Trent Klingerman assumed the role of chief of staff to Purdue University President Mung Chiang on Jan. 5, 2026. He oversees strategic university initiatives under the guidance of the president and with input from the Board of Trustees, senior leadership and organizational unit leaders throughout the university. Additionally, Klingerman assists in decision-making, conflict resolution and emergency management, while refining protocols and procedures for efficiency and productivity.
Klingerman previously held key leadership roles at Purdue, including serving as vice president for human resources and as the university’s first in-house deputy general counsel.
Klingerman rejoins Purdue after serving as a partner at the Indiana law firm of Stuart and Branigin, working in the firm’s education, employer services and litigation groups. He has also served as vice president for legal affairs and general counsel at the University of Vermont, providing vital expertise and guidance to the president, executive team and trustees. At both Purdue and Vermont, Klingerman has taught undergraduate courses in communication law and labor and employment law.
Klingerman earned his undergraduate degree from Purdue and his law degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, where he was a managing editor of the Indiana Law Journal.
