The Purdue University Board of Trustees today (Feb. 8) approved several actions, including the ratification of four faculty positions, the creation of two new master’s degree programs, changes to the titles of two graduate programs, the purchase of a property adjacent to campus and a resolution of appreciation for friends of the university.

A Fortune 500 CEO and Purdue University alumnus has created an endowed deanship at his alma mater’s business school. Samuel Allen, chairman and chief executive officer of Deere & Co., made a $5 million gift to name the deanship and provide resources for strategic initiatives within the school. The position will be known as the Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Krannert School of Management.

Work will begin this summer to transform the Purdue Memorial Union Club into a world-class hotel with a formal restaurant and bar and upgraded event facilities nearby. The Purdue Board of Trustees today (Feb. 8) gave approval to plan, finance, construct and award a construction contract for the planned renovation of the Purdue Memorial Union Club, moving the project forward.