Vincennes University Jasper welcomes new Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing Director Ashley Schaefer

Vincennes University Jasper announced the appointment of Ashley Schaefer, as the new Director of the Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing (CTIM), effective Sept. 28, 2026.

Schaefer possesses more than 15 years of technical expertise specializing in battery technology and sustainable energy.

Interim Dean of VU Jasper Alli Tempel said, “VU Jasper deeply values our collaboration with community organizations and industry partners, and the campus remains fervently committed to continuing our strong partnerships. Ashley Schaefer brings a powerful blend of technical, managerial, and relationship-building experience to her new role as director. Her ability to connect effectively across all organizational levels will ensure the CTIM continues to be a driving force for VUJ, Dubois County, and southern Indiana.”

Schaefer was selected from a talented pool of applicants nationally. By leveraging her data-driven approach to unite internal teams and external partners, Schaefer is equipped to build upon VU Jasper’s history of robust community and industry partnerships that serve as a model for Indiana in workforce and education alignment.

Schaefer said, “I am incredibly honored to be trusted with this critical role and eager to build upon the strong relationships that already exist within our local ecosystem. As I dive into the specific needs of our community, my focus will be on bridging the gap between Hoosiers striving to build meaningful careers and industry partners looking to grow their businesses within the state. It is a thrilling time to be in this space as manufacturing and technology evolve alongside rapid innovations in electronics, energy storage, and AI. I look forward to leveraging my own technical background and energy industry experience to help develop forward-thinking curricula.”

She is currently serving as the Head of Cell Development at Ten-Nine Technologies, an advanced battery materials company that is headquartered in Tulsa and focuses on solving battery degradation, one of energy storage’s key challenges. At Ten-Nine Tech, Schaefer managed high-performing teams and provided technical direction for business development efforts.

She also brings valuable regional experience, having worked for seven years in various positions at The Battery Innovation Center in Newberry, Indiana, including ascending to the role of Director of Programs. While there, she successfully built relationships and developed programs with key customers while overseeing project workloads and crucial deadlines.

Schaefer’s resume also includes working as an Energy Efficiency Engineer for Outperformers NEXT, an energy consulting firm based in Sydney, Australia. She was also a Sustainable Energy Lab Research Assistant at Virginia Tech.

Schaefer holds a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Her strong communication and leadership capabilities uniquely position Schaefer to uphold and advance the mission of VU Jasper with its reputation for exceptional K-12 partnerships, innovative work-and-learn opportunities for students, and high-quality industry training.

“My biggest priority is ensuring tomorrow’s workforce is genuinely ready for a fast-changing job site on day one,” Schaefer said. “With the rapid evolution of computer advancements, automation, and advanced manufacturing, the modern workplace looks completely different than it did even a few years ago. When we give our students a practical, tech-forward edge, it gives both the graduate and the employer the confidence to take a chance on each other, resulting in a smooth transition from the classroom into industry.”

She added, “Achieving this requires ongoing collaboration and open communication. I want to hear directly from our industry partners about the emerging technologies they are adopting so we can stay ahead of the curve. Just as importantly, I want to listen to our students and faculty to support their goals. Ultimately, I want the broader community to know exactly what CTIM has to offer. Our programs aren't just classes—they are critical pathways to major life milestones, whether that’s buying a home, supporting a family, or launching a rewarding career.”

Building those vital career pathways, she noted, begins long before prospective students ever step foot onto the Jasper Campus. 

“Beyond the classroom, I am incredibly excited to champion outreach programs that engage students of all ages,” Schaefer said. “By introducing young learners to hands-on experiences with modern technology early on, we can demystify future career paths and ignite a lifelong interest in STEM. Ultimately, it is about expanding their horizons and showing the next generation the incredible breadth of opportunities waiting for them right here in Indiana.”

She succeeds Jacob Berg, who held the position since 2019. Schaefer begins her duties at VU Jasper on the same day that Dr. Travis Madison steps into his new role as the Assistant Vice President and Dean of VU Jasper.