New dean of Vincennes University Jasper Campus named

Dr. Chris Gray has been appointed assistant vice president/dean of the Vincennes University Jasper Campus.

Gray will attend VU’s opening meeting on Aug. 19 and his first day at VUJC will be Aug. 24.

“The search committee did a tremendous job of screening and evaluating candidates for this important position. I am delighted at Dr. Gray’s selection as he has the background and experience to provide strong leadership for VUJC,” Chuck Johnson, interim president of Vincennes University, said.

Johnson also thanked retiring VUJC Dean Alan Johnson for his flexibility and willingness to continue serving in his role as VU finalized the search for his replacement.

“With this announcement, Al and Carol can finally move forward with the start of a retirement they both have earned over many years of dedicated service,” he said.

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Gray comes to VUJC after serving as dean of Arts and Communication at Illinois Central College, East Peoria, a comprehensive community college serving 12,000 students. He has served in that position since 2010. Prior to that, he served three years as division chair of Fine Arts/program director of Theatre (bachelor’s level) at Lincoln College, Lincoln, Ill., where he increased enrollment in the division by 80 percent and created the first baccalaureate program at the campus.

He has also served as an instructor at Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs, and Illinois College, Jacksonville, as well as a director of Residential Life at Lincoln College.

“I’m excited to join the Vincennes University Jasper Campus, which plays such an important role in the economic development of Dubois County and the surrounding area. As a junior college graduate myself, I appreciate that
VUJC offers so many curricular opportunities. We’re also looking forward to raising our boys in Jasper and becoming part of such a vibrant community where hard work and family values are valued,” Gray said.

Chris and his wife Joy have two sons, Andrew and Jacob.

Gray holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Foundations from Illinois State University, where he earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Theatre.