Purdue University, noted for its decision to implement an AI competency requirement for fall 2026 incoming undergraduate students, is featured again on Forbes’ list of the top 10 public and top 10 private universities best equipping their students for the growing AI talent needs of employers. Purdue also is ranked among the top five civilian, public universities.
As Artemis II traveled back to Earth on Friday (April 10), three Purdue alumni were aboard the Navy ship waiting to help the crew and spacecraft return home safely. Read this story to learn how Boilermakers Emily Spreen, Jason Endsley and Rob Lantz are contributing to the next phase of space exploration.
Zhihong Chen, a Reilly Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Mary Jo and Robert L. Kirk Director of the Birck Nanotechnology Center, and Angie Klink (BA communication ’81) authored “Birck Builds the Future: Celebrating Twenty Years at Purdue University, 2005-2025.” This richly detailed volume commemorates the center’s journey from a bold idea to a global leader in semiconductors and quantum research, highlighting two decades of transformative research, education and industry partnership.
Kasie Roberson, associate professor in the Mitch Daniels School of Business and expert on AI best practices, explains how people can use emerging AI technology ethically and effectively.
The Board of Trustees on Friday (April 10) approved the promotion of 189 faculty across the Purdue University system for the 2026-27 academic year. The total includes 164 from the main campus — including two with university tenure in Indianapolis — 16 from Purdue Fort Wayne and nine from Purdue Northwest. Trustees annually approve promotions in April, per the Purdue academic tenure and promotion policy.
Leading tech-industry investor, engineer and digital multimedia pioneer Bruce Leak, co-founder of Silicon Valley venture capital firm Playground Global, will join Purdue President Mung Chiang on April 30 as part of the university’s Presidential Lecture Series. The lecture, titled “Engineering the Future,” is at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30, in Stewart Center’s Fowler Hall. The event is free and open to the public, but a ticket is required.
Registration remains open for faculty to attend the Westwood Lecture Series on Tuesday (April 14). Mark Suchman, professor of sociology, will present “Law, Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Cycles of Change in Legal and Industrial Fields” from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Westwood, the Purdue president’s residence.
The Board of Trustees on Friday (April 10) endorsed the merit increase for fiscal year 2026-27 for the main campus, which includes a 2% recurring increase, plus a 0.5% nonrecurring amount for recognition and retention of exceptional employees.
Purdue is recognizing its public safety dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Sunday through Saturday (April 12-18). These dedicated professionals serve as the first point of contact in emergencies, often providing calm and critical guidance when it matters most.
