Federal education official schedules visit to Purdue campus

October 23, 2015  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The U.S. Department of Education is following up new funding for a Purdue University program with a visit from one of its officials.

James T. Minor, deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Post-Secondary Education for the U.S. Department of Education, will visit Purdue University from 2-3 p.m. Monday (Oct. 26) to meet students from Horizons Student Support Services.

The invitation-only event will take place at the west faculty lounge of Purdue Memorial Union. Student Success at Purdue is sponsoring the visit.

Horizons Student Support Services was awarded federal grant funding during the summer for $1.8 million for the next five years. The program, located in the Krach Leadership Center, provides resources for 330 low-income and first-generation students at Purdue. The services include tutoring, supplemental instruction, peer mentoring, faculty mentoring and career and academic advising.

Rosa Villarreal, director of Horizons Student Support Services, said students from the Purdue Promise and 21st Century Scholars programs, as well as the Black Male Excellence Network, will attend Minor's visit.

"Dr. Minor's visit to Purdue speaks volumes to his commitment to equal access and investment in TRIO programs like Horizons," Villarreal said. TRIO – a name coined in the 1960s for the first three such programs – now refers to several federally funded programs that reach out to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Horizon is the largest TRIO student support program in the state, Villarreal said.

As part of his visit, Minor will speak to students about his academic journey as well as the state of first generation and low-income students in accessing and succeeding in higher education.

In his position, James provides administration of discretionary, formula and competitive grants available for postsecondary institutions as well as other federal programs that promote equal access and excellence in postsecondary education. 

Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu 

Source: Rosa Villarreal, 765-494-7094, villarrr@purdue.edu 

Note to Journalists: The media is invited to cover the event. Media wishing to cover the event can contact Brian Huchel at 765-494-2084 or at bhuchel@purdue.edu 

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