The Purdue University Board of Trustees ratified two faculty appointments and also approved two new degree programs, resolutions of appreciation and a naming. The newly ratified faculty are Luna Lu as the Indiana ACPA Professor in Concrete Paving and Materials Science and John Sutherland as Distinguished Professor of Environmental and Ecological Engineering.
At the recommendation of President Mung Chiang, the Purdue University Board of Trustees approved the addition of a four-day winter recess on Dec. 26 and Dec. 29-31 for faculty and staff on the main (West Lafayette and Indianapolis), Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses. The four days are in addition to approved university holidays on Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1, 2026. Additionally, the board approved moving the President’s Designated Holiday from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2.
In his report to the Board of Trustees, President Mung Chiang recognized faculty who received significant sponsored research awards from September 2024 to January 2025 and thanked friends of the university for their recent generous contributions. He also provided an update on Purdue Computes, one of the university’s strategic initiatives, which includes education, research and industry partnerships in computing, semiconductors, AI and quantum.
In her presentation to the Board of Trustees, Linda Wang, the Drs. Norman and Jane Li Professor of Chemical Engineering, highlighted her eco-friendly and economical technologies for producing high-purity rare earth and battery elements from wastes and ores. Her group is collaborating with ReElement Technologies to build a commercial plant in Marion, Indiana, to produce these critical materials. Their effort aims to reduce supply chain risks while enhancing national security and economic prosperity.
The Purdue Global Board of Trustees affirmed the online university’s strategic priorities — student success, growth and innovation — as presented by Chris Ruhl, interim CEO for Purdue Global. Jon Harbor, Purdue Global’s interim chancellor, introduced Sara Sander as senior vice provost for student success. Partnerships with the Gates Foundation,
Lilly Foundation and MathTrack, and Strada Education Foundation were highlighted as contributing to key initiatives enhancing student success. Harbor also celebrated
leadership and
student achievements and recognition, including a Military Times Best for Vets top ranking.
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