The History of the University of Southern Indiana.
In the fall of 1965, a university committed to educating the people of Southern Indiana was born. On September 15, the first classes began at USI (then called Indiana State University-Evansville, ISUE) in the old Centennial School at 112 N. 12th Avenue with 412 students and 36 part-time faculty and staff, as well as freshman-level classes in seven academic programs.
This was the humble beginning of an institution with a shared community dream. Follow the journey of a group of Hoosiers that surpassed their wildest dreams!
1960’s
Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. raises nearly a million dollars in a community fund drive to acquire a 1,400-acre tract of land adjoining Highway 62 in western Vanderburgh county.
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Dr. David L. Rice, a Ball State University professor, is named dean of the campus.
Indiana legislature approves first buildings.
The Science Center and Administration Building, the first structure on the new campus, opens on the 300-acre site donated by Southern Indiana Higher Education Inc.
1970’s
The dedication of the campus is held on April 1970 and the first honorary degrees are conferred.
The first Commencement for 151 degree candidates is held on June 2, 1971.
David L. Rice is named the first president on campus.
The University joins the NAIA for intercollegiate athletic competition.
University Center opens in 1974.
Golf team finishes 15th in the nation with 54 victories and 25 losses in 1974.
In 1975 there are 86 full-time faculty and 149 staff members to provide academic programs in 31 areas.
In 1976 the Alumni Association hosts its first five-year reunion in honor of the Class of 1971.
Intercollegiate athletic programs change affiliation from NAIA to NCAA Division II competition.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference for men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic competition is funded with the University as a charter member.
In 1979 the Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. announces plan to provide student housing adjacent to campus.
1980’s·
South Central Broadcasting donates AM820 radio The station takes call letters WSWI and puts communications students “on the air.”
The University Home, providing a home for the University’s first family and built entirely with private funds, opens and is donated to the university by the USI Foundation.
The Commission of Higher Education supports separate state university status.
The bill creating the University of Southern Indiana passes both houses of the Indiana General Assembly, and is signed into law by Governor Robert D. Orr on campus April 16, 1985, at 12:07 p.m.
The first Board of Trustees is appointed.
In 1988 the first master’s degrees are conferred. Presidential candidate George Bush visits campus. Dr. Melvin Denner, professor of biology, is named Indiana’s Professor of the Year.
1990’s
The Robert D. Orr Center opens as USI celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking the September 15, 1965, opening of classes.
In 1994, H. Ray Hoops is named president; effective July 1st.· The Health Professions Center opens and the School of Nursing and Health Profession and IU Medical Center-Evansville Campus, move in. (1994)
Over 11,000 students have graduated since 1971; two-thirds of USI’s graduates remain in the Tri-State. (1995)
Groundbreaking for $4.7 million expansion of the University Center. (1995)
Harlaxton study-abroad program in cooperation with UE is approved. (1996)
Liberal Arts Center opens. (1999)
Newman Hall, USI’s first residence hall, opens. (1999)
2000’s
Recreation and Fitness Center opens. (March 2000)
USI sets record enrollment; full-time student count continues to climb. (September 2000)
Sculpture by USI graduate is a USA entry in the art competition and was presented in the Cultural Program during the XXVII Olympic Games. (September 2000)
Army ROTC arrives at USI. (2001)
USI celebrates groundbreaking for $23.1 million Science and Education Center. (2001)
USI grants a record number of degrees on May 6, 2001.
Indiana Commission of Higher Education approves engineering program. (May 2002)
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