EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The University of Southern Indiana (USI) has officially appointed Steven J. Bridges as its fifth President, effective immediately. Bridges, who had been serving as Interim President since July 2024, was selected unanimously by the USI Board of Trustees following a nationwide search.
Christine Keck, Chair of the USI Board of Trustees, praised Bridges for his leadership abilities and unwavering commitment to the university. “Steve has the full confidence of the USI Board of Trustees and possesses the skills, integrity, and vision needed to lead USI into the future,” Keck stated.
Bridges, an alumnus of USI, is the first individual from the university’s alumni to assume the role of President. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1989 and later completed a master’s in business administration in 1995. Throughout his 36-year tenure at USI, Bridges has held several key leadership positions, including Vice President for Finance and Administration. In these roles, he was responsible for overseeing the university’s financial operations, human resources, and public safety services.
“I am determined to continue to share the care and concern I received as a student and am proof of the transformative nature of higher education,” said Bridges. “USI holds a special place in my heart, and I am honored to continue serving this institution as President.”
The appointment follows an extensive search conducted by the USI Presidential Search Committee, which reviewed nearly 100 applications. Christina Ryan, Chair of the search committee, emphasized the thoroughness of the process. “After a rigorous evaluation, the committee presented a strong slate of candidates for consideration by the Board of Trustees,” Ryan explained.
Bridges and his wife, Rosemary, reside in Henderson, Kentucky. They have three adult children and four grandchildren, with a fifth on the way.
As USI’s new President, Bridges is expected to steer the university through its next phase of growth, focusing on enhancing the student experience and further strengthening USI’s role in the community and beyond.
