Meet the Team
Purdue Orientation Programs has several full-time professional staff members, as well as several hundred student staff. To learn more about our students, visit the Student Involvement section of this website.
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 Cabrera
Senior Assistant Director of Orientation Programs
she/her/ella
765-496-2459
vcabrera@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile
Virginia Cabrera 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.)
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.
Jake Slodkowski
Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs
he/him/his
jslodkow@purdue.edu
LinkedIn Profile
Jake Slodkowski 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. He joined the Orientation Programs team after completing his Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in College Student Affairs at the University of South Florida (USF). Prior to his time at USF, Jake completed a Bachelor’s in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences at the University of Florida. Outside of work, Jake enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring town, binging the newest Netflix series, and searching for the best iced coffee in town.
Jacque Rickett
Program Coordinator of Orientation Programs
she/her/hers
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!
Karren Gunalan
NODA Graduate Intern
she/her/hers
kgunalan@purdue.edu
Karren Gunalan is an international student from Malaysia, who serves as a NODA Graduate Intern for Summer 2022 and supports the orientation team in preparing for our welcome week program, Boiler Gold Rush. She earned her bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science from Western Michigan University, experiencing Michigan winter & is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of Dayton, Ohio, a little less snowy place. When she is not working or studying, she loves spending time with her small Michigan family and her cat, Momo, lifting, traveling, watching Netflix series, Tamil/Hindi reality TV shows, and being on the lookout for the best Asian food.
Charles Sanders
NODA Graduate Intern
he/him/his
sandercj@purdue.edu
Charles Sanders serves as a NODA Graduate Intern for Summer 2022 and supports the orientation team in preparing for our welcome week program, Boiler Gold Rush. He graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelors in Psychology. He is currently in his first year studying for his Masters degree in College Student Personnel at Ohio University with a graduate assistantship in Housing & Residence Life. Charles has grown up in Missouri, Iowa, New York, and Connecticut all before graduating high school. For fun, Charles likes to watch TV and movies, with a heavy love for reality TV competition shows like Rupaul's Drag Race, Big Brother, and Survivor. He also enjoys astrology and tarot and is a Virgo sun, Scorpio moon, Libra rising!
