Name Stephen Jennings | ||
Education Trinity University, University of Georgia, Miami University | ||
Stephen G. Jennings became the 22nd president of the University of Evansville on 1 June 2001. He retired effective May 31, 2010.
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Since 1983, Jennings has served as president at three other colleges including Oklahoma City University.
Education
Jennings acquired his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at Trinity University, and his Master of Science from Miami University. He holds a PhD in human development/higher education administration from the University of Georgia. He also has been awarded two honorary degrees: a Doctor of Humane Letters from Simpson College and a Doctor of Laws from the College of the Ozarks.
Activities
Jennings is on the board of directors of Old National Bank of Evansville, Metro Community Bank Board – South District, Mission Health Systems, Signature Learning Center, Evansville Rotary Club, and WNIN Public Broadcasting. He is Chair of the President's Council of the Missouri Valley Conference. Jennings is also an alumnus of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
Arrest
On July 2, 2008 Jennings was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Officer T Siebert, an off-duty Evansville Police officer, observed a White 2006 Toyota Avalon, Indiana license UE 1, driving erratically eastbound on the Lloyd Expressway. The vehicle crossed the center line, drove on the median between the expressway and the U.S. Route 41 ramp, and nearly struck several barrels in a construction zone.
Upon questioning by the police, Jennings appeared intoxicated. The officer reported his speech was slurred and Jennings smelled strongly of alcohol. Jennings initially denied consuming alcohol that evening. Jennings failed three field sobriety tests, and had a blood alcohol content of .14%.
Jennings was charged with one count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OMVWI), one count of refusing to a chemical test (OMVWI-Refusal), one count of unsafe lane movement, and one count of driving left of center. This story received national attention both in electronic and print media.
Subsequent to Jennings's infamous DUI arrest—in the wake of which alumni contributions began to plummet—the University's principal financial donor, Dr. William Ridgeway of Evansville, altered his will, entrusting his multimillion-dollar bequest to UE to the fiscal supervision of Old National Bank. As a result, the Trustees of Old National now effectively oversee the University's financial policies.