Cara Powell

Director of Dining

As director of dining, Cara Powell provides oversight and direction for dining, culinary and business systems. She brings the team a wealth of operational, fiscal management and planning expertise. Powell has been a part of the Purdue Dining & Culinary team for the past 21 years. She loves her job because it allows her to lead the dining and culinary team, where we are fueling the future and building community, where everyone has a seat at the table.

Powell graduated from Purdue in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM). She is a member of NACUFS (National Association of College & University Food Services).

Powell enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeremy, and their two children, Sophia, and Hunter. In addition, she enjoys watching her kids' activities, cooking, CrossFit and spending time outdoors.