Purdue News
Purdue NewsJanuary 14, 1998
Bednar, 58, will be responsible for all academic programs and supervision of the faculty at the Westville campus. He has served as the interim vice chancellor since August and succeeds W. Patrick Leonard, who has resigned as vice chancellor and will return to the faculty next fall after a leave of absence.
"I'm very pleased that Dr. Bednar has agreed to assume the leadership of the academic programs at Purdue University North Central, " said Chancellor Dale W. Alspaugh. "His many years of experience and his knowledge of this campus make him ideal for these new responsibilities. I am looking forward to working with him in continuing the growth and development of this university."
Bednar's appointment comes after a national recruitment search was conducted. He joined the PU/NC faculty as assistant professor of mathematics in 1965, when the campus was still located at the Barker Mansion in Michigan City. He became assistant vice chancellor in 1988 and has been responsible for PU/NC's off-campus continuing education program, which includes directing PU/NC courses in seven area communities and at the Westville Correctional Facility.
Bednar is also responsible for institutional research and campus assessment, and holds an appointment as professor of general studies. He teaches statistics and mathematics.
In 1995, Bednar was honored as the state's Professional Staff Member of the Year by the Indiana Council for Continuing Education. In the early 1970s, he was coach of the PU/NC men's basketball team, which won the 1972 Indiana regional campus state championship.
"I look forward to working with our faculty and staff to meet the challenges facing higher education," said Bednar. "It's an exciting time in the history of our campus with unprecedented growth. Through our academic programs, we will continue to strive to meet the needs of our community."
Bednar holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Western Illinois University, a master's degree in mathematics from Northern Illinois University, and a doctorate in educational administration from Western Michigan University.
Bednar and his wife, Patricia, live in Michigan City. They have four grown children. He is a member of the board of directors of the LaPorte County Therapy Center, and is chairman of the finance committee of Queen of All Saint's Catholic Church in Michigan City. He also serves as a member of the drainage board of Trail Creek. He is a native of Thornton, Ill.
Writer: Joy Banyas, (219) 785-5267, e-mail, joy@purduenc.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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