University of Evansville

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Transformations in Global Learning Opportunities

Introduction:

The University of Evansville is prepared to move forward with a bold plan for transforming its learning environments and community engagement. Through the creation of the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana, the University of Evansville will become the focal point for making southern Indiana a hub of global business, by providing the necessary research, education, training and networking. The University will become one of the engines that revitalizes the region. The catalyst for the change will be the transformation of the School of Business Administration into a nationally recognized program with a core strength in global business. The Institute will provide an important forum for the University to work in partnership with the business community in expanding global business opportunities in southern Indiana and preparing a professionally and culturally astute workforce.

Transformations:

The Lilly transformational grant will enable the School of Business Administration to become a model of student engagement and learning. The investment of $15 million in the University will launch our transition to national recognition for innovative excellence in education and community engagement. In furthering the institutional mission, the University seeks to build on its historic strengths and to emphasize an international focus. The transformational grant will enable the University to achieve the following two critical goals:

Goal 1:

Transform the University of Evansville’s School of Business Administration

• Create a focus on excellence in global business within the School of Business Administration
• Establish a model program with active learning environments, including global business internships, entrepreneurial student teams and living case studies to develop adaptive learners
• Develop outreach activities for the business community and their global employees, including an international speaker’s series, export training seminars, internships and continuing education programs, in Evansville, at Harlaxton College or other global sites

Goal 2:

Enhance the international competitiveness of Indiana businesses through education, research and service support

• Create the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana to serve as a resource center and business incubator for the regional business community
• Collaborate with both governmental and corporate development departments to assist Indiana businesses in engaging in new business development and the expansion of existing businesses to more effectively compete in a global environment and create more employment opportunities
• Create community outreach and training activities that enhance the region’s development of intellectual capital
• Establish an Institute Advisory Board with senior business leaders in the region

The business community will be able to draw upon the international trade expertise of visiting faculty members from partner universities engaged through the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana. In addition, the Indiana business community will be served through the greater international training and experience of University of Evansville students as they embark on professional careers.

Conclusion:

The Lilly Endowment’s transformational grant of $15 million will empower the University of Evansville to fulfill its role as a strategic partner in leading the revitalization of southern Indiana’s business community. The strategic investment of the transformational grant’s resources will allow the University of Evansville to write exciting new chapters in a book filled with stories of lives transformed by the Evansville Experience.