Hardgrave named USI Interim Assistant Provost, Berry appointed Dean of Students

Evansville- The University of Southern Indiana has named Dr. Jason Hardgrave as Interim Assistant Provost, effective Tuesday, August 1. 

"I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Jason Hardgrave as Interim Assistant Provost,” says Dr. Shelly Blunt, Interim Provost. “Dr. Hardgrave is a respected colleague with demonstrated leadership success and extensive experience with curriculum development and review, accreditation, assessment and advising. His student-centric, collaborative approach aligns with the mission of the University and will help strategically advance key initiatives and programs.” 

Hardgrave has been at USI nearly 20 years, most recently serving as Chair of the History Department and as Associate Professor of History. In his role as Chair, he has guided students to success in addition to creating promotional guidelines, assessment procedures and a merit review rubric for the History Department.  

Additionally, he actively collaborates with the Teacher Education Department to ensure student preparedness, curriculum standards and support for licensure and accreditation processes. He works closely with the University’s College Achievement Program (CAP), building strong connections with local teachers to create opportunities for USI dual credit.  

Previously, Hardgrave served as both Chair and Vice Chair of Faculty Senate. He participated in the Academic Program Review and served as Chair of the University Promotions Committee. He has also contributed to several committees and extracurriculars during his time at USI, including but not limited to, the Economic Benefits Committee, Core 39 Committee and serving as Faculty Advisor for the USI Fencing Club and the USI chapter of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society. 

Hardgrave’s research and teaching expertise centers around pre-modern Europe with a focus on law, trade and gender. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Wyoming and a doctorate in history from the University of Kansas. 

Berry selected as Dean of Students 

Dr. Laurie Berry has been named Dean of Students at USI, effective Friday, July 21. Berry will report to Dr. Khalilah Doss, Vice President for Student Affairs. 

"Dr. Berry has made strides in student success during her 31 years at USI, and I know she will continue to tirelessly care for and maintain our campus community’s success and wellbeing,” says Doss. “She is a passionate leader, and I am confident the University will feel the positive effects of her persistence in making sure active care of our students is priority.” 

The Dean of Students serves as a member of the Provost's Council and Student Affairs Directors Team. The role provides leadership and oversight to the Dean of Students Office, Counseling Center, and the University Health Center; chairs the Campus Action Response and Engagement (CARE) Team and Eagle Experience Team; serves as an advocate for students in the University community; and is the primary advisor for the Student Government Association. 

Berry previously served as Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Housing and Residence Life, in addition to other housing roles, at USI. Throughout her career, she has brought innovations to her work, including collaborating with Institutional Analytics to manage the contact tracing process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Berry was instrumental in expanding the use of Maxient (a conduct software platform) to support the current CARE, financial CARE, admission reviews, academic integrity and Title IX processes across campus. 

In her previous advocacy role, she regularly met with students and collaborated with faculty to support students’ educational goals. Berry also serves as an advisor to students within the academic integrity and Title IX processes. 

During the 2023 Fall Semester, she will teach a doctoral class on policy and practice in higher education in the Doctor of Education program at USI. Her research interests involve studying the ways people connect and support each other in social media spaces. 

Berry earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and master’s in student personnel services from Western Kentucky University. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Indiana State University.