University of Southern Indiana

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www.usi.edu/

The University of Southern Indiana is a regionally responsive, needs-driven, comprehensive public university in the model of the "new American college." Emphasizing teaching and interaction between faculty and students, the University favors need-based applied research rather than basic research, and is responsive to community needs.

The University of Southern Indiana has created an environment where teaching and learning are foremost in its mission and where the energy and dedication to purpose of faculty and staff have become a model for other universities. Among the state's baccalaureate institutions, the most productive faculty are found at USI. And the faculty's commitment to continual improvement in teaching has produced increasing quality of instruction and graduate preparedness. The University truly has been a creator of opportunity for thousands of students, many the first in their families to attend college.

The University of Southern Indiana began as a regional campus of Indiana State University, opening on September 15, 1965. In 1967, Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc., (SIHE) raised nearly $1 million to acquire 1,400 acres for the Mid-America University Center. Ground-breaking was held June 22, 1968. Since September 1969, the University has occupied 300 acres, most of which was donated by SIHE. Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. still owns 1,100 acres for development of higher education opportunities. On April 16, 1985, legislation was signed which made USI a separate state university. All legal matters were effective July 1, 1985.

American education assumes a link between the truth of an idea and the good it promotes for individuals and society. An educated person can be expected not only to be knowledgeable and more financially secure, but also a better citizen, among whose virtues are tolerance, judgment, and belief in freedom for self and others. These values develop in an atmosphere of open inquiry and pursuit of truth. Therefore, as the University of Southern Indiana seeks to support education, social and economic growth, and civic and cultural awareness in southwestern Indiana, it will be devoted primarily to preparing students to live wisely.

The University of Southern Indiana is a broad-based institution providing instruction, research, and service. There are five academic schools within the University's structure: School of Business, Bower Suhrheinrich School of Education and Human Services, School of Liberal Arts, School of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Pott School of Science and Engineering. In addition, USI houses the Evansville Center for the Indiana University School of Medicine.

A liberal arts and science curriculum serves as the foundation of knowledge for all programs and complements undergraduate programs leading to careers in business, engineering, government, health professions, education, and related fields. Selected master's degrees already in existence, and in development, serve persons in professional and technical studies. As a public institution, the University of Southern Indiana counsels and assists both business and industry and social, educational, governmental, and health agencies to higher levels of efficiency and improved services.

The University was established in 1965 in response to a need for public higher education in southwestern Indiana, a region lacking public higher education until that time. From its earliest stage of planning in the early 1960s, community leaders have supported the University in providing a solid base for its present success and future growth. The University is expected to grow moderately in the years ahead.