Vincennes University hosts Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Indiana Economic Development Corporation

Vincennes University was proud to welcome Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg, and key corporate leaders for a quarterly board meeting of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) on the Vincennes Campus on Thursday, Sept. 19.

The meeting helped spotlight VU's essential role in educating and training Hoosiers to drive Indiana's economic growth and success.

Holcomb announced the IEDC's record-breaking $38.3 billion in capital investment commitments for Q3 2024 during the public session.

VU plays a crucial role in shaping a modern and highly skilled workforce, a key factor in driving the Indiana’s economic prosperity.

Holcomb said, "I think about what they're learning about at Vincennes University today that's not just going to react to the future forces but actually determine what they are."

He added, "So, what we're doing together is so important and it allows us to have these historic reports to share. It's changing families' trajectories and what is possible."

During the daylong event, the IEDC board members had the opportunity to see firsthand how

VU is educating and training students by touring various VU programs that are instrumental in creating a highly skilled workforce for major companies such as Amazon, Toyota, Cummins, John Deere, and Hershey to ensure VU graduates are industry-ready.

The tour included visiting the VU-Amazon-VU Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship (MRA) Program. Since its inception in 2020 on the Vincennes Campus as a pilot program, the MRA Program has flourished under the joint efforts of VU and Amazon.

The also toured VU's Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program, which is an earn-and-learn partnership program with Toyota Indiana, Hershey, Berry and other companies.  

Holcomb highlighted the impact of these partnerships.

Holcomb said, "Indiana has stepped up, and the way that we are doing that VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, is by aligning academia, which is so important to Toyota and our manufacturing industry here at VU and a lot of other companies as well all across the state."

VU's College of Technology Center, where students engage in cutting-edge robotics and advanced manufacturing training, impressed the IEDC Board. The members visited the University's Center for Applied Robotics and Automation (CARA). VU leads the largest collaborative robot educational project in the United States.

The University's efforts to stay ahead of technological advancements were also on display, with tours of the Additive Manufacturing and Reverse Engineering Center and the HURCO Advanced CNC Machining Technology Center. These centers provide hands-on experience for students in rapidly evolving industries.

VU President Johnson said, "Vincennes University is honored to welcome Governor Holcomb, Secretary Rosenberg, and the IEDC to VU. We are delighted to showcase the great things happening here at VU. When you talk about economic development, I know it is increasingly intertwined with workforce development and education, and VU is very proud to be at the nexus of that work in the state of Indiana, especially here in the southwestern corner."

Johnson added, "We hope we can be seen as a continued partner for the state of Indiana's efforts, and we want to certainly be part of helping make Indiana even stronger in the years to come.”

During his visit to the Vincennes Campus, Holcomb reflected on his strong emotional connections to VU and Knox County.

He said, "It's extra special to be on campus. Everything started in Vincennes for the state of Indiana, and it certainly started for me here. My parents met on this very campus. Knox County is where I really got my start engaging in state government."

VU is passionately dedicated to nurturing and empowering the future leaders of Indiana. By fostering strong partnerships with industry pioneers and prioritizing innovation, VU is actively shaping a skilled workforce that will secure Indiana's competitive edge on national and global fronts. This commitment to academic excellence ensures a promising economic future for the state.