USI Board of Trustees approves Presidential Search Committee members, biennial capital improvement request and rates for 2025-26 housing and meal plans

At its regular meeting on Thursday, September 5, the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees announced the members of the Presidential Search Committee, and the national search firm, Academic Search, has been engaged to assist with the selection of the University’s fifth President. Christina Ryan, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, is leading the committee, which will oversee bringing forward candidates for full Board consideration and final approval to fill the President role. 

The fifth President will succeed Steven J. Bridges who is serving as USI Interim President since the departure of Ronald S. Rochon, the University’s fourth President.  

Search Committee members are as follows:  

• Christina M. Ryan, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee and First Chair of the USI Board of Trustees 

• Jean M. Blanton ’01, Chair of the USI Foundation Board 

• W. Harold Calloway, Board of Trustees Member 

• Dr. Michael D. Dixon, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Professor of History 

• Dr. Trent A. Engbers, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program 

• Randa D. Gatling ’99, Women’s Basketball Associate Head Coach 

• Andrea R. Gentry ’05, Vice President for Development  

• Fouad L. Hamami ’25, Student Trustee 

• Dr. Pamela F. Hopson D’23, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs 

• Dr. T. Kyle Mara, Associate Professor of Biology 

• Troy A. Miller, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management 

• Dr. Sudesh N. Mujumdar, Dean of the Romain College of Business and Professor of Economics 

• Dr. Erin M Reynolds, Chair of Health Services and Associate Professor of Health Services Administration 

• Dr. Nicholas D. Rhew M’11, Chair of Management and Information Sciences and Associate Professor of Management  

• Ronald D. Romain ’73, Board of Trustees Member 

• Patricia A. Tieken ’09 M’13, Chair of Administrative Senate and Senior Travel Buyer 

• Abby E. Yates, Chair of Staff Council and Senior Administrative Associate  

• Nita R. Musich ’10, Senior Executive Assistant to the President for Board and Executive Relations – Ex-Officio 

• Kindra L. Strupp M’22, Vice President for Marketing and Communication – Ex-Officio 

• Sarah K. Will ’05, Executive Director of Human Resources – Ex-Officio 

The presidential search is anticipated to be completed by summer 2025. 

The Board also approved the 2025-27 Capital Improvement Budget Request to be presented to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the State Budget Committee and the fiscal committees of the Indiana General Assembly during the 2025 Legislative Session. 

The University’s request seeks funding for two capital projects, including $43 million for Academic Phase II renovation and $39 million for Academic Phase III renovation. 

In addition, the Board approved housing and meal plan rates for the 2025-26 academic year. Housing and meal plan options were evaluated with student preferences and national trends in mind, and the approved rates maintain affordability while providing flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students.