.Student Life Recognitions
Jones receives 2025 MaPSAC Excellence Award
Margie Jones, senior associate director of student involvement in Student Activities and Organizations, received the 2025 Management and Professional Staff Advisory Committee Excellence Award last June. Every year, the award honors a high-performing, full-time management or professional staff member who serves as a university ambassador by taking initiative, leading by example and providing exemplary customer service.
Jones offers support and guidance to students through their Purdue journeys leading student organizations like Old Masters and Rising Professionals helping them navigate challenges, celebrate big accomplishments, and develop the skills necessary to grow and thrive along the way.
Cohenour recognized by StarRez Advisory Board
Ryan Cohenour, director of innovation, strategy and systems for University Residences, was granted the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his leadership, guidance and dedication to the StarRez community through service on the StarRez Advisory Board.
StarRez is a leader in creating thriving residential communities through housing accommodation automation software solutions. This year, Cohenour led the implementation of StarRez technology for a fully self-service check-in process for students moving into residence halls. This allowed students to complete tasks such as checking into rooms, uploading emergency contacts and issuing room keys all on their mobile devices.
Perspective Project recognized by NASPA
William Evans, senior assistant director of wellness programs, in collaboration with colleagues and campus partners, received the silver award in the 2026 NASPA Excellence Awards’ category of Athletics, Recreation, Counseling, Health, Wellness and related for their work on the Perspective Project. The NASPA Excellence Awards recognize the contributions of members who are transforming higher education through outstanding programs, innovative services and effective administration.
In step with Purdue’s rich history of expanding how we view the world, the Perspective Project seeks to unite the unique viewpoints of instructors, staff and students in a pioneering initiative to incorporate well-being concepts into the academic curriculum.
Charters recognized by National Student Legal Services
Leslie Charters, director of Student Legal Services (SLS), was recognized by the National Student Legal Services organization with the Streeter-Wilson Award for Community Service. The award is presented annually to members of the organization who have been nominated and show a commitment to social justice and equality as well as the values and objectives of SLS.
Charters has led SLS since its founding at Purdue 12 years ago. Under Charters’ leadership, SLS saved students more than $100,000 in legal fees during the 2024-25 school year and more than $1.1 million in legal fees since its inception. Charters has also built a summer legal practicum program, which provides an accessible way for students interested in studying law to grow their networks and gain practical knowledge.