Evansville, unlike most Indiana cities, is home to not one, but two successful four-year universities — the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Evansville. The two schools have been a notable part of the Evansville community and culture for a combined total of 212 years. During those more than two centuries, the universities have achieved many accolades, and 2015 was no different.
The University of Southern Indiana celebrated its 50th anniversary in style, racking up numerous awards and recognitions.
“From its founding to today, USI has been an externally-focused, quality-driven learning organization,” says USI President Dr. Linda Bennett.
During its 50th year, the university was named the 2015 Nonprofit of the Year by the Southwest Indiana Chamber, received the Regional Impact Award from Leadership Evansville, the Award of Excellence in Research and Analysis from the University Economic Development Association, and the 2015 Beautiful Business Sustainability Award from Keep Evansville Beautiful.
“Faculty guide students to connect theory to practice and the success of our more than 37,000 alumni is testimony to USI’s impact in this region and beyond,” says Bennett.
A team of students from the Romain College of Business was the overall champion at the 2015 Information Systems Project and Case Competition and The Shield, the university’s student publication, won eight first place awards, Division II Newspaper of the Year second place award, and 35 total awards from the Indiana Collegiate Press Association.
The University of Evansville has achieved its fair share of accolades in its 162 years. In 2015, their awards, grants, and honors continued to add to the list.
“This past year was a productive and fulfilling one at the University of Evansville,” says UE President Thomas Kazee. “The university was recognized by several prestigious ranking groups for our efforts to give students the highest quality education without sacrificing affordability and accessibility. Several of our students and professors also received prestigious awards and accolades in 2015.”
On Sept. 9, U.S. News and World Report named the university one of the best regional universities, ranking it eighth.
“Perhaps one of the university’s most important accomplishments in 2015 was the launching of the UE Guarantee,” says Kazee.
On Sept. 22, UE announced “The UE Guarantee,” an assurance that UE students will graduate in four years, be taught in small classes by professors dedicated to undergraduate education, have the opportunity to study abroad and get an internship, and be awarded financial aid. Later that month, College Choice named the university to the Best Midwest Regional Universities for 2015, ranking ninth out of 50.
In December, UE was again named to Kiplinger’s Best College Value List for private universities, liberal arts colleges, and public colleges. In January 2016, UE’s study abroad program at Harlaxton College was ranked No. 1 in America by BestCollegeReviews.org. The University of Evansville’s program for accounting and finance was named the No. 1 degree program in the nation on the 30 Great Small Colleges for an Accounting and Finance Degree list by Master of Finance Degrees in March, and in May, University of Evansville 2015 graduate Chris Unzicker finished first in the nation with his submission to the Daniel W. Mead Student Contest sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
For more information about the University of Southern Indiana, call 812-464-8600 or visit usi.edu. For more information about the University of Evansville, call 812-488-2000 or visit evansville.edu.
