University Communications

Alumnus and USI Foundation director Chris D. Melton ’72 received the Suzanne A. Nicholson Leadership Award for his work with Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc., a not-for-profit group of Evansville leaders organized in 1966 that is a large part of USI history. SIHE launched a community campaign and raised one million dollars to buy the land that became the home of the University of Southern Indiana.  The organization continued as an advocate for USI during student housing development and through its efforts to become a separate state university.

Melton, president of Ohio Valley Financial Group, thanked the directors for the award and said, “USI was built for people like me who could not afford a college education.”  He introduced his wife Diana ‘71 saying they met while both attended college classes.    

The award, presented on May 17, 2012 at the quarterly USI Foundation Board of Directors meeting, recognized Melton’s leadership role as chair of SIHE for 20 years.  In 2008, SIHE transferred 900 acres of land, valued at $3 million, to the USI Foundation and gave $500,000 to establish two permanent scholarship endowments. Melton helped spearhead that effort.

The Nicholson Leadership Award is named for the director emeritus of USI Development who led the USI Foundation for more than 20 years. The award is given to a person who embodies the late Susie Nicholson’s dedication and spirit in meeting the needs of the University. The recipient of this annual award is chosen by the USI Foundation Board of Directors.