VU College of Technology announces leadership changes

December 17, 2025
VINCENNES, Ind. - Mike Gehrich will retire as the Interim Dean of the 日韩中文字幕福利片 College of Technology on Jan. 30, 2026. Kimberly Wright, who is currently serving as the Director of VU鈥檚 Center for Applied Robotics and Automation, will assume the role of Interim Dean on Jan. 1, 2026.
The combined leadership of Gehrich and Wright positions the college for continued growth and success during this transition.
VU Interim Provost Jaci Lederman said, 鈥淥utstanding leadership is measured by progress and preparedness for the future. Mike Gehrich exemplifies both. Kimberly Wright鈥檚 knowledge of the University and the College of Technology make her uniquely positioned to propel the college forward.鈥
Mike Gehrich
Gehrich has served VU for more than 30 years. Before assuming the role of interim dean, he was the longtime director of VU鈥檚 Aviation Technology Center (ATC) in Indianapolis.
As dean, Gehrich improved operational efficiencies and enhanced external partnerships. His key achievements include obtaining significant Perkins funding for new equipment and renewing a vital partnership with Lincoln Welding. He also elevated the College of Technology by launching new programs, such as the Early College Certificate of Program Completion program, the Knox County Construction program, and a new 4-H camp in collaboration with Purdue University. Gehrich also invested strategically in core infrastructure, notably purchasing a new fleet of aircraft for the Aviation Flight Program.
Since 2001, Wright has held various roles at VU. She has been involved in numerous workforce development initiatives, including upskilling and training workers, developing curriculum and partnerships, and managing teams and projects of all sizes.
鈥淚 am honored to have been selected as interim dean, and I am excited for this new opportunity,鈥 Wright said. 鈥淚 look forward to working with University leaders, faculty, staff, and students to build on the strengths of the College of Technology.鈥
Kimberly Wright
Wright contributed to VU鈥檚 launch of the first Amazon Mechatronics and Robotics apprenticeship program in the nation as the program's manager. As a College of Technology faculty member, she taught computer-integrated manufacturing, robotics, and electronics. Wright also held program coordinator and assessment roles. Additionally, she directed a Project Lead the Way initiative offering innovative learning experiences for five local high schools. She also coordinated the Early College Program at Vincennes Lincoln High School.
Wright holds two VU degrees, an associate degree in Robotics and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Technology Management. She also holds master鈥檚 degrees in Adult and Community Education and Executive Development for Public Service from Ball State University.
She is also a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Indiana Army National Guard. She served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
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