2026 Spring Meeting recap

A herald of the new semester, the annual Spring Meeting, welcoming back USI employees, was on Wednesday, January 7 in Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles. Updates were given by President Steve Bridges, Provost Shelly Blunt and University leadership about current initiatives and goals, as well as construction on campus, enrollment numbers, news from the Indiana Statehouse and more.

Construction – Wright Administration Building

Coming to campus, it is evident crews have begun demolition of the Wright Administration Building.  

Employees are asked to remain cautious when entering campus as construction workers continue their work on the Health Professions Center and now Wright Administration Building.

The sidewalk along University Boulevard is closed from the Health Professions Center to the corner of Orr Center just across from the Wright Administration Building.

Pedestrians may use the temporary sidewalk created along University Boulevard in front of Health Professions Center and Wright Administration construction zones. The sidewalk along Wright in front of Red Mango toward the Science Center will be open for use. However, the entrance into Wright Administration near Red Mango will be closed and labeled a construction zone.

Red Mango has been permanently closed; a new dining option will open in the Health Professions Center later this spring (more details will be shared closer to that time). WA I (formerly Forum I) is also closed for construction. WA II (Forum II) and WA III (Forum III) will remain open for use. To enter WA III, use:

• Entrance on the lower level from the direction of the Science Center)
• The WA 6 exterior entrance, accessible from behind Red Mango
• The first level entrances, accessible from the Redwood Lounge and past Forum I.

The maps below show available pathways and construction zones.

Entrances into Wright Administration near WA II (formerly Forum II) will remain open, giving access to WA II, the building’s elevator as well as offices and departments that remain in the building at this time:

• Human Resources
• Institutional Equity
• University Web and Digital Content
• IT Help Desk

Please pay attention to informational and directional signs near the building during this construction for your safety!

Organizational units

In their updates, Jeff Sickman, Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Dr. Abeer Mustafa, Vice President for Student Affairs, shared the current offices and departments that report in their division, reflecting recent changes to organization.

Finance and Administration Division

• Business Office
• Facility Planning and Operations
• USI Foundation Accounting
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Internal Audit

Division of Student Affairs

• TRIO Student Support Services
• Housing and Residence Life
• USI Deaconess Clinic
• Religious Life
• Pathways
• Dean of Students Office (DOSO)
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center
• Student Life Office (realignment of Multicultural Center and Campus Life offices)

Surplus USI

Announced near the end of 2025, VP Sickman reminded the campus community about the launch of the new Surplus USI, a market for University property to incorporate sustainable practices by redistributing University-owned items that are no longer needed. The initiative is designed to help reduce waste, support campus operations and offer affordable resources to the community.

To browse items in the Surplus USI store, visit USI.edu/procurement/purchasing/surplus-usi  and click “Surplus USI Store.”

Offices and departments may also submit items for removal, transfer, temporary storage or disposal through this webpage.

Reminder: All technology related items are handled through IT.

Higher Learning Commission Reaccreditation Process

In her updates, Provost Blunt discussed the current Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaccreditation process for the University. Committees established for the process are already working on items ahead of an HLC visit, scheduled for the end of February 2027.

USI Today will begin an HLC series, starting the week of January 12, 2026, to keep the campus community informed about what HLC is, the process and important information for employees during the accreditation work.  

University Strategic Marketing

With the launch of a new University advertising campaign, USI has debuted a new 30-second commercial, as well as shorter commercial spots, reflecting the new campaign. Kindra Strupp, Vice President for Marketing and Communication, shared the full commercial and one of the 15-second spots during the meeting, but all spots can be viewed and shared from the University YouTube.

2026 Screagle Pride Award winner

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Bridges announced the winner of the 2026 Screagle Pride Award.

Cathy Nickens, Associate Director of Student Financial Assistance, was this year’s winner. Her nominator described Nickens—a USI alumni and staff member of over 35 years—as someone who takes pride in her work, has a vast knowledge of financial aid and USI in general and goes above and beyond for USI students and coworkers. They also wrote that Nickens “truly embodies the USI spirit by helping anyone in any way she can.”

Congratulations, Cathy, and thank you for all you do for USI!