New Vincennes President Charts Course
Johnson previously served as VU provost.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe new president of Vincennes University sees a big opportunity to expand partnerships with Hoosier employers. Chuck Johnson is the 22nd president of the state’s oldest college and says VU’s collaborations have "really resonated" with manufacturers including Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Lafayette-based Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Inc. in Princeton. He says the efforts blend classroom learning with on-the-job experience and fill a need identified by companies throughout the state.
During an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, Johnson said expanding career and technical education programs at the high school level will also be a priority.
Johnson recently attended the grand opening of the Gene Haas Training Center in Lebanon. The facility, named for the founder of machine tool business Haas Automation Inc., offers computer numeric control machinist training programs using technology from the country. It will help students gain industry-standard certification from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills.
Johnson returned from a visit to China, where he met with a group of graduates in Shanghai, which has an "impressive concentration" of VU alumni. He also drummed up a number of agreements in cities in the Asian nation that he says could help with talent development.
Johnson succeeds longtime leader Dick Helton, who moved on from the position earlier this year.