Meet the Team

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

Associate Director for Orientation Programs in Indianapolis
she/her/ella
765-496-2459
vcabrera@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Virginia Johnson serves as the Associate 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 Boiler Gold Rush in Indianapolis

Maggie Smith

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

Maggie Smith serves as the Associate Director of Orientation Programs and is responsible for planning and implementing Purdue’s pre-arrival programs and communications for undergraduate students beginning at fall, spring, and summer terms in West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations. She also is responsible for developing the strategic vision for West Lafayette’s peer leadership model of 700+ students and supports in the execution of BGR, BGRi, BCR, and SVD in West Lafayette. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics at Ball State University & Master’s degree in Recreation & Sports Administration at Western Kentucky University. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys spending time with her family & friends, traveling, reading, taking Peloton classes, and crafting.

Please contact Maggie with any questions about Purdue 101, Purdue 102, or student staff.

Alison Webb

Associate Director for Orientation Programs
she/her/hers
webb58@purdue.edu

Alison Webb serves as the Associate Director of Orientation Programs and is responsible for planning and implementing on-campus programs for undergraduate students beginning at fall, spring, and summer terms. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional needs at Purdue University. Alison worked as a kindergarten teacher in West Lafayette for six years before coming to work for Orientation Programs, where she was a former student leader. Outside of work, Alison spends most of her time volunteering with Indiana’s Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, where she has served as the Leadership Seminar Chair since 2022. She also enjoys spending time with her family & friends, walking with her dog, gardening and reading.

Please contact Alison with any questions about Boiler Gold Rush, Boiler Gold Rush International, Boiler Cold Rush, or Summer Visit Days.

Jacque Rickett

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

Jacque Rickett serves as the Assistant Director of Orientation Programs and is responsible for the logistical components, development, and support of the peer leadership model of 700+ students and supports in the execution of BGR, BGRi, BCR, and SVD in West Lafayette. She also serves as the course coordinator for the student leadership seminar course taught in both Indianapolis and West Lafayette. She joined the Orientation Programs team after completing her Master's 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 in West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations. She is also responsible for the development and support of West Lafayette’s peer leadership model of 700+ students and supports in the execution of BGR, BGRi, BCR, and SVD in West Lafayette. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in International and Area Studies from Washington University in St. Louis & her Master’s in Student Affairs Administration and Higher Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 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 of Orientation Programs and is responsible for the development and support of the peer leadership model of 700+ students, leads student leadership skills inventory, and supports in the execution of BGR, BGRi, BCR, and SVD in West Lafayette. Whitney earned her Bachelor's in Psychology from Thomas More University in Kentucky , and her Master's in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University in Ohio. Whitney enjoys yoga, running, doing her nails, and jamming out to 80's R&B.

Hannah Keeler

Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs in Indianapolis
she/her/hers
hgkeeler@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Hannah Keeler serves as a Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs in Indianapolis and is responsible for the development and support of the Indianapolis peer leadership model of 70+ student staff and supports the execution of BGR and BGRi in Indianapolis. Hannah earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, and completed her Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. After graduating, Hannah made her way to Indiana for her first post-graduate role working at a fraternity headquarters, focusing on student leadership and development before joining us at Purdue University in Indianapolis! Outside of work, Hannah enjoys reading, going to workout classes, catching up on her favorite shows, cheering on the Gamecocks, and more recently, cheering on Indiana sports teams!