USI Board of Trustees advances academic offerings, approves Spring degree candidates

At its regular meeting on Thursday, March 5, the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees approved a new undergraduate Coaching Certificate and three microcredentials in Rural Health, Healthcare Leadership and Environmental Health. The Board also approved one honorary degree candidate and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree candidates for conferral at the Spring Commencement Ceremonies, to be held Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, at Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles.

John L. Deem, USI Associate Vice President Emeritus for Student Affairs and Assistant Professor Emeritus of Accounting, will be recognized as an honorary degree candidate for his 44 years of impactful service to the University. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Coaching Certificate

The Certificate in Coaching will prepare students with the foundational knowledge, practical skills and professional competencies needed to effectively and ethically coach athletes across competitive levels. The 11-credit-hour program will integrate principles of athletic performance, sport psychology and injury prevention, with coursework emphasizing leadership, communication, motivation and evidence-based strategies that promote athlete well-being and long-term development.

Designed for both traditional students and K-12 educators seeking license renewal credits, the certificate will replace the University’s current Coaching and Strength and Conditioning minors and help meet regional workforce needs by preparing qualified coaches to serve youth, middle and high school athletics throughout southern Indiana.

Rural Health Microcredential

The Rural Health Microcredential will provide undergraduate students and community members with foundational knowledge and applied experience focused on the unique health challenges facing rural communities. Through a three-course, nine-credit-hour curriculum, students will explore rural health disparities, access to care, health policy, community engagement and the social determinants of health, while gaining hands-on experience and interprofessional skills essential to rural practice.

Designed to complement majors such as community and public health, health administration, nursing, social work and other disciplines, the microcredential will help prepare a workforce equipped to serve rural populations across southwestern Indiana and beyond. By addressing persistent healthcare access challenges and aligning with state and national priorities to reduce health disparities, the program will strengthen USI’s role as a regional leader in health education and community engagement.

Healthcare Leadership Microcredential

The Healthcare Leadership Microcredential will equip undergraduate students with the foundational skills needed to lead people, processes and organizational change in today’s complex healthcare environment. Through a focused three-course, nine-credit-hour curriculum, students will develop their personal leadership style while gaining expertise in ethical decision-making, communication, team-based problem solving and navigating the unique challenges of healthcare systems.

Created for students in health administration, public health, nursing administration and related fields, as well as community members seeking professional development, the microcredential will prepare graduates to guide interdisciplinary teams and support organizational effectiveness across hospitals, public health agencies, long-term care facilities and community health organizations. By leveraging existing faculty and coursework, the program will strengthen career readiness and advance USI’s mission to prepare leaders for service in a dynamic and evolving healthcare landscape.

Environmental Health Microcredential

The Environmental Health Microcredential will introduce undergraduate students to the essential concepts, challenges and practices shaping the growing field of environmental health. Through a focused three-course, nine-credit-hour curriculum, students will explore the connections between environmental conditions and human health, examining issues such as pollution, climate-related impacts, water and air quality and occupational health risks. The program will emphasize interdisciplinary thinking, data analysis and practical skills needed to address today’s most pressing public health concerns.

Designed to complement a variety of majors and accessible to community members seeking professional development, the microcredential will prepare students for careers in public health agencies, environmental consulting, regulatory bodies, healthcare systems and nonprofit organizations. By leveraging existing faculty and coursework, the program will strengthen career readiness while advancing USI’s commitment to academic innovation, community engagement and preparing graduates to address environmental determinants of health at both local and global levels.

All certificates and microcredentials will be reviewed next by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. 

In other news, the Board heard updates on campus construction projects.