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 of 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.

Alison Webb

Associate Director of 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 also oversees the student experience team in West Lafayette. 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 walking with her three dogs, gardening, and reading.

Please contact Alison with any questions about Boiler Gold Rush, Boiler Gold Rush International or Boiler Cold Rush in West Lafayette.

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 800+ students and supports in the execution of BGR, BGRi and BCR in West Lafayette under the Student Experience Team. 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!

Please contact Jacque with any questions about student staff opportunities within Orientation Programs.

Adina Loomis

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

Adina Loomis serves as an Interim Assistant Director 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 under the Transition and Retention Team. She also supports communication efforts for new beginners and is the office liaison for Undergraduate Advising. She is also responsible for the development and support of West Lafayette’s peer leadership model of 800+ students and supports in the execution of BGR, BGRi and BCR 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 800+ students, leads student leadership skills inventory, and supports in the execution of BGR, BGRi and BCR in West Lafayette under the Student Experiences Team. 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 under the Student Experiences Team. 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. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys reading, gardening, making sourdough bread, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.

Kenneth Burrell

Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs in West Lafayette
he/him/his
kdburrel@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile

Kenneth Burrell serves as a Program Coordinator 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 in West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations under the Transition and Retention Team. He is also responsible for the development and support of West Lafayette’s peer leadership model of 800+ students and supports in the execution of BGR, BGRi and BCR in West Lafayette. Kenneth earned his Bachelor’s in Sports Management from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida, and moved to Indiana to work for his fraternity headquarters. Upon completing his tenure with his fraternity, Kenneth completed his Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Indiana University – Bloomington. Outside of work, Kenneth enjoys working out, playing video games, watching shows & anime, and cooking!