Professional Staff
Click on the boxes below to learn about our each of our staff members.
Craig Johnson
Director of Orientation Programs
765-494-2274
john1803@purdue.edu
Craig Johnson is the Director of Orientation Programs and hails from Lake City, Michigan. As an undergraduate student, 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 Cabrera
Assistant Director of Orientation Programs
765-496-2459
vcabrera@purdue.edu
Virginia Cabrera serves as the 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.)
Cam Hoyt
Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs
765-496-1543
crhoyt@purdue.edu
Cam Hoyt serves as the Program Coordinator for Orientation Programs. He joined the Orientation Programs team directly after completing his Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in College Student Personnel at the University of Rhode Island, where the beaches are breathtaking! Prior to that he completed his undergraduate education at Curry College. He loves spending time with his family, traveling, drinking black iced coffee from Starbucks and playing with his adorable black lab Garrett!
Estavian Ward
Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs
765-496-1541
etward@purdue.edu
Estavian (Es-stay-vee-in) Ward is excited to join the Orientation team at Purdue, as a Program Coordinator for Orientation Programs. Estavian originally hails from the Midwest and calls Grand Rapids, Michigan home. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where she got her bachelor's degree in Sociology. After completing a year of service at College Forward with AmeriCorps, she pursued her master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs at New York University. She prides herself on being a strong advocate for social justice and during her free time she loves to travel the world, hang with her small fun-loving queer family, and thrift shop!
