel Disney, a sophomore performance major from Louisville, Ky., as Deidre Blake; Reese Hickman, a sophomore performance major from The Woodlands, Texas, as Momo Blake; Jamy Lentz, a junior performance major from Denton, Texas, as Aimee Blake; Ally Cavender, a first-year performance major from Arab, Ala., as Brigid Blake; and Antonio Cortés Román, a senior performance major from Metepec, Mexico, as Richard Saad.

Single tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for senior adults, UE faculty/staff, and non-UE students. UE students are welcome to visit the Ticket Office during business hours to get a free student ticket. Tickets may be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031, Monday through Friday, 12 to 5 p.m.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2026 Philathropy Week Scavenger Hunt. Congratulations to our winner Rayanna Garrison.

The University of Evansville is excited to announce the return of UE Gives Back! Please mark your calendars for Friday, May 1, and join us for a day of service to support and enhance our campus.

With approval from your immediate supervisor and as schedules permit, employees may participate without using vacation time.

Projects this year include:

• Mulch areas along the walk between the Library, Olmsted, and the Oval (including Memorial Plaza/Ann Cooper Garden and surrounding beds)
• Add trap rock to the bed near the ADA entrance on the southeast corner of Olmsted
• Paint curbs and parking lines along the Oval
• Paint curbs at the Koch Center parking lot
• Mulch areas around building signage or place trap rock where applicable
• Power wash at Memorial Plaza, SOBA, and the Koch Center
• Clean outfield mats at the baseball field
• Paint handrails at the Panhellenic Center
• Add sand to the Hale Hall volleyball court and clean up the surrounding area

You can sign up for a project using the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44AAAC2EAAFDC25-63105190-uegives

If you have any questions, please contact Keith Gehlhausen (kg77@evansville.edu) or Apryl Weatherford (aw605@evansville.edu).

Division of Talent & Community

April 28, 2026

Wheeler Concert Hall

7:30 p.m.

Join the University of Evansville Music Conservatory for the annual Gumberts Award performance. Established in 1979 by W.A. Gumberts, this prestigious event honors outstanding achievement in the arts.

We are proud to showcase this year’s talented graduating senior music majors who will be performing in this event:

Ali Braikat (Percussion)

Melody Winfrey (Soprano)

Bri Alley (Mezzo-Soprano)

Special thanks to the Gumberts family and the Friends of UE Music for their ongoing support and for underwriting these awards since 2014. Don't miss this celebration of student excellence!

Admission is free and open to the public

The University of Evansville Leadership Awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding students who have dmeonstrated exceptional leadership on campus. Established in 1983, this annual event brings together multiple departments to honor students for thei dedication, service, amd impact in various areas of campus life. The awards highlight the diverse talents and contributions of UE students, fostering a sense of community and recognizing those who inspire others through their leadership.

The Leadership Awards will take place on April 29th in Eykamp Hall from 6pm - 8pm. Doors open at 5:30pm. Attire is semi-formal.

RSVP for the Leadership Awards here!

Free off site paper shredding by Piranha Mobile Shredding will return to the campus once again! All UE students, faculty, staff and alumni can take advantage of this free service by bringing paper to the Piranha truck in Koch parking lot. Paper will be shredded offsite.

So, if mounds of paper are taking over your office, home, or room, this is the time to gather those old files, receipts, cancelled checks, tax forms, etc. No need to take out the staples or paper clips. Avoid identity theft by having confidential information permanently destroyed.

Please no telephone books, magazines or newspapers. Also, please note that there is a 100lb. paper limit per visit (number of visits is not limited).

Students and employees (faculty, administrators and staff) can bring the following personal, obsolete electronic equipment to be recycled at no cost:

• LCD displays, LCD TV’s and LCD monitors, computers, printers, fax machines, laptops, cell phones, PDAs, cables, circuit boards, connectors, electrical equipment, audio video equipment, DVD players, stereos, radios, calculators, speakers, VCRs. Small quantities of batteries will be accepted.

The following items will NOT be accepted:

• CRT TV’s and CRT computer monitors

• Fluorescent light bulbs (including compact bulbs), refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, stoves, vacuum cleaners, dehumidifiers, leaking or enlarged batteries and any other items C&I deems unallowable

• Electronics owned by the University.

NOTE: The cost of processing CRT TV’s and CRT computer monitors has increased significantly, and the University is no longer able to cover these items.

Accepted items included: TVs, computers, monitors, printers, hard drives, laptops, fax/scanners, cell phones, DVD players, digital cameras, modems

Not Accepted: copy machines, microwaves, appliances

For more information or questions contact Amber Elkins at ae152 or 2697.

The Pancake Study Break is coming up on Reading/Study Day - Thursday, April 30.

Students - Join us for pancakes and more on Thursday, April 30, from 9:00-11:00 p.m. at The Eatery in Ridgway University Center. There will also be drawings for prizes - so don't miss out!

The Pancake Study Break is offered free of charge to UE students on Reading/Study Day. UE ID required.

Join International Club for our Final Event of the Year - White Elephant Snack Exchange Night on Tuesday, April 28th at 5:30 PM in the Multicultural Student Commons.

Bring a wrapped snack worth $12 or less to take part in our White Elephant exchange, a fun and unpredictable gift-swapping game where participants choose a gift or "steal" one that’s already been opened.

Whether your snack is sweet, salty, or a little silly, it’s all part of the fun!

It’s the perfect way to unwind with friends from around the world, share some laughs, and celebrate an amazing year together before the finals!

We hope to see you there!

Celebrate the Festival of Colors with International Club on Saturday, April 25th at 1:00 PM on the lawn next to the Carson Center!

Even though Holi was originally on March 4th, we’ll be celebrating it at the end of April to enjoy better weather and a bright spring atmosphere. Come experience the spirit of Holi with music, color, and community.

We'll throw powder and celebrate spring, love and unity together!

🎨 Wear a white shirt or something you don't mind getting colored.

🎶 Enjoy music, laughter, and a festive atmosphere.

🥮Try International snacks and bevarages.

Bring friends and make colorful memories!

See you there!!

The Center for Professional and Continuing Education invites you to join us for our upcoming Lunch and Learn workshop, Delegation: An Essential Skill for Enhancing Leadership and Teams, on Tuesday, May 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Room 252.

In this interactive session, Dr. Tad Dickel will share how to delegate effectively by matching tasks to team strengths, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring accountability.  Participants will gain tools to delegate with clarity and confidence, unlocking greater productivity, engagement, and leadership growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the role of delegation in leadership development
• Identify what and when to delegate
• Match tasks to team member strengths
• Avoid common delegation pitfalls
• Ensure accountability and follow-through

Lunch will be provided.

Cost: $15 per participant
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 1

REGISTER HERE

Open to faculty, staff, students, and alumni: the Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies Program is hosting a book discussion on Monday, April 27 at 4:30pm in the Dunigan Lounge (SOBA 160). We will discuss the book Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice by Virginia Roberts Giuffre. If you are interested in participating, you need only borrow or purchase the book and read or listen to it prior to our meeting date. See below for more information about the book by the publisher Knopf (Penguin Random House):

  #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The unforgettable memoir by the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, the woman who dared to take on Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

“Make no mistake: this is a book about power, corruption, industrial-scale sex abuse and the way in which institutions sided with the perpetrator over his victims. . . . But it is also a book about how a young woman becomes a hero. . . . Important [and] courageous.” —The Guardian

The world knows Virginia Roberts Giuffre as Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s most outspoken victim: the woman whose decision to speak out helped send both serial abusers to prison, whose photograph with Prince Andrew catalyzed his fall from grace. But her story has never been told in full, in her own words—until now.

In April 2025, Giuffre took her own life. She left behind a memoir written in the years preceding her death and stated unequivocally that she wanted it published. Nobody’s Girl is the riveting and powerful story of an ordinary girl who would grow up to confront extraordinary adversity.

Here, Giuffre offers an unsparing and definitive account of her time with Epstein and Maxwell, who trafficked her and others to numerous prominent men. She also details the molestation she suffered as a child, as well as her daring escape from Epstein and Maxwell’s grasp at nineteen. Giuffre remade her life from scratch and summoned the courage to not only hold her abusers to account but also advocate for other victims. The pages of Nobody’s Girl preserve her voice—and her legacy—forever.

Nobody’s Girl is an astonishing affirmation of Giuffre’s unshakable will—first, to claw her way out of victimhood, and then to shine light on wrongdoing and fight for a safer, fairer world. Equal parts intimate and fierce, it is a remarkable narrative of fortitude in the face of depravity and despair.

UE Artists of Color will host the Chrysalis Fair at 5:00 p.m. this Saturday, Apr. 25. Join us in the East Terrace Lawn for an evening full of carnival games, face painting, raffles, and more! The fair will also include art and various vendor stations. The Fair is a fundraiser towards the foundation of THE CHRYSALIS PROJECT, a UE student-led after-school drama club for refugee children in the Evansville community. The program will launch in Fall 2026, meeting biweekly and is centered around creative discovery, planting seeds of confidence, belonging, and artistic curiosity early in life, using art as a bridge between communities! Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for students and can be paid at the door.

The 2026 Honors Undergraduate and Research Symposium will be held on Monday, April 27, in Eykamp Hall.

This event will showcase student research projects presented by Honors students.

Presentations will begin at 8:10AM in Eykamp 251 and Eykamp 252.

Schedule:
• Morning presentations: 8:10AM – 11:35AM
• Break: 11:35AM – 11:55AM
• Afternoon presentations: 12:00PM – 4:15PM

Campus community members are encouraged to attend throughout the day in support and are encouraged to ask students questions about their research.

We hope to see you there!

You’re Invited: Undergraduate Nursing Poster Presentations! Undergraduate nursing students in NURS 385: Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice will be showcasing their semester-long literature reviews in a campus-wide poster presentation dissemination forum. Students have explored a wide range of timely and relevant topics, including emerging technologies in nursing such as AI and virtual reality, the effectiveness of different weight loss strategies, mental health nursing interventions, and much more. Please join us to support our nursing students and learn about the latest evidence shaping nursing practice today. All faculty, staff, and students are welcome! Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 Time: 0830-0930 Location: SOBA First Floor, Bernhardt Atrium

Dear Team Members,

We are sincerely grateful for those who have participated in the Identity/Culture Listening Sessions occurring across campus, your time and input have truly been invaluable. If you have not had an opportunity to participate in an Identity/Culture Listening Session, we welcome your presence at one of our following open forums:

• ·         Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 01:30-02:00 PM CT | J Henry Schroeder Boardroom, LI 203
• ·         Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 10:00-10:30 AM CT | J Henry Schroeder Boardroom, LI 203
• ·         Friday, April 24, 2026 | 10:00-10:30 AM CT | J Henry Schroeder Boardroom, LI 203

We additionally recognize that not all are able to participate in person. As such, we welcome and encourage you to utilize the following private survey link to provide additional feedback that you may feel inclined to offer:

University of Evansville | Identity and Culture Listening Session – Fill out form

Please expect to hear more from our task group by the end of the spring semester regarding next steps in the process.

Sincerely,

Identity/Culture Task Group

Abby Murphy, Bre Bondurant, Alexa Ferguson, Trace Stevens and Katie Thomas

https://youtu.be/eVOq-Z6eoqQ

The University of Evansville’s Department of Communication proudly presents a collaborative short film project between students from COMM-345 Video Production and COMM-340 Sound Reinforcement and Recording, led by Tommy Housman and John Robertson, produced by UE Student Media and in partnership with talented theater students.

The Switch will premiere on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Creative Technologies Showcase in the Lutz Lab (Hyde Hall).

Join us for the official screening. More details about the showcase will be announced soon.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Amy McBride on her upcoming retirement.  A reception will be held in Eykamp 251 on Thursday, April 30 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

Dr. Amy McBride has been a dedicated member of the University of Evansville since 1997. With a background in fifth-grade teaching and advanced degrees in education from the University of Iowa, Drake University, and Indiana State University, she has been a valuable member of the elementary education program, mentored teacher candidates, and taught across undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Master’s in Leadership program. She will retire on May 31, 2026, concluding a long and meaningful career in the University of Evansville’s School of Education.

End the semester on a high note at our International Singalong. 🎤

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to sing, perform, or enjoy music from around the world in any language or style. Whether you are taking the stage or cheering from the audience, this is a great opportunity to celebrate global cultures through music in a fun, relaxed environment.

Sign up to perform using this link: End of Semester Sing Along – Fill out form

If you have any questions, please contact Tim Sorota at ts355@evansville.edu. We look forward to seeing you on the 27th!

The Writing Center is currently accepting applications for writing consultant positions for Fall 2026. If you'd like to apply, please fill out the form linked here. Contact Kristina Groves at kg76@evansville.edu if you have any questions.

Employment/Job Application for the Writing Center – Fill out form

The Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX (OIETX)relocated from the Koch Center to the Library. You can now find the OIETIX in the Library rooms 150 and 152. You can find these offices by entering through the main Bower-Surheinrich Library entrance, turning to your right, and walking through the door that says 'To Title IX/Office of Institutional Equity and  OTS'. The offices are the first two doors on your left once you go through the door.

Are you participating in the Secret Ace program this year? We are currently working to confirm the list of participants and need your help. If you are participating in Secret Ace, please send an email to Jenni Sauls at js944@evansville.edu to let me know. If you have already responded to an email sent directly to you, no further action is needed—thank you!

Beginning Friday, May 1st, all official transcript requests will be held until final grades for the spring term have been verified. Unofficial transcripts will still be available through Self-Service.

Spring graduates should select “Hold for Degree" when ordering a transcript. Once final grades are verified and degrees are conferred, official transcript orders will be processed.

CT-101 is a relatively new course offering at UE. It is a great option for incoming freshman, or students looking for an elective in the creative and technology sector. This course is an overview of practices in Performing Arts, Live Entertainment, and Interactive Media. Contact Jon Robertson, jr462@evansville.edu with any questions.

Beginning Friday, May 1st, all official transcript requests will be held until final grades for the spring term have been verified. Unofficial transcripts will still be available through Self-Service.

Spring graduates should select “Hold for Degree" when ordering a transcript. Once final grades are verified and degrees are conferred, official transcript orders will be processed.

Please note a correction regarding the upcoming reception for the Employee Photo Exhibit in the Krannert Gallery. 

The reception will now take place on Thursday, April 30, at 4:00 PM.

We apologize for any confusion caused by the previous announcement and look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the work of our colleagues.

Summer session due dates:

Summer Session 1: May 1, 2026

Summer Session 2: June 1, 2026

Summer Session 3: July 1, 2026

Summer Session 4: May 1, 2026

For more information, please contact Student Financial Services at 812-488-2565

Family, friends and loved ones of the late Dr. Marvin E. Hartig are pleased to announce the application process for the Dr. Marvin E. Hartig Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to the loving memory of Dr. Hartig, Dean of Evansville College’s Evening College in 1967, and administrator for the Center for Advanced Study, director of the Evansville chapter of the American Institute of Banking (AIB), and the international student advisor. In 1974, Dr. Hartig was appointed Dean of Academic Services. He retired in 1984 after serving his alma mater for thirty-five years and passed away in 2007.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving sophomore student. Preference will be given to a student working while being enrolled as a full-time student. International students are encouraged to apply.

Eligible students for the 2026-2027 Hartig Memorial Scholarship will be sophomores in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Deadline: Please return all materials to the Office of Student Financial Services by May 4, 2026. The decision will be announced by May 25, 2026.

Questions: Amber Chandler, Administrative Assistant to the Office of Student Financial Services, at ac547@evansville.edu or 812-488-2364

Access the application and faculty recommendation information.

2026-27 MARGERY FLORENCE KAHN SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE

It was the desire of the donor, Margery Florence Kahn, that her scholarship be awarded to "dedicated and conscientious students who exhibit a true passion for their chosen fields of study, and who, in the opinion of the members of the University of Evansville faculty, are likely to bring the same enthusiasm into the performance of their jobs or the practice of the professions which they will pursue following graduation."

All University of Evansville full-time undergraduate students who will be juniors or seniors in the 2026-27 academic year may apply. An essay of about 300 words must accompany the application along with two to five faculty recommendation letters.

Download the application and faculty recommendation information.

Completed applications and recommendation letters should be returned to the Office of Student Financial Services by MAY 8, 2026.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services at 812-488-2364 or studentfinancialservices@evansville.edu.

UE students Jake Schwaderer and Vincent Petro recently presented their research, titled “Do Artificial Intelligence Detectors Work? The Effects of Generator and Prompt Type on Detection Accuracy and Reliability in Academic Settings,” at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2026, held April 13-15 in Richmond, VA. This project, completed alongside UE student Andrew Thompson and conducted under the guidance of Dr. Stephanie Underhill, investigates multiple factors informing the (in)accurate detection of AI-generated text.

The 64th Annual Undergraduate Student Art Exhibition, held March 23–April 10, showcased an inspiring range of creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence from our students. Thank you to everyone who visited the exhibition and supported this important annual event.

We are proud to recognize the following award recipients:

Awards of Excellence
Best in Show Purchase Award – Abbey Kyle, Herd Immunity
1st Place Award of Excellence – Eileen Flanigan, Portrait of the Moon
2nd Place Award of Excellence – Sam Ottinger, Road to Acceptance
3rd Place Award of Excellence – Heidi McCombs, On the Vine

Awards of Recognition
Dorothea Schlechte Award – Eileen Flanigan
Dean Long Award – Sam Ottinger, Road to Acceptance
Les Miley Award (Ceramics) – Avery Mason, Forms in Blue Tiles
Les Miley Award (Watercolor) – Abbey Kyle, Hometown Downtown
Art Therapy Award – Zoe Caggiano, Dragonfly Plate
Jack Schriber Award for Art Education – Avery Mason, Forms in Blue Tiles

Special Awards
Melvin Peterson Award – Abbey Kyle, Hometown Downtown
Gumberts Award – Lilah Rogel
Presidential Collection Purchase Award – Elle Gramooré, Mentored Reflections

Emeriti Faculty Awards
Bill Richmond Award for Sculpture/Metals – Ainsley Kurtz, Pin Cushion Doll
William Brown Award for Drawing/Painting – Lilah Rogel, A Self Portrait in Pens

Merit Awards
Avery Mason, Forms in Blue Tiles
Audrey Cracraft, Spring Evening at Home
Sofia Lupi, Fragments of Memory and Taste (Fragments de Memoria y Sabor)
Elle Gramooré, Mentored Reflections
Olivia Halter, Summer View

We are especially excited to announce the People’s Choice Award, determined by votes from our campus community:

People’s Choice Award – Heidi McCombs, Crave

Congratulations to all of the student artists whose work was exhibited, and to each of this year’s award recipients. Your creativity and dedication continue to enrich our campus community.

Thank you for supporting the arts!

First-Year and Senior Students Only:

Complete the survey by April 28 for a chance to win great prizes! Continue to watch for NSSE emails that started back in March.

All first year and senior students who complete the survey will be entered into drawings for:

• 1 Apple iPad (11th generation)
• 1 Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
• Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speakers
• Awarded to one first year student and one senior
• Owala 40 oz. FreeSip SWAY Tumblers
• Awarded to two first year students and two seniors 

Each student may receive one prize only.

The odds of winning depend on how many students complete the survey. This year, 1,448 first year and senior students were invited, and the last time this survey was administered, about 315 students participated.

Your feedback matters—thank you for taking part!

The UE community is welcome to attend the Faculty Retirement Tree Planting Ceremony that will take place on Sunday, April 26.  This event will begin at 1:00 p.m. outside of the Koch Center’s front doors in the landscaped area closest to Clifford Memorial Library.  The following faculty members will be honored at the event:

• Ed Bujak- Associate Professor of Modern British History
• Bruce Mabis- Clinical Assistant Professor of Computer Science
• Amy McBride- Associate Professor of Education
• Kenneth Steinsultz- Director of Bands and Professor of Music
• Brian Swenty- Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Please join us to wish them well in their retirement.

Edward Bujak, Associate Professor of Modern British History

Dr. Edward Bujak, Associate Professor of Modern British History, began his career at Harlaxton in 2001. He was awarded his PhD degree from the University of East Anglia. He was the 2006 University of Evansville’s Alumni Association Outstanding Teacher Award and was a 2022-2023 Global Scholar. He was a 2020 Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a 2008 Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Appointed in recognition of his teaching, service, and research, he was promoted to Associate Professor by the University of Evansville Board of Trustees. Serving variously as a Vice Principal, Department Chair, Programs Manager, and a Program Lead to 2021, Dr. Bujak remains a dedicated teacher. A landscape historian, he is the author of three books on the social history of the landscape including Reckless Fellows, the story of RAF Harlaxton in World War One. Landed Estates After the Great War. England’s Elysian Fields will appear in 2028 with Bloomsbury.

Bruce Mabis, Clinical Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Dr. Bruce Mabis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Capital University.  From the University of Evansville, he received a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.  His PhD in Computer Science was awarded from Vanderbilt University in 1992, specializing in software engineering.

Dr. Mabis has lived in Evansville for the last forty-six years. He started teaching Computer Science at UE in 1975. He taught at UE and three other universities all in the tristate area.  Away from academics, he enjoys time with his wife, three sons, and three grandkids. In his spare time, he finds a little time to do things like cut firewood and perform magic whenever he gets the chance.

Amy McBride, Associate Professor of Education

Dr. Amy E. McBride has devoted nearly three decades to the University of Evansville, serving as Associate Professor of Education and a cornerstone of the School of Education since 1997.  Prior to coming to UE, she taught fifth grade in Iowa for twelve years.  She earned her BS degree in Elementary Education and a BA degree in English Education from the University of Iowa.  She earned her master’s degree in Effective Teaching from Drake University and her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and Elementary Mathematics Education from Indiana State University.  Tenured in 2007, Dr. McBride coordinated the elementary education program, mentored countless teacher candidates, and taught across undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Master’s in Leadership.  Her leadership extended to serving as Part-time Associate Chair and chairing numerous committees focused on curriculum, accreditation, advising, and retention.  Whether supervising pre-service teachers, leading study abroad programs in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, or mentoring student-athletes, she consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to student growth and professional excellence.

A respected scholar, Dr. McBride’s research has centered on standards-based mathematics instruction, cultural competence, and immersive teacher preparation.  She has published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at international and national conferences, including AERA and AACTE, and secured significant grant funding to advance STEM education and curriculum innovation.  As a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), she has fostered intercultural competence on campus, offering workshops, presentations, and a course on multicultural understanding.  She has been recognized with numerous honors, including the University of Evansville Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award (2004), the Exemplary Teaching Award (2002), the Dean’s Teaching Award (2000), the Connie Belin Award for Excellence in Teaching, and induction to the School of Education Honor Wall (2021).

Beyond titles and accolades, Dr. McBride’s legacy is rooted in relationships, mentorship, and service.  The students are her priority.  As an active advisor, she not only advised students in the School of Education but also served as an academic mentor for student-athletes.  She has championed professional development schools, community partnerships, after-school programs, and initiatives supporting diversity, inclusion, and student success.  Her work with Kappa Kappa Iota, recruitment and retention efforts, athletics mentoring, and countless university committees reflects a career marked by leadership and heart.  Through her teaching, scholarship, and service, Dr. McBride has shaped generations of educators and strengthened the fabric of the University of Evansville community.

Kenneth Steinsultz, Director of Bands and Professor of Music

Prior to coming to Evansville in 2008, Dr. Steinsultz served as assistant to the Director of Bands at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1993-2008.  At the University of Evansville, Dr. Steinsultz conducts the UE Wind Ensemble, UE University/Community Band, Aces Pep Band, UE Low Brass Ensemble, and teaches courses in applied low brass and conducting. Under his leadership, the UE Wind Ensemble has performed, by invitation, for the Chicagoland Band Festival; the Indiana Music Educators Conference; and the College Band Directors National Association, North Central Division Conference. The UE Wind Ensemble has also recorded two compact discs during his tenure.

As a solo musician, Dr. Steinsultz was an invited guest artist for the International Tuba and Euphonium Association’s Midwest Conference in 2013 and 2015. In May 2022, he performed a recital at the Great Plains Regional ITEA conference on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Steinsultz also performed at the 2014 International Tuba and Euphonium Conference at Indiana University.

As an ensemble musician, he has performed with the Quincy (Illinois) Park Band, Quincy Symphony Orchestra, Mississippi River Brass Band, Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Danville (Illinois) Symphony, Illinois Symphony of Springfield/Bloomington, Evansville Symphonic Band, Bend in the River Brass Band, and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dr. Steinsultz is a member of the College Band Director’s National Association, the National Band Association, the Indiana Bandmaster’s Association, the International Tuba and Euphonium Association, the International Trombone Association, and is an elected member of the Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity. He holds degrees from Quincy University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Brian J. Swenty, Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Dr. Brian J. Swenty received his PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla and his master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida.  He joined the faculty at the University of Evansville in August 1993.  He served as Chair of the Mechanical and Civil Engineering Department for twenty-one years and interim Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science for nineteen months.  He received the College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean’s Teaching Award (1997, 2010), the University of Evansville Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award (1998), Distinguished Service Award, Harlaxton College (2004), United Methodist Church Exemplary Teaching Award (2006) Berger Award for Service (2010), and the College of Business and Engineering Outstanding Teaching Award (2022).

Dr. Swenty served on numerous faculty committees and university task forces.  He served on the Faculty Senate and chaired the university Curriculum Committee, the General Education Subcommittee, and the Enduring Foundation Task Force.  He is a licensed professional engineer in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Florida, and California.  He has provided professional engineering services to government, industry, and private clients.  Dr. Swenty has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, engineering reports, guidelines, and manuals.  Prior to joining academia, he was director of the Missouri Dam & Reservoir Safety Program, a senior civil engineer with Stottler, Staff & Associates (Florida), and an officer in the United States Army.

The UE Esports team is hosting Spring tryouts for our rosters next year, as well as another round next fall before the season begins. Next week, we are looking for Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Overwatch, Rocket League, Call of Duty, Counter Strike 2 and Fortnite players to tryout! Anyone who is an actively enrolled student at UE is able to tryout, and the cost of our program is $0. Yes that's right! You can tryout, join and compete for us of no charge. If you are interested in signing up or learning more about our program, feel free to reach out to Head Coach Ethan Jaworski at ej107@evansville.edu.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In its final Missouri Valley Conference road trip of the 2026 season, the University of Evansville softball team will be in Chicago to face UIC on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s doubleheader begins at 4 p.m. with both games being on ESPN+; Saturday’s finale is set for a 1 p.m. first pitch.

Evansville MVC Notes

- Evansville won its 11th MVC game on April 18 at Bradley marking just the fifth time since 2008 that UE has won 11 or more league contests

- Since its first season of MVC softball in 1995, the Aces have won double digit conference games on 15 occasions including the 2026 campaign

- The highest MVC win tally for the program came in 2001 when the Aces won 19; the second-highest mark was a 16-win season in 2002

- Highest UE win totals in MVC:

            1) 19 wins       2001

            2) 16 wins       2002

            3) 13 wins       2003, 2004

            4) 12 wins       2007, 2016

            5) 11 wins       1995, 2000, 2008, 2013, 2017, 2021, 2026

            6) 10 wins       2010, 2024

- With the season entering its final two weekends, the Aces have put themselves into position to earn a top 6 finish for the first time since 2016

- Since joining the league in 1995, the program has finished in the top six on 12 occasions

- Evansville’s top finishes have included 1st (2000), 2nd (2001), 4th (1995, 2002), 5th (1999, 2003, 2007, 2016), 6th (1997, 1998, 2004, 2008)

Another Newcomer Accolade

- After batting .465 with two home runs and seven RBI last week, Maliyah Wilkins was named the MVC Newcomer of the Week on Tuesday

- Highlighting the week was a grand slam in a comeback effort against WKU

- Wilkins is tied for the team lead with 31 RBI, which is tied for 11th in the league

- In the final two games of the Bradley series, she went 4-for-7 while helping the Aces take the final two games to clinch the series

Near the Top

- With 130 strikeouts on the season, Kate Ridgway is second in the MVC and 36th in the nation

- Ridgway has won 10 games in 2026 while posting a 3.63 ERA

- She has tossed complete games in three of her last four starts including a victory on April 18 to clinch the series at Bradley

- Her 10th win came on Tuesday at NKU where she allowed 3 runs in the contest

- In the road series sweep at Drake, Ridgway earned two victories and a save while resetting her single-game strikeout mark

Chasing a Record

- With 16 doubles on the season, Niki Bode is 4th on the UE single-season list as she approaches the program mark of 21

- Bode’s doubles mark ranks second int he MVC

- Her batting average of .376 leads the team and is currently 7th in the conference

- In 20 games since March 14, Bode is batting .397 going 25-63

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team travels to Terre Haute this weekend for a crucial MVC series, taking on the Indiana State Sycamores. First pitch for Friday's series opener is set for 5:30 p.m. Central.
  Evansville at Indiana State | Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26 | 5:30 PM, 1 PM, 12 PM CT Site | Location Bob Warn Field | Terre Haute, Ind. Links Friday, 5:30 PM CT:  Live Stats  | Radio: 107.1 WJPS | TV: N/A

            Expected Pitching Match-Up: UE RHP Max Hansmann (3-2, 3.90 ERA) vs. Indiana State RHP Ryan Karst (2-1, 3.34 ERA)

Saturday, 1 PM CT:  Live Stats  | Radio: 107.1 WJPS | TV: N/A

            Expected Pitching Match-Up: UE RHP Tanner Graham (2-3, 3.05 ERA) vs. Indiana State RHP Ty Brooks (5-2, 4.20 ERA)
          
Sunday, 12 PM CT:  Live Stats  | Radio: 107.1 WJPS | TV: N/A

            Expected Pitching Match-Up: UE TBA vs. Indiana State TBA Follow the Aces  Baseball Site | Twitter  | Game Notes
Series History
- Friday marks the 194th meeting between Evansville and Indiana State
- Indiana State leads the series with a record of 119-74, including a 59-56 edge since Evansville joined the MVC in 1995
- Evansville holds a 25-24 edge in Terre Haute since 1995
- The Purple Aces took two of three games in Evansville last season, with both wins coming in walk-off fashion

Stretch Run
- Evansville enters the weekend in a four-way tie atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings with Murray State, UIC and Indiana State
- The Aces have won each of their first four MVC series, taking two of three games from Illinois State, Bradley, Southern Illinois and Belmont
- Evansville will take on each of the three teams they are tied with atop the standings in the last four weeks of regular season play, traveling to Indiana State and hosting UIC and Murray State

Strength on Strength 
- This weekend will feature one of the top offenses in MVC play against one of the top pitching staffs in MVC play
- Indiana State leads the Valley in hitting against conference opponents, entering the weekend with a .349 mark 
- On the flip side, Evansville has been excellent on the mound in Valley play, holding a 4.96 team ERA in 12 conference games
- Friday and Saturday starters Max Hansmann and Tanner Graham have been especially stout against Valley competition, with Hansmann boasting a 1.88 ERA and Graham holding a 2.14 ERA

Haire on Fire
- After being named MVC Player of the Week on Monday, Reid Haire stayed hot on Wednesday at Southern Indiana with a 2-for-4 effort
- Haire has collected two or more hits in each of the last five games while driving in eight runs
- In 12 Valley games, Haire has hit .327 with a .910 OPS

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce that its renovated athletics facility will be named the Begle Family Sports Performance Center in recognition of the leadership giving of Trustee Curt Begle ’99 and his wife, Kelley Begle ’00.

The Board of Trustees approved the recognition unanimously during their February meeting and the Begle’s along with University leaders officially cut the ribbon during a ceremony on Friday.

The Begle family’s long-standing support has culminated in a major investment that will directly enhance the student-athlete experience. This project, funded entirely through private gifts, has already surpassed $800,000. The new facility will provide space for training, recovery, and development, serving all 300 student-athletes across UE’s 17 NCAA Division I programs.

Further enhancements to the space will focus on the holistic well-being of student-athletes, with an emphasis on nutrition and opportunities for engagement that strengthen community and team connections.

“When I first arrived at UE, it was clear to me that the greatest facility need for our entire department was a new sports performance center that could serve all 300 of our student-athletes.” said Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried. “The Begle Family Sports Performance Center will transform the student-athlete experience at UE and provide our coaches with a first-class tool for recruiting the brightest and best. We are deeply grateful to the Begle family and to all of our supporters who stepped forward to make this vision a reality,”

“This project will give all student-athletes the resources they need to grow physically and mentally, supporting their overall well-being and helping them perform at their best in every aspect of their college experience,” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach David Ragland.

Curt Begle knows the impact this project will have firsthand. A forward on the Purple Aces men’s basketball team, he was part of the 1999 squad, the last UE team to compete in the NCAA Tournament. Since graduating from UE, Begle has become Chief Executive Officer of Magnera Corporation. He has served as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2019, is co-chair of the 50th Anniversary Plane Crash Task Force and is a highly involved member of the Athletic Director’s Council.

Kelley Meisler-Begle ’00, a former member of the cheer team and Acettes, has also been devoted to UE. She has hosted University events, supported multiple sports, and attended games courtside for years with Curt and their son, Crue. Together, Curt and Kelley have encouraged other donors to support the project and provided input on its design to ensure it meets the needs of student-athletes.

“Kelley and I know the lessons athletics instill last a lifetime, including teamwork, perseverance, and resilience,” said Begle. “UE made those lessons real for me, and it has been our privilege to give back. We are proud that this support will help every student-athlete pursue excellence here and step into the world ready to lead.”

Curt and Kelley Begle have shown how generosity can shape lives and strengthen community. Their legacy reflects a strong future for the University of Evansville, where ideas are launched and meaningful change takes root.

The University of Evansville (UE) is introducing new transfer-friendly policies designed to expand access to higher education and create more seamless pathways for students to earn a UE degree.

These updates reflect the University's continued commitment to removing barriers and increasing opportunity for students from a wide range of educational backgrounds.

"Our mission calls us to develop the intellectual and personal potential of every student," said UE Acting Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Mary Kessler. "By enhancing our transfer policies, we are opening doors wider for students who are seeking a personalized, high-impact education that prepares them to change lives and change the world."

UE will now accept up to 90 credit hours from regionally accredited institutions, making it easier for transfer students to bring more of their previous coursework with them and stay on track to graduate. Most courses with a grade of C- or higher will be considered for transfer, helping students save both time and money. To earn a UE degree, students will complete at least 30 credit hours at the University, including their final 15, to ensure a meaningful on-campus academic experience. While some majors require sequenced upper-level courses that may affect timing, the policy is designed to balance flexibility with the quality of a UE education.

The initiative aligns with the University's broader strategic priorities to expand access for student success and strengthen partnerships with regional institutions. Students interested in transferring to the University of Evansville can learn more about the updated policies and admissions process at the UE transfer admissions page.