.Christa Pazera
Senior Director of Residential Life
With more than 27 years of progressive leadership experience in University Residences at Purdue University, Purdue alumna Christa Pazera is recognized for her strategic leadership in student success, residential education, organizational development and crisis management. Her career reflects a deep commitment to creating supportive environments where students can thrive academically, socially and personally.
As senior director of Residential Life, Pazera provides vision and leadership for residential life across Purdue’s West Lafayette and Indianapolis communities. Serving approximately 18,000 residential students, she oversees major functional areas of residential life, including residential services, student leadership, residential academic initiatives, campus living and compliance, and residential neighborhoods. Her work focuses on supporting high performing teams, aligning residential education initiatives with broader student affairs priorities, and enhancing the student experience through data informed decision making and cross campus collaboration. She supports community needs by serving as a member of the campus emergency operations team.
Throughout her career, Pazera has earned numerous distinctions, including the Special Boilermaker Award, the Bill Berner Staff Achievement Award and the Student Life Award for Outstanding Leadership. She is known for her mentorship of staff and students, her ability to effectively manage change, and her dedication to fostering environments that promote belonging, well-being and academic success.
Before joining Purdue professionally, Pazera served as a residence hall director at Saint Mary's College (Indiana) where she supervised student staff, advised student organizations, supported crisis response and collaborated closely with campus partners to support holistic student development.
Pazera holds both a Master of Science in Education (college student affairs) and a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Purdue. She has contributed significantly to professional organizations, staff development initiatives, and national housing and student affairs conferences throughout her career.
A dedicated educator, strategic thinker and advocate for student well-being, Pazera is committed to advancing student success through compassionate leadership, inclusive practices and a deep understanding of the transformative impact of the collegiate residential experience.