VU Board of Trustees endorses major upgrades to on-campus housing

The Vincennes University Board of Trustees has endorsed a transformative housing project to strengthen the University’s partnerships with industry leaders such as Amazon and Walmart and to modernize VU’s on-campus housing.

Employers are increasingly looking to Vincennes University for apprenticeship and other hands-on technical training, taking advantage of the ease of doing business with VU and the amenities offered to students and trainees by its residential campus in Vincennes. The plan focuses on redeveloping Godare Hall, one of VU’s oldest residence halls, into a premium, all-private-room facility that offers a turnkey solution for employers.

VU Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Services David Tucker said, “Vincennes University is committed to providing adult learners with an exceptional educational and residential experience. High-quality private accommodations and dynamic social spaces ensure a vibrant environment where industry partners can send their employees, knowing every aspect of their on-campus experience meets the same level of excellence as the training itself.”

In addition, the plan calls for refreshing the popular Vanderburgh Hall before reintroducing it to the traditional student housing pool.

This project strengthens VU’s role as a leading industry education and training partner. By combining high-quality technical instruction from industry-expert teachers in world-class labs with modern, low-cost housing, VU is positioned to deliver an outstanding on-campus experience for adult learners.

The reimagining of Godare Hall creates a "total package" for industry partners and students alike that includes:

Typical and Efficiency Units, each with new private bathroom, new kitchenette area with refrigerator and microwave, and new hotel-style furniture

Reimagined and stylish amenity spaces

Refreshed interior spaces that create inspiring and relaxing environments

Typical units have the capability to convert back to traditional student housing

The renovation of Vanderburgh Hall also creates a modern, growth-oriented living environment for students:

Refreshes and maximizes efficiency for student restrooms

Revitalizes common areas with modern amenities to foster social interactions

Features furniture and designs specially curated to support student activities

Integrates smart technology built to sustain future growth

The housing project is expected to optimize University housing and dining facilities to reflect recent and expected enrollment shifts and changes in how programs are structured and students learn. It also aligns with the VU 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and will strengthen the University for the future.

Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs Tony Hahn, Vice President of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer Conya Wampler, and Director of Architectural Services and Facilities Andrew Young presented the housing renovation projects to the Board at its April 15 meeting in the Shake Learning Resource Center.

With the Board unanimously approving a resolution, the University will submit the project for the State of Indiana’s authorization, including the Commission of Higher Education, State Budget Agency, and the Office of the Governor.

University leaders are confident the housing project will be mostly funded through bond issuance, thanks to VU’s exceptionally low debt and robust financial position. The total construction budget estimate is $35 million.

VU plans to solicit bids for Godare in September 2026 with construction beginning in December 2026. The bidding process for Vanderburgh is scheduled for September 2027 with construction expected to start in January 2028. Occupancy is slated for both halls in 2028.