Vincennes University announces Jaci Lederman as new Provost

Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson announced on Thursday, May 28, the appointment of Jaci Lederman as Provost, Vice President of Instructional Services, and Dean of Faculty, effective June 1. Lederman has successfully served as the interim leader in these roles since July 2025.

The appointment follows a national search process led by a committee of VU faculty and staff.

Lederman’s proven leadership and robust knowledge of the University solidified her selection as the perfect leader to guide the University’s academic future.

Johnson said, "Jaci Lederman has consistently demonstrated principled leadership and a deep commitment to student success. She brings a collaborative vision for Vincennes University's high-quality academic programs and student-focused mission. Her experience in industry and her service to VU as a faculty member, department chair, Information Technology leader, and Interim Provost reflect the strategic insight needed to lead Instructional Services. I am confident she is the right leader to lead our academic and student affairs areas to meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce they will enter.”

Lederman’s leadership philosophy is firmly rooted in the community college mission of access, engagement, and transformation.

VU is incredibly meaningful to her, especially since she is an alumna.

"I am deeply honored to accept this role permanently and to continue serving the VU Community," Lederman said. "VU has a rich history of transforming lives through accessible, high-quality educational programs, and I look forward to working alongside our talented faculty and staff to build on that legacy."

She has a strong history of leadership at VU, including her selection as a prestigious Tobias Fellow by The Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence at Indiana University in 2024.

Lederman was appointed Executive Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer in 2023. She focused on strengthening partnerships between the Information Technology Department and University stakeholders, and creating a culture that supports modernization and digital transformation to enhance student success. She paused her day-to-day duties within the VUIT Department when she was named interim provost, following Dr. Laura Treanor’s departure to become President of Virginia Western Community College.

Lederman was named Director of Enterprise Applications in 2022 and was instrumental in launching multiple software tools, a new website, and other projects.

Her deep understanding of the faculty experience comes from her own time in the classroom. She began her career at VU in 2011 as a faculty member in the Information Technology Department, eventually achieving the rank of Professor, and serving as a Department Chair from 2017 to 2022.

Before beginning her professional journey in higher education, Lederman held various roles within the IT industry for nearly 20 years.

She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Organizational Management. Her degrees include a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University, a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix, and an Associate of Science in Computer Programming from VU.

Her qualifications also include a variety of IT, cybersecurity, and project management certifications. She was awarded an EC-Council Academia Circle of Excellence Award in Cybersecurity Education in 2019.

With Lederman's guidance, VU remains well-positioned to advance its mission of providing high-quality instruction.

“We have an incredible opportunity to shape the future of learning at VU,” Lederman said. “I am ready to lead our instructional teams toward new achievements.”