King’s vision for HHS in Indianapolis: Industry connections, strategic growth and student success

Written by: Sharel Welch, sharelwelch@purdue.edu

In her new role as associate dean for Indianapolis and strategic initiatives in Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS), Ceridwyn King is excited about the infinite possibilities that Purdue’s expansion will provide HHS students and faculty, particularly with industry partners. King started the associate dean role in July and will continue in her roles as professor and head of the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM).

“We will be able to offer a different experience, to leverage everything that the Purdue brand and HHS have but offer it in a different way to expand our impact,” King said.

Ceridwyn King is the first associate dean for Indianapolis and strategic initiatives in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Her strategic vision includes building alumni and industry connections, developing practicum experiences that support students’ goals, and ensuring Indianapolis initiatives are part of a unified approach across HHS, leveraging the urban ecosystem.

“I’m thrilled to have Ceridwyn King join the Indianapolis team,” said David Umulis, senior vice provost Purdue University for Indianapolis. “She brings both an entrepreneurial mindset and an expertise in the hospitality and tourism management industry that will support the launch of several new Purdue programs strategically aligned with growing Indianapolis workforce needs.”

Aaron Bowman, HHS dean, is equally strong in his praise of King’s work and expertise.

“Since her arrival at Purdue in July 2022, she has been a strategic and visionary changemaker for HTM,” Bowman said. “She possesses a global understanding of higher education, far-reaching knowledge of the hospitality industry, and excellent marketing and communications skills.”

This year’s focus will be to build a holistic framework for HHS programs in Indianapolis. Purdue will offer two HHS degree programs in 2026 at this location: the Master of Science in Sport Management and the Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management. King and other HHS leaders are working to bring a third program, Purdue’s nationally recognized Master of Science in Athletic Training, to Indianapolis in the near future.

“One thing that has been very clear to me as I talk to my HHS colleagues is the level of enthusiasm and appetite from our respective industries who want us to be in Indianapolis,” King said. Many industry leaders want to partner with Purdue, and do, “but to just have it on your doorstep — that’s an amazing opportunity.”

Indianapolis, a city where sports are a significant part of the cultural and economic fabric, will continue to require individuals with the skills from each of the HHS majors launching at this location.

“The sport management master’s is a prime example of how Purdue is expanding in a mission-led direction that serves the city’s needs and promotes academic excellence and opportunity,” Umulis said. 

King said that developing a wide range of active partnerships with industry is critical to having an evolving and dynamic HHS curriculum.

“Purdue’s presence in Indianapolis is designed to be transformative for our students and the larger community through partnerships,” Umulis said. “With solid HHS programs, Ceridwyn’s strategic planning for growth and using the One Health initiative as a focus, we’re building a framework that supports public health, economic development and workforce readiness.”  

King’s comprehensive dual perspective of industry and higher education further enables her to connect the internal dynamics of both, positioning her to better prepare students for the careers they pursue and pave the way for more opportunities in their fields.

“Purdue has an amazing legacy, and there is so much potential with Purdue as a brand,” King said.

The approach to the Indianapolis expansion appeals to her on another level.

“I heard someone talk about Indianapolis being treated like a startup, and I think it’s so true, and it’s exciting,” King said. “It’s a rare approach to see in higher ed, but it really very much aligns with how I think. I look forward to being able to make those connections so that our stakeholders all benefit.”