Curbelo-Ruíz named director of Purdue's Latino Cultural Center
July 1, 2014
 |
|
Aurelio Curbelo-Ruíz |
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Aurelio Curbelo-Ruíz, director of multicultural programs and multicultural liaison officer at Iowa State University, has been appointed director of the Purdue University Latino Cultural Center, university officials announced Monday (June 30).
The appointment is effective July 21.
"We were fortunate to find Dr. Curbelo-Ruíz, who has a strong background in Latin cultures as well as experience in diversity programs in higher education," said G. Christine Taylor, vice provost for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at Purdue. "Our goal is to provide a welcoming home for our Latino students, faculty and staff and also to share their culture with the community. Additionally, we seek to continue to increase greater awareness for the larger Purdue community."
Curbelo-Ruíz has served in his current position, which is part of the Office of Diversity Programs for the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Iowa State, since 2007. His responsibilities include recruiting and retaining multicultural students in agriculture, engineering, mathematics, science and technology academic programs. He also coordinates diversity programs, academic services and leadership activities for national and international students.
Before he was director of multicultural programs and multicultural liaison officer, he was the director of the scientific internship program from 2005-2013 at Iowa State. He also was program administrator of the international study abroad program for diversity in scientific and technical careers at Iowa State and served as the national graduate president and graduate vice president of the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences in Germantown, Tennessee. He also has been director of the state of Iowa's recruitment program for underrepresented students in higher education since 2008.
"What attracted me to Purdue were the opportunities to promote the advancement and potential of Latino and Latina students, not only at a national level but also globally," Curbelo-Ruíz said. "I believe that the Latino Cultural Center is a home away from home for Latino/a students and I plan to continue that legacy. I also hope to revamp the academic programs, provide additional scholarships, write grants, inspire students and improve the facilities at the LCC."
He earned his bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees from Iowa State.
Susan L. Prieto-Welch, an adjunct faculty member of educational studies and director of Counseling and Psychological Services, chaired the search committee.
"The committee did a great job in evaluating a strong group of final candidates," Prieto-Welch said. "Dr. Curbelo-Ruíz stood out due to his excellent work at Iowa State University and a stellar work history of creativity, knowledge, energy and persistence, as seen in his impressive accomplishments."
Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu
Sources: G. Christine Taylor, 765-494-6969, taylorgc@purdue.edu
Susan L. Prieto-Welch, 765-494-6995, slprieto-welch@purdue.edu
Aurelio Curbelo-Ruíz, 515-451-6059, Acurbelo@iastate.edu
