Purdue News

April 27, 2001 Organizational leadership department hosting open houses WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's Statewide Technology Program is hosting two open houses in May to showcase its educational programs for working adults. Off-campus offerings at Subaru-Isuzu, at other companies in Lafayette and around the state, include basic college courses, such as math and English, as well as classes in industrial organization, applied leadership, conflict management and computer technology. Students can choose to pursue certificates and associate's degrees at Statewide Technology's 11 sites. Graduates can complete their bachelor's degrees on Purdue's West Lafayette campus. "People who take our classes are employees who want to move up in their organizations," says Michele L. Summers, Lafayette location director and an assistant professor of organizational leadership and supervision. "One fellow who was passed over for team leader position asked management what he needed to do to get a promotion. The answer was: 'Start taking classes.'" One open house will be Friday (5/4) in the Training and Reception Center at Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc., on State Road 38 in Lafayette. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. On May 14 there will be an open house on campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5-6 p.m. in Room 202, Knoy School of Technology. The building is on the corner of Grant Street and Northwestern Avenue. Prospective students are invited to come and bring their families to meet Dean Don K. Gentry, organizational leadership professors, department heads and current students. Students can register for summer and fall classes at the open houses. Refreshments will be served. "We schedule our classes around the factory shifts," says Summers. "Our students can earn certificates and associate degrees in organizational leadership and in industrial technology. "For people working full time, it generally takes two years of part-time classes to earn certificates and four years to earn associate degrees. The majority of our students go on to the associate degree." Most employers provide tuition reimbursement for their employees because they recognize the importance of an educated work force in the increasingly competitive global economy, says Summers. Purdue began offering statewide delivery of technology classes in 1983 to provide Indiana with the trained technologists needed for economic growth and to provide a means for employees to update and add to their skills. There were 1,672 students at off-campus locations during the spring 2000 semester. CONTACT: Michele L. Summers, (765) 496-6886, mlsummers@tech.purdue.edu. To the Purdue News and Photos Page