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.
Our staff are located on the 4th floor of Krach Leadership Center.
We Are Hiring!
Purdue Orientation Programs is hiring two program coordinators. Reporting to our two senior Assistant Directors, these program coordinators will help manage our pre-arrival and welcome week programs, as well as help to manage our student volunteer staff who are here during the summer. To learn more, please download our Position Description Guide below.
Applications for this position will open in December.
Download Position Guide
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.)
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.
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!
