Comments from Others
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we wish to thank Steve and Sally for their extraordinary service and outstanding achievements at the University of Evansville. The Board is grateful the institution will remain under Dr. Jennings' leadership for another year to guide the U•Envision 2010 capital campaign to a successful conclusion. Of course, we wish he would stay longer, but after a 40 year career in higher education including nine successful years at UE, we understand his desire to retire. We hate to see them leave, but look forward to a productive final year of Steve Jennings' leadership.
Niel Ellerbrook H'07,
Chair of the UE Board of Trustees
As mayor of Evansville, I am saddened by the news that Stephen Jennings will be retiring from the University of Evansville. Since his arrival in 2001, Dr. Jennings has been instrumental in fostering a close-knit relationship between the University and the city; he has thrown open the University's doors to our community, and through his involvement in groups like the Evansville Rotary Club and Economic Development Coalition of Southwestern Indiana - and his participation with causes like the city's Education Roundtable, and Evansville's Celebration of Diversity Lecture Series - he has truly woven the University of Evansville into the fabric of this city. I will miss him and his wife, Sally, and wish them all the best in their retirement.
Jonathan Weinzapfel,
Mayor of Evansville
Dr. Jennings has built a well-deserved reputation as an accessible President and a tireless advocate for UE students and faculty. I appreciate his efforts to bring more opportunities and support to this outstanding educational institution. He will be missed.
Brad Ellsworth,
8th District Congressman
Unlike those of you at the University of Evansville, I have never had the opportunity to work professionally with Steve, although I often wish I had. Our friendship began in 1970 when we were both beginning our careers on the SMU campus, and it has continued over the years even as our career paths took us in different directions. I, along with many others, continue to value Steve's opinions, counsel, and friendship, topped with his unique sense of humor that reminds us to take our lives and work seriously, but not ourselves too much so. I have no doubt that his positive influences will extend well into his retirement years, for the continued benefit of us all.
Marc Raney,
Vice President of University Advancement, Trinity University
Steve has been an effective president for so long because he is clearly a genuine and decent man. Working for a strong, admired and open president made my job here as VPAA so much easier and enjoyable. What people in Evansville may not know is how respected and admired Steve is among his peers. He will be greatly missed not only by UE, but by other college presidents many of whom, like me, are much in his debt.
Stuart Dorsey,
President of the University of Redlands
It has been a real pleasure working with Dr. Jennings over the past eight years. During his time as president of the University of Evansville, Dr. Jennings oversaw the development and execution of a strategic plan that focused on shaping the University's global mission and improving its facilities to make UE a preeminent regional institution. Dr. Jennings initiated a capital campaign, U Envision 2010, that has already brought in more than $65 million. He has overseen numerous University projects, including creating the Institute for Global Enterprise, which serves as a resource for UE students, faculty and the local business community; the construction of the new Ridgway University Center and the Schroeder School of Business. The legacy of Dr. Jennings in Evansville will be the strong relationship he forged between this city and the University which bears its name.
Bob Koch H'03,
Koch Enterprises
As the Chairman of the University of Evansville President's Club Executive Committee, I have worked with Dr. Jennings to reestablish this University organization as an active support group on campus. His vision and success in increasing donors and donor recognition has made possible many transformations to the University through the U•Envision 2010 capital campaign.
As a parent of UE graduates, I want to also recognize Steve for his effort to be involved with all the students, listening to suggestions and comments, and responding to them in such a positive manner. He has made a difference in many students' decisions and career paths by providing so many educational experiences both on campus and around the world.
Steve and Sally will be missed. Best wishes to them.
Pat Bateman,
UE President's Club Executive Committee Chairman
With Steve's retirement, NAICU and American independent higher education will be losing one of its most respected and effective advocates. He has been a tireless champion of student access, institutional independence, educational equality, and the importance of service in our professional and personal lives. My colleagues and I will miss Steve's wise council, sharp intellectual, and good humor.
David L. Warren,
President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Today, our campus is a different university because of him. Not only are there several new buildings, but the long term mission is well established. The future of the University of Evansville looks bright, and Dr. Jennings' work over the past eight years has laid a strong foundation for success.
Dr. William Stroube,
Immediate Past President of UE Faculty Senate
I count my time working with Steve Jennings at UE as one of the real highlights of my professional career. Like he has for so many others, Steve has been a wonderful friend, mentor, and colleague. Steve's warm and magnetic personality, together with his energy, enthusiasm, and incredible knowledge of higher education, has made him one of the best-known and most-respected leaders in higher education. The University of Evansville has been truly fortunate to have him in its service. Under his leadership, the University has been transformed in ways that will positively impact the education and lives of students for generations to come.
John Byrd,
President of Simpson College
I have had the privilege of working for Dr. Jennings for over ten years, and during that time he has demonstrated a consistency of leadership and vision. At the University of Evansville this had resulted in a stronger University, both for its students and the community. His impact has been positive and long lasting and he will be truly missed.
John C. Barner,
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Steve Jennings has been a decisive leader, as well as, a friend to the University. His greatest virtue has been his ability to listen to the ideas and concerns of all the University constituency. Since his arrival at UE, he has consistently shown his personal interest in all individuals on campus. Students, staff, and faculty can truly count Dr. Jennings as a genuine friend.
John David Lutz '64,
Chair, Department of Theatre
It was sad to hear that you will be leaving the University of Evansville. I feel like you saved the Admission Office shortly after you came to UE. I know you are looking forward to spending more time with your family, so I am happy for you for that. Thank you!
Nancy Frazier,
Application Specialist
Best wishes to you on your retirement. I was so happy to meet you when I started working at UE in 2008. Dr. Jennings, I was fortunate to sit next to you at my first OSA meeting. You shared your experiences living in the Central West End of St. Louis as I had just moved from St. Louis to Evansville. You were extremely kind to me and I want to let you know how much I appreciated your warmth and friendliness. I will miss your great personality! Thank you again for making me feel welcome at the U of E. May God Bless You Both.
Jane Woods,
Nursing Department
I want to thank you for all the great things and direction you have taken our great University. You are the best I have seen at our University in my 60 years connected to the University. I appreciate all you and Sally have done for the students, the facilities, the faculty, the Evansville Community and all. You are a man of great empathy and that makes a great leader. I am very proud of you and you will have very big shoes to fill. My best to you and Sally, most deserved. Will see you for the next year for sure. God Bless!
John and Linda Conaway
When I entered the University of Evansville in Fall 2002, President Jennings was still a new face to the UE community, just like us freshman. My very first memory of him was when the Freshman Ice Cream social had to be held in Grabill Lounge because of rain. We began playing Twister and President Jennings, to all of our surprise, joined in. Needless to say, he won the game. There is a picture of the epic game somewhere… His willingness to jump into a game of Twister is an example of his willingness to go above and beyond for the students and the UE community as a whole. Even now as an administrator, he serves as a role model to me as I move forward in my career in Higher Education and Student Affairs. I wish Dr. and Mrs. Jennings the best of luck in retirement!
Heather I. Elam,
Residential Coordinator
Steve has been a true leader in our consortium, The New American Colleges and Universities, and as Chair of its Board of Directors, helped the consortium better to define and attain its goals and mission. My colleagues throughout our 22 institution's join me in congratulating Steve on his retirement and wishing him all the best. We all want to persuade him to not hang up his hat completely. There are few others with his extensive and impressive record in higher education today. We hope he will find time and opportunity during his retirement to mentor and guide more of us and our institutions.
Lynette Robinson, Ph.D.,
Executive Director, The New American Colleges and Universities
UE President Stephen G. Jennings has been a remarkably astute and savvy higher education leader both in Indiana and on the national stage. His confident and collegial leadership style has made an enormous difference for the success of our state organization of college presidents here in Indiana and in Washington D.C. His vast higher education experience combined with his personable demeanor has made him a true friend to many colleagues and institutions. We look forward to serving with him through 2009-10 as he approaches his retirement at the end of the next academic year.
Hans C. Giesecke, Ph.D.,
President and CEO, Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc.
We met over dinner at a hotel during your last visit to Malaysia about 2 years, together with other UE Alumni. Thanks for the time spent with us and It was nice to know you. I wish you happy retiring and all the best in your future undertakings!
Ahmad Kamel Mahmud '88,
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Best wishes in your retirement.
Brian W. Holland, CPA
Chief Financial Officer, Oklahoma City University
You can extend your thanks and best wishes to Steve and Sally Jennings as they prepare to embark on their last year at UE, followed by the joys of retirement, and we'll post them here. You can even attach a photo if you'd like. Offensive/Inappropriate comments will not be posted and we reserve the right to edit comments as needed.
