UE Board of Trustees Names New Chair
Evansville, Ind. (06/26/2025) — The University of Evansville (UE) Board of Trustees has announced a leadership transition effective July 1, 2025. Robert G. "Bob" Jones will transition from his role of Chair of the Board of Trustees following four years of exceptional service in this leadership capacity. His four years of service follows the term outlined in the University By-Laws for Board officers. Dr. William L. "Bill" Johnson, a UE alumnus and a distinguished leader in both higher education and the financial services industry, has been elected as the next Chair of the UE Board of Trustees.
Jones, the retired Chairman and CEO of Old National Bancorp, guided the Board through a period of significant progress and transformation. This included the University's emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing Board governance, the launch of new academic programs, championing philanthropic advancements, embracing UE and Evansville community partnerships and guiding investments in campus facilities. His leadership was also pivotal in establishing the UE Mental Health and Wellness Clinic and Emily M. Young Assessment Center in 2023. In recognition of their service and support, both Bob and Lisa Jones were awarded honorary degrees during the University's 167th Commencement Exercises in May.
Dr. Johnson will assume the role of Chair following years of service as a member of the Board. A 1982 graduate of the University of Evansville, Dr. Johnson is currently a professor of leadership and practice in the College of Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. He brings to the position nearly four decades of leadership experience spanning higher education, financial services, and public service.
Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Johnson served as president and CEO of Farm Credit Mid-America, a $35 billion financial cooperative serving over 100,000 members across four states. His background includes significant expertise in lending, business operations, risk management, and organizational development.
"Bob Jones has been a remarkable leader for the University of Evansville, steering us through some of the most defining moments in our University's history," said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "His steady hand and strategic vision have been invaluable, and we are profoundly grateful for the legacy he and Lisa have built in our University community and in our Evansville community. I am so proud of the work we did together, but nothing makes me more proud than following Bob and Lisa's passion in addressing mental health for our community by establishing the UE Mental Health Wellness Clinic and the Emily M. Young Assessment Center. Their fingerprints are all over Evansville and this Clinic stands at the pinnacle in my list of incredible accomplishments. As we look to the future, I look forward to continuing our momentum with Dr. Bill Johnson, an accomplished leader, dedicated alumnus, and steadfast advocate for UE. With his leadership extensive experience in higher education and the financial sector, Bill is uniquely positioned to guide our Board and our University, advance our mission, expand our impact, and continue shaping the Changemakers of tomorrow."
The University of Evansville celebrates Bob Jones' legacy of leadership and warmly welcomes Dr. Bill Johnson as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Learn more about the Board of Trustees by clicking here.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
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Elected as the next Chair of the UE Board of Trustees.
Will transition from his role of Chair of the Board of Trustees following four years of service.
University of Evansville
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