Vincennes University is the oldest institution of higher education "west of the Alleghenies and north of the Ohio." The heritage of the University began with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 which stated "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and to the happiness of mankind, schools, and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." In 1801 Jefferson Academy, the direct forerunner of VU, was founded at Vincennes, Indiana. William Henry Hararison, first governor of the Indiana Territory, and later President of the United States, was the founder of the college and the first chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University. Vincennes University has had a distinguished history, rich with the traditions of many firsts. In the Vincennes University catalog of 1899, the statement appeared that "Vincennes University is in fact a junior college offering the first two years of the regular college programs." By that statement, Vincennes University claims to be one of the first colleges to develop and recognize the junior college concept in higher education. Today, the University is a model comprehensive two-year "university" offering over 150 associate degree programs and options. Vincennes University has a statewide mission and is a fully state-supported college, recognized as being unique in Indiana. Major Vincennes University extension sites are located at Jasper and Indianapolis, Indiana. The University's motto as translated from the official seal is, "Learn in Order to Serve." For almost two centuries, Vincennes University students and graduates have sought and achieved that goal.