Appointments, honors and activities

October 29, 2025 Purdue Today

Each month “Appointments, honors and activities” highlights the accomplishments of Purdue faculty, staff and students. From awards and promotions to appointments in high-level roles and community leadership, we are proud to feature those whose achievements and leadership are shaping their fields.

Faculty and staff honors

Howard Zelaznik, professor in Purdue’s Department of Health and Kinesiology, has recently begun his term as president-elect of the National Academy of Kinesiology. As a leader of the organization, Zelaznik, who is also a NAK fellow, will continue to advance NAK’s mission to promote the art and science of human movement and physical activity and recognize those who have contributed significantly to the field.

Teri Kirby, associate professor of psychological sciences in Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences, has received the 2025 Outstanding Early Career Award from the International Society for Self and Identity. The annual award recognizes a distinguished junior scientist who has made outstanding theoretical and empirical contributions to the scientific study of self and identity. It is ISSI’s premier recognition of a highly distinguished early career.

Bridgette Kelleher, associate professor of psychological sciences in Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences, has been named a fellow of American Psychological Association. Fellows are recognized for their unique and outstanding work in the field of psychology on a national or international level.

Kevin Kam Fung So, C.B. Smith Endowed Professor in Purdue University’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, received the 2025 Best Competitive Paper Award at the Association for Consumer Research annual conference. The winning paper, “The Role of Social Motivation in Green Consumption Among Sharing Economy Service Providers,” co-authored by So and two former colleagues at Oklahoma State, was chosen from among 1,092 submissions. The award recognizes the most significant competitive paper presented at the conference.