USI Board of Trustees approves two new certificates, Spring degree candidates

At its regular meeting on Thursday, March 7, the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees approved two new certificates, an undergraduate Financial Institutions Certificate and a graduate Certificate in Leadership. It also approved six honorary degree candidates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree candidates for conferral at the Spring Commencement Ceremonies, to be held Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, at the Screaming Eagles Arena. 

New Certificates 

The 12-hour, four-course undergraduate Financial Institutions Certificate, offered in-person and in online formats, will address the rising demand for skilled professionals in banks, credit unions and regulatory oversight agencies. With active recruitment of USI graduates by regional banks and credit unions, this Certificate will directly address the specific labor needs of the Evansville market where over 26 financial institutions operate.  

Students who complete the Certificate will be familiar with the functions of banks, credit unions and regulatory agencies that provide oversite to these industries. The program will be housed in the Romain College of Business which is AACSB accredited. 

Tailored to meet the demands of professionals aspiring to advance their careers or secure new positions, the accelerated format graduate Certificate in Leadership will offer a comprehensive and multidisciplinary curriculum focused on essential leadership skills. The nine-credit hour Certificate, with a concentration on leadership communication and context, will be delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format, providing working professionals with the flexibility to complete the program on their own schedules.  

The rationale behind the Certificate is rooted in the University's collaborative efforts with community stakeholders. The Certificate will address concerns raised by regional business leaders regarding a skills gap among mid-level employees hindering their progression to leadership roles. It will not only align with the University's commitment to regional workforce needs but also will complement existing graduate programs in healthcare, education and other disciplines. 

The program will be offered through the School of Graduate Studies. 

Both certificates will now go to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission for review and approval. Upon successful approval, both certificates are scheduled to be implemented in the 2024 Fall Semester. 

Honorary Degrees 

The following candidates were approved for honorary degrees:  

• Dr. James D. Anderson, Professor of Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his lifetime commitment to education. 
• Neal A. Franklin will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for her passion, leadership and profound dedication to advancing higher education at USI 
• Dr. M. Edward Jones, Vice Provost Emeritus for Outreach and Engagement, and Cynthia S. Brinker, Senior Vice President Emerita for Government and University Relations, will receive honorary Doctor of Laws degrees for their collective 75 years of exemplary service to the University. 
• Dr. Mohammed F. Khayum, USI Provost Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Economics, will receive an honorary Doctor of Business degree for his extensive service and unwavering dedication to USI. 
• Bridget Muldoon McDaniel, accomplished flutist and inspirational leader in musical arts, will receive an honorary Doctor of Arts degree for her impact on the lives of millions of children around the world.  

In other business, the Board heard updates on campus construction.