Meet the Team

We Are Hiring!

Purdue Orientation Programs is hiring a Senior Assistant Director for Orientation Programs in Indianapolis. Reporting to Purdue's Director of Orientation Programs, the inaugural Senior Assistant Director for Orientation Programs in Indianapolis will lead the development and implementation of our team's next giant leap: Boiler Gold Rush in Indianapolis.

Craig Johnson

Director of Orientation Programs
he/him/his
765-494-2274
john1803@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Craig Johnson serves as the Director of Orientation Programs and is responsible for developing the strategic vision of the office and developing its standing with partners inside and outside Purdue. Originally from Lake City, Michigan, he studied Organizational Communication at Central Michigan University, where he was an Orientation Mentor and actively involved in several clubs and organizations. After working full-time as an Academic Advisor and Orientation Professional Staff member, he pursued a Master of Science Degree in College Student Affairs with an emphasis in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Craig started at Purdue in July 2015. Outside of work, Craig is often seen traveling, singing as a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and rooting on his favorite Detroit sports teams.

Virginia Johnson

Senior Assistant Director of Orientation Programs
she/her/ella
765-496-2459
vcabrera@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Virginia Johnson serves as the Senior Assistant Director of Orientation Programs and is responsible for planning and implementing Purdue's welcome week programs, Boiler Gold Rush (BGR) and Boiler Gold Rush International (BGRi). She joined the Orientation Programs team directly after completing her Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of Connecticut where the fall foliage is to die for. Prior to that she completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish at Rutgers University, a fellow Big 10 institution. She loves her loud and loving Hispanic family, travelling, watching reality TV, eating Chipotle, and welcoming new students from around the world to Purdue University! WEEEEPAAA! (Definition: a word of jubilation uttered primarily by Hispanics in high volumes.)

Please contact Virginia with any questions about BGR/BGRi or Boiler Cold Rush.

Maggie Smith

Senior Assistant Director of Orientation Programs
she/her/hers
765-494-0437
smithmj@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Maggie Smith serves as the Senior Assistant Director of Orientation Programs and is responsible for planning and implementing Purdue’s pre-arrival programs for undergraduate students beginning at fall, spring, and summer terms. She earned her Bachelors degree in Dietetics at Ball State University & Masters degree in Recreation & Sports Administration at Western Kentucky University. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys spending time with her family & friends, traveling, taking Peloton classes, and crafting.

Please contact Maggie with any questions about Purdue 101, Purdue 102, or Summer Visit Days.

Jacque Rickett

Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs
she/her/hers
765-496-1543
jrickett@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Jacque Rickett serves as a Program Coordinator for Orientation Programs and is responsible for the development and support of the peer leadership model of 700+ students and supports in the execution of BGR and BGRi. She joined the Orientation Programs team after completing her Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of Iowa. Before venturing to the Midwest, she earned her Bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of Wyoming where she also worked with student organizations and Fraternity & Sorority Life after graduating. Outside of work, Jacque enjoys traveling, binging the latest TV show, playing board games, and rooting on any Denver sports teams!

Adina Loomis

Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs
she/her/hers
765-494-0596
abloomis@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Adina Loomis serves as a Program Coordinator for Orientation Programs and is responsible for planning and implementing Purdue’s pre-arrival programs for undergraduate students beginning at fall, spring, and summer terms. She joined the Orientation Program team after completing her Master's degree in Student Affairs Administration and Higher Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Previously, she graduated with her Bachelor's in International and Area Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Outside of work, Adina enjoys watching musicals, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Whitney Johnson

Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs
she/her/hers
765-496-6135
johnsowd@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Whitney Johnson serves as a Program Coordinator for Orientation Programs and is responsible for the development and support of the peer leadership model of 700+ students and supports in the execution of BGR and BGRi. She earned her bachelor's in Psychology at Thomas More University, and a Master's in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Outside of the office, she loves to run, do yoga, paint her nails, and jam out to 80's RnB at any given moment.

Abby Molzer

Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs
she/her/hers
765-496-1541
amolzer@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Abby Molzer serves as a Program Coordinator for Orientation Programs and is responsible for planning and implementing Purdue’s pre-arrival programs for undergraduate students beginning at fall, spring, and summer terms. Originally from the sunflower state, Abby completed her Bachelors degree in Anthropology at Kansas State University and her Masters degree in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Utah. Abby is passionate about hearing others' stories, so you can always catch her striking up a conversation with someone new. Outside of work, she is an avid traveler, reader, and pet-mom, as well as a sub-par plant-mom.