USI board appoints Steve Bridges as university’s next president
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The University of Southern Indiana board of trustees on Wednesday unanimously approved Steve Bridges as the university’s fifth president.
Bridges, a two-time alumnus of the university, has served as interim president of USI since last June, following the departure of former President Ronald Rochon.
In a news release, Bridges called the appointment the greatest honor of his career.
“The extraordinary education I received at USI has prepared me well and will continue to take center stage for our students,” he said. “As a Screaming Eagle and one of 54,000 plus alumni, I am determined to continue to share the care and concern I received as a student and am proof of the transformative nature of higher education.”
Bridges joined the university in 1989 as a staff accountant after earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He later earned an MBA from the university in 1995. Bridges has held numerous leadership positions during his tenure, most recently serving as vice president for finance and administration, a role he has held since 2015.
Last May, Rochon announced he was stepping down to become president of California State University-Fullterton. A national search for his successor began in September, and search committee chair Christina Ryan said nearly 100 people applied for the position.
“The trustees received additional feedback from small groups of campus constituents on the final candidates,” Ryan said. “I believe that I speak for the entire committee when I share that I was extremely impressed at the caliber and expertise of the candidates who expressed interest in USI.”
Trustee Ron Romain, executive chairman of Evansville-based United Cos., emphasized his endorsement of Bridges during the board’s special meeting on Wednesday.
“I’ve worked with Steve for a number of years on the board, and to see the work that he’s done as a member of the university team, it’s high-quality work,” Romain said. “His commitment and love for the university is just visible to me every time I interact with him. So I’m very, very happy with the selection of Steve.”
Bridges will begin his new role as president—without the “interim” tag—immediately. Speaking to the board after the vote, Bridges said being able to seamlessly move into the new role will allow the university to advance its work even further.
“Today is a good day, and I need you to hear me say you will not be disappointed,” he said.
You can view the full board meeting in the video below: