Meet Our Team

Brady Alumbaugh

CRM Analyst

What I do: I help to oversee the technical functionality and processes of Slate. I develop technological solutions to better the university in recruitment and enrollment processes, with special focus on our application process and student portals.

Background: I graduated from Purdue University with an undergraduate degree in theatre design and production and a Master of Business Administration. I really enjoy problem-solving using technology in both traditional and non-traditional ways.

More about me: I grew up in Pendleton, Indiana. My hobbies include travel, my love for all things Disney and the large Christmas light and music display I program each year.

Adam Castro

Web Developer

What I do: As web developer, I oversee creating and maintaining user-friendly websites and digital tools that enhance the student experience. I ensure that web applications are functional, accessible and visually appealing, aligning with Purdue’s branding and strategic goals. By collaborating with teams across departments, I contribute to projects that support prospective and current students on their educational journey.

Background: I have a strong background in web development. Before coming to Purdue, I worked at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, as part of the IT department. There, I focused on maintaining the university’s digital infrastructure and creating tools to improve accessibility and engagement. I’m passionate about web development because it allows me to have a meaningful impact on students’ lives by creating digital experiences that empower them to succeed.

More about me: My primary goal is to continue growing as a web developer, taking on more complex challenges and expanding my skill set. Outside of work, I’m a husband and father to a wonderful one-year-old daughter, and we live in San Antonio, Texas. I’m also a professional saxophonist and enjoy performing at local events across Texas.

Mara Cordial

Associate Director of Enrollment Systems

What I do: I oversee the Slate CRM for Enrollment Management, introducing innovation and providing technical support, with special attention to creating efficiencies for Admissions and our continuing students.

Background: I earned an undergraduate degree in international studies from Cedarville University and a master’s degree in higher education leadership from the University of Cincinnati. Throughout my career, I’ve been an admissions counselor, CRM manager and director of operations, with my journey taking me from the recruitment of students to implementing the Slate CRM. At Purdue, I provide oversight of enrollment systems and I’m passionate about using system functionality to make higher education accessible for all and finding efficiencies for staff.

More about me: I’m an Ohioan through and through, and currently live in Cincinnati. When I’m not working, you can find me collecting rare sneakers or basketball cards and traveling to explore new cities around the world (bonus if there’s a volcano!).

Allison Gardner

Associate Director of Marketing and Communications

What I do: I lead the communications team and strategically plan and execute our undergraduate communications efforts for an impactful student journey from recruitment through enrollment in support of leadership goals. Additionally, I foster collaboration among other Enrollment Management teams, key campus partners and academic units, enhancing the delivery of branded, dynamic content to prospective and admitted students.

Background: After graduating from Purdue University where I studied fine arts and psychology, I headed south by southwest to Austin, Texas and worked as a marketing coordinator for a project management and planning firm. I’ve worked for Purdue since 2011, in various positions in the College of Veterinary Medicine, most recently as assistant director of communications, before joining the EMSCI team. I love communications and design, and putting them together with the human experience is icing on the cake.

More about me: Born in Canada, I grew up not far from Purdue in the middle of a corn field. I love shopping for pretend houses on Zillow and making the next great soup recipe. I’m also really good at remembering that one thing that guy said (you know who I’m talking about… the one in the shirt) in that movie we watched as kids.

Ed Huston

Enrollment Analyst

What I do: I am responsible for creating and refining queries that generate accurate and targeted distribution lists for various communications and general reporting. The queries are designed to meet certain criteria, ensuring that outreach efforts are as effective and impactful as possible.

Background: I joined Purdue University after moving to Indiana from California, where I taught in the public school system for 12 years. Transitioning from the classroom to a dynamic role at Purdue has been an exciting journey, allowing me to apply my educational experience in new and impactful ways.

More about me: I generally vote in favor of pronouncing GIF like the peanut butter, using Oxford commas (sorry, Ed) and adding pineapple and cashews to pizza. 

Marina Phillips

CRM Analyst

What I Do: I support the technical operations and processes of the Slate CRM. I develop technology solutions to advance the university’s recruitment and enrollment efforts, with a special focus on systems integrations.
 
Background: I have an undergraduate degree in human relations with a minor in sociology from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Central Oklahoma. I previously worked at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where I expanded my technical knowledge of admissions CRM systems. I am passionate about process improvements that make everyone’s lives easier.
 
More About Me: I currently live in Lawrence, Kansas with my husband and baby girl, and we hope to adopt a cat once we are slightly more confident parents. I love crafting, thrifting, antiques and Star Trek (favorites are TNG and Voyager). 

Parker Pluckebaum

Communications Strategist

What I do: As a communications strategist, I partner with recruiters and communicators across campus to drive the success of Purdue’s overall enrollment initiatives. My strategic efforts aid in identifying key messaging, audience segmentation and channel optimization to continue positioning Purdue as a top choice for prospective students, driving enrollment growth and advancing the university’s mission of accessible education.

Background: Coming from a Purdue family, I was excited to get my degree in marketing at Purdue with a concentration in international business. Before returning to Purdue professionally, I gained experience in digital marketing and consulting in my hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. I am passionate about giving back to the Purdue community and ensuring that the enrollment experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible for both students and their families.

More about me: I live in Kokomo with my girlfriend and our three cats. I love learning German, staying active and photography. I also enjoy fashion, fragrances and playing videogames with my friends.

Kristy Robb

Senior Communications Strategist

What I do: I develop and execute communications strategies across Enrollment Management — helping students and families navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives. The goal is always the same: the right message, to the right person, at the right moment.  

Background: I’m a Ball State grad with a degree in Journalism and a concentration in Public Relations. Before coming to Purdue, I spent 20+ years in marketing and communications — leading digital strategy and email marketing for an online education brand and developing strategic communications for Purdue Federal Credit Union. Both roles had me doing what I love most: helping people navigate important decisions with confidence.

More about me: My home is my favorite project — it’s been featured in three home décor magazines over the years. Vintage is kind of my thing, and my husband and I love curating finds from flea markets and estate sales. When I’m not hunting for treasures, I’m spending time with family, exploring national parks or heading to our favorite spot in Wisconsin.

Brittany Schaefer

CRM Analyst

What I Do: I support the technical functionality and processes of Slate, with a specific focus on the financial aid processes. I am working with the Division of Financial Aid to centralize Purdue’s scholarship applications and financial aid information to improve the student experience. 
 
Background: I graduated from Carroll University with an undergraduate degree in psychology and biochemistry and a master’s degree in adult education and community engagement. I previously worked at my alma mater as an assistant director of undergraduate admission, transfer admission counselor and CRM specialist. As a first-generation college student, I am passionate about making the college experience more accessible for all students. 
 
More About Me: I currently live in Hartland, Wisconsin with my husband, two daughters and two dogs. I’m an avid audiobook listener and welcome all the book recommendations! My husband and I have a goal to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks. We love to travel and learn about unique places all over the country. 

Griffin Smith

Enrollment System Specialist

What I do: I update, maintain and build processes within the Slate CRM, as well as manage data input and user permissions. I also support events, helping Admissions and college partners with event functionality to promote student recruitment.

Background: I am a graduate of Purdue University with a background in industrial engineering. Working at my alma mater allows me to enhance the student experience by optimizing processes that helped shape my own journey here. I’m passionate about using technology to simplify enrollment, ensuring students can focus on beginning their academic adventure with confidence.

More about me: I am from Greenwood, Indiana, and the youngest of four siblings. I enjoy hiking, biking and spending time outside. I also have two cats.

Eva Tilton

Communications Specialist

What I do: I foster the recruitment of future Purdue University students and the engagement of current students through high-level communication efforts, including writing and editing content for emails and events, producing multimedia and creating web content, as well as other promotional materials. As a steward of the university’s brand, I develop engaging, curated content that is authentically Purdue.

Background: I graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in communication and a concentration in mediated communication (Go Green!). I previously interned under several communications specialists at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, which led to my love for the job and working with Big Ten colleges.

More about me: I have loved reading (always love a good book recommendation!), writing and editing for as long as I can remember. I am originally from Grand Haven, Michigan, and am a Detroit Lions fan.