Chancellor recognized by Leadership Council
Emily Siemer, Alestle News Reporter
Issue date: 3/22/07 Section: News
Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift was one of four area leaders honored March 8 at the annual Salute to Southwestern Illinois Award Dinner.
Hosted by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, the event highlighted the achievements of regional leaders in their efforts toward economic development of the Metro-East. The organization is comprised of business, industry, labor, education and government leaders primarily from Madison and St. Clair counties.
Upon receiving the honor, Vandegrift credited the circumstances under which he arrived at SIUE in 2004.
"Everything in life is timing," he said. "I was very, very blessed … to come to SIUE at a great time in its history."
Vandegrift has made the most of this timing and taken advantage of opportunities as they have arisen, according to keynote speaker Richard Fleming.
Fleming, President and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association, remarked about the growth and development of SIUE since Vandegrift became chancellor.
"Under Vaughn's leadership, SIUE continues to play a major role in the St. Louis region's higher education and economic development," Fleming said, "particularly with the new SIUE School of Pharmacy and the recent advance to NCAA Division I."
Fleming also mentioned the role of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center and University Park business park in the region.
"We're funded to educate students," Vandegrift said, "but in the process of educating students, our faculty work in the business world, work in the areas of science and other places where they can make a contribution … to the economic development and well being of this area."
Leadership Council President Mike Riley presented the award to Vandegrift, remarking that "(Vandegrift) has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his position at SIUE, guiding the institution during a time of significant growth and accomplishments."
In accepting the award,
Vandegrift took the opportunity to discuss the effects of the university's transition to Division I athletics.
Hosted by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, the event highlighted the achievements of regional leaders in their efforts toward economic development of the Metro-East. The organization is comprised of business, industry, labor, education and government leaders primarily from Madison and St. Clair counties.
Upon receiving the honor, Vandegrift credited the circumstances under which he arrived at SIUE in 2004.
"Everything in life is timing," he said. "I was very, very blessed … to come to SIUE at a great time in its history."
Vandegrift has made the most of this timing and taken advantage of opportunities as they have arisen, according to keynote speaker Richard Fleming.
Fleming, President and CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association, remarked about the growth and development of SIUE since Vandegrift became chancellor.
"Under Vaughn's leadership, SIUE continues to play a major role in the St. Louis region's higher education and economic development," Fleming said, "particularly with the new SIUE School of Pharmacy and the recent advance to NCAA Division I."
Fleming also mentioned the role of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center and University Park business park in the region.
"We're funded to educate students," Vandegrift said, "but in the process of educating students, our faculty work in the business world, work in the areas of science and other places where they can make a contribution … to the economic development and well being of this area."
Leadership Council President Mike Riley presented the award to Vandegrift, remarking that "(Vandegrift) has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his position at SIUE, guiding the institution during a time of significant growth and accomplishments."
In accepting the award,
Vandegrift took the opportunity to discuss the effects of the university's transition to Division I athletics.
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