The University of Southern Indiana is a regionally responsive, needs-driven, comprehensive public university in the model of the "new American college." Emphasizing teaching and interaction between faculty and students, the University favors need-based applied research rather than basic research, and is responsive to community needs. The University of Southern Indiana has created an environment where teaching and learning are foremost in its mission and where the energy and dedication to purpose of faculty and staff have become a model for other universities. Among the state's baccalaureate institutions, the most productive faculty are found at USI. And the faculty's commitment to continual improvement in teaching has produced increasing quality of instruction and graduate preparedness. The University truly has been a creator of opportunity for thousands of students, many the first in their families to attend college.