Tom Atkinson (ex officio member) is Associate Dean of the Graduate School at Purdue University. A native Hoosier, Atkinson received B.S. and M.S. degrees from Purdue and a Ph.D. degree (Field of Study: Higher Education Administration) from University of Pennsylvania. Before coming to the Graduate School in 2001, he served for ten years as Assistant to the Director of Academic Programs in Purdue's College of Agriculture.

At the Graduate School, Atkinson provides leadership for admissions and student records, serves as ombuds, and advises the Purdue Graduate Student Government. He serves as the Graduate School's liaison to several University offices, organizations, and committees including International Programs, University Commencement Committee, and the Purdue Graduate Student Center.