Riley Partnership Expands UE's Reach in Mental Health Education and Care

Evansville, Ind. (11/15/2025) — A new partnership between Riley Children's Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, and the University of Evansville (UE) will expand mental health training and care across Southwest Indiana, the institutions jointly announced Friday during Be the Light: A Celebration of Hope. In addition to announcing the new collaboration, the event brought together university officials, donors, and community partners to honor the individuals and families whose philanthropy has made a lasting impact on UE's growing mental health initiatives.

The new Riley partnership, spearheaded by longtime university and Riley benefactors Lisa and Bob Jones, includes the creation of a Psychology Practicum at Riley Children's Health/IU School of Medicine and an Annual Psychology Symposium that will unite behavioral health professionals, faculty, and students from Riley and the Evansville community. Together, these efforts will provide UE Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) students with valuable clinical experience and help address the growing need for youth mental and behavioral health services.

"Every child deserves access to compassionate, expert mental health care and that begins with training and supporting the professionals who will provide it," said Leslie Hulvershorn, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Riley Children's Health and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the IU School of Medicine. "Thanks to Bob and Lisa Jones and their generous gift, this partnership gives future psychologists hands-on experience while meeting an urgent need. It's a meaningful step toward brighter futures for children and families across Indiana."

The donation is part of the Riley Children's Foundation Every Child Deserves Riley $300 million comprehensive fundraising campaign. A key priority of the campaign includes enhancing access to evidence-based youth mental health services.

Bob Jones is a Riley Children's Foundation board member and will be stepping down this year after 20 years of distinguished service. Jones also served as Chair of the UE Board of Trustees prior to transitioning from the role earlier this year.

As part of Friday's announcements, UE also revealed that the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program will now be named the Koch Family Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Program, honoring the visionary generosity of the Koch family. Their foundational support in 2021 has inspired a powerful network of partnerships, helping to expand mental health access, education, and clinical training across the region.

In loving memory of Emily M. Young, daughter of Judge Richard L. and Roseann Young, Lisa and Bob Jones generously provided a lead gift to establish the Emily M. Young Assessment Center within the UE Mental Health and Wellness Clinic in 2023. During Friday's celebration, UE also announced the rededication of the clinic and the assessment center as the UE Emily M. Young Mental Health Clinic, recognizing Emily's legacy and the continued leadership philanthropy of the Jones family.

Philanthropy has fueled every stage of UE's expanding impact in this area.

"The generosity of the Jones family, the Koch family, and so many others continues to create pathways of hope-honoring lives, strengthening communities, and preparing the next generation of compassionate mental health professionals," said University President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "The event served as both reflection and renewal, celebrating lives lost to mental illness, uplifting families who continue to advocate for change, and recognizing the collective hope made possible through community support and collaboration."

The University has also launched the Be the Light Fund, ensuring the UE Emily M. Young Mental Health Clinic can continue its vital work for years to come. With the support of our partners and philanthropic donors, UE will continue transforming lives through education and service, leading with compassion and a shared commitment to the mental health and well-being of all.