A meeting of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees convened at 9:16 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022, in Room 326 of Stewart Center on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
All committee members were present: JoAnn Brouillette, chair; Vanessa Castagna; Malcolm DeKryger; Mark Gee; and Professor Colleen Brady (ex-officio). All other trustees were present: Sonny Beck; Michael Berghoff; Theresa Carter; Michael Klipsch; and Gary Lehman. Don Thompson joined remotely at a later point in the meeting.
Officers and administrators in attendance: Mitch Daniels, president; Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity; Chris Ruhl, chief financial officer and treasurer; Steve Schultz, general counsel; Janice Indrutz, corporate secretary and senior executive assistant to the Board; and Ron Elsenbaumer, chancellor, Purdue Fort Wayne.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FEBRUARY 4, 2022 AND APRIL 8, 2022
Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of its meetings convened on February 4, 2022 and April 8, 2022.
II. APPROVAL TO AWARD POSTHUMOUS DEGREE TO JOHN ZACHARY LINZEY
Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to award a posthumous Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering Technology from Purdue University to John Zachary Linzey who was a student in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, West Lafayette. He informed the committee that Zach was born in Kokomo, Indiana, was a senior at Purdue and was on schedule to graduate in May 2022. He very much enjoyed attending Purdue football and basketball games, playing golf at Coyote Crossing and fishing ‘with anyone who would go with him’. He was a naturally gifted athlete who played varsity football for the Harrison Raiders from Freshman through Senior year. Provost Akridge confirmed that Zach met the requirements by completing at least 85% of his credit hour requirements and most of the requirements for his major. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval to award a posthumous degree to John Zachary Linzey.
III. APPROVAL TO AWARD POSTHUMOUS DEGREE TO ELIF ILKEL
On behalf of Linda Mason, Dean of the Graduate School, Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to award a posthumous Master of Science degree to Elif Ilkel from the Brian Lamb School of Communication in the College of Liberal Arts. Ms. Ilkel earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film, Animation and Video at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design – her Master’s plan of study at Purdue focused on integrated communication and advertising. Creature Conserve, where she applied her considerable talent to foster informed and sustained support for animal conservation, had this to say about her work: “In these trying times, we find solace in the smiles she gifted us, her contagious passion for wildlife and the natural world, and her astounding contributions as a filmmaker and member of our core team.” In the case of a Master’s degree, the awarding of a posthumous degree by Purdue University requires that the deceased student has completed at least 85% of the credit hour requirements and most of the requirements for the major. It also requires a request of recommendation to the Dean of the Graduate School by the Head of the Department and the Graduate Council must endorse the recommendation from the Dean of the Graduate School. Ms. Ilkel has met these requirements. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval to award a posthumous degree to Elif Ilkel.
IV. APPROVAL TO APPOINT TWO ELMORE PROFESSORS OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Trustee Brouillette noted that all of the Trustees received incredible background information on each of the candidates which speaks to the strength of our faculty in a huge way.
Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Irith Pomeranz as the Cadence Professor in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He informed the Committee that Dr. Pomeranz is a world leader in the field of testing and diagnosis of integrated circuits. Preventing defective chips from ending up in modern systems requires extensive testing and diagnostics that can add significant cost to the total system. Prof. Pomeranz has conducted extensive theoretical and experimental work that has resulted in ground-breaking techniques that dramatically improve test quality and lower costs. She is an IEEE Fellow and has published hundreds of journal and conference papers providing deep and unique contributions to a field that is constantly evolving. A named professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon concluded his letter of recommendation for Prof. Pomeranz this way: “The aforementioned accomplishments are just a small snapshot of Irith’s many contributions to the [integrated circuit] test and diagnosis area. A letter 10 [times] longer would still be insufficient in size to capture all her accomplishments.” Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. Pomeranz’s appointment. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.
Dr. Pomeranz thanked the Board for the very special honor to be named Cadence Professor. She thanked everyone involved in making it possible.
Provost Akridge also respectfully requested to appoint Dr. Dan Jiao as the Synopsys Professor in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He informed the Committee that Dr. Jiao is a world leader in the field of computational electromagnetics for designing and optimizing the coming generation of analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits and communication systems. She has made fundamental contributions in time domain solutions to a number of electromagnetic problems that are important for high-frequency integrated circuits, packages, and antennas. Her work has been recognized by federal agencies and corporations, including the National Science Foundation, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency – or DARPA, Intel Corporation, and Semiconductor Research Corporation, among others. Prof. Jiao has released four major software programs through Intel and holds two U.S. patents. She is an IEEE Fellow and serves as Associate Editor or Guest Editor of several IEEE journals. A professor at the University of Toronto, and Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Journal on Multiscale and Multiphysics Computational Techniques, wrote this about Dr. Jiao: “Prof. Jiao is a top researcher in computational electromagnetics, with contributions that are theoretically rich, but also practically impactful. As a Distinguished Microwave Lecturer and a recipient of major field awards, she is one of the most well recognized names in the field of electromagnetics in general.” Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. Jiao’s appointment. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.
Dr. Jiao thanked the Board for the ratifying the appointment and said it was a great honor to become Synopsys Professor. Dr. Jiao said she was very grateful for the help and support she has received during her time at Purdue. Dr. Jiao commented that she looks forward to continuing to make Purdue even brighter and bigger.
Chairman Berghoff noted that many people in the room know Bill Elmore and to see such accomplished researchers be a part of that school would bring a lot of satisfaction to Bill’s boys, but it also does the same thing for the Board.
V. APPROVAL FOR NAMING AND APPOINTMENT OF THE JEANNIE AND JIM CHANEY DEAN OF PHARMACY
Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval for naming of the Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy for a term of five years. The gift reflects the Chaney’s personal passion to provide support to the Dean to pursue areas of strategic importance which advance the college. Dr. Eric L. Barker has held the dean position since 2017 and has demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership for the college, for Purdue and for the state of Indiana. Provost Akridge acknowledged Dean Barker’s extraordinary leadership over the past two years, as he literally so brilliantly guided us through the many challenges associated with COVID-19.
President Daniels asked Provost Akridge to say a word about the new precedent here for the limited term. Provost Akridge noted that this is the first time we have had a termed Deanship. He commented that everyone is likely familiar with termed Professorships where the donor makes an investment for a specific period of time and the individual holds the position for that particular period of time. This is the first time we have had a termed, named administrative position. The Chaney gift will support this termed Deanship for 5 years at which point in time it would be available for another donor to step up and name the Deanship. All the work Purdue for Life has done with the Chaney’s on this new form of naming an administrative position is creative and appreciated.
Trustee Brouillette mentioned that she did not think this would have happened had it not been for the strong performance of Dean Barker in that role and how grateful we are for his leadership. Discussion continued regarding the agreement and Matt Folk, Purdue for Life provided clarification. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the naming of the Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy. Supporting documents were filed with the minutes.
Dean Barker expressed his gratitude to the Chaney’s for their many extraordinary and generous gifts to the College of Pharmacy, as well as the university.
VI. APPROVAL TO ESTABLISH THE WILLIAM D. YOUNG INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING OF PHARMACEUTICALS
Trustee Brouillette noted that this institute builds upon the strengths of the pharmaceutical industry in our state as well as our strengths within the university. This is part of Purdue Moves, one of our Strategic Initiatives. It is named after William Young who is a Purdue alum and pioneer in pharmaceutical and biotechnology.
Representing the Institute today are Dr. Seungjin Kim, Dr. Garth Simpson and Dr. Eric Munson.
Dr. Munson provided background on the institute and William D. Young. He noted that one of the things they hope to do at the institute is to advance pharmaceutical manufacturing through forced discoveries as well as workforce development for the benefit of Indiana as well as the nation. Some of the things they are hoping to accomplish with the generous gift is the creation of a mixed-use facility pharmaceutical manufacturing, workforce training programs as well as attracting pharmaceutical companies to the state of Indiana. Ensuing discussions provided clarification related to manufacturing and partnering with the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Munson provided details about the vision of the Institute and that they are looking into what kind of space is available on and around campus, in particular Discovery Park. President Daniels made note of the incredible societal value that could come from this, especially in light of recent unavailability and high cost of vaccines and therapies. He said it is fair to say it has been a neglected area in the pharmaceutical industry for a long time and now it is in the front of everyone’s mind. Trustee Brouillette remarked that it is a real testament that Mr. Young put his money into this, that he sees the value in what we’re doing here. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to approve the William D. Young Institute for Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals. A copy of supporting documents was filed with the minutes.
VII. UNIVERSITY SENATE REPORT
Professor Colleen Brady, chair of the University Senate was introduced by Trustee Brouillette. Dr. Brady took her position when Professor Steve Beaudoin’s term ended May 31 and is a strong leader from the College of Agriculture. Dr. Brady commented that she is happy to be here and learn more about the workings of the Board. She shared a little about herself and her research at Purdue. She noted that one thing that is really important to her is inclusivity at all levels.
Trustee Castagna asked for an update on the University Senate committee addressing sexual violence. Dr. Brady gave a brief overview sharing that a group of people from the Senate led by past chair Beaudoin would help pull together the many resources available on campus to be more user-friendly. Provost Akridge provided more insight and shared that they are working on elevating the visibility of resources available. A copy of Professor Brady’s presentation was filed with the minutes.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
By consent, the meeting adjourned at 9:58 a.m.