A tradition of opportunity
Purdue University was created to serve the people of Indiana and beyond through research, teaching and engagement.
Purdue University was created to serve the people of Indiana and beyond through research, teaching and engagement.
As a professor for the MBA program and senior lead for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) within Purdue Global’s School of Business, Bea Bourne shares the why behind her work.
I started at AT&T right out of high school and moved up through the ranks. The job I enjoyed most was as a corporate trainer for sales. It’s where I discovered what I’m intended to do: teach. There’s nothing like experiencing a learner’s lightbulb moment and seeing someone connect to a concept. It led me to Purdue Global, where I teach in the MBA program and serve as the senior lead of DEIB for the School of Business and Information Technology.
I wanted to work with adults from the start. I completed all my degrees — my bachelor’s, my master’s and my doctorate — as a working adult. I know the work; I know what it’s like to balance being a student, parent and working professional.
I am doing what I was created to do because of that journey. I see myself in my students, and I believe this is where I can make a difference, by helping other working adults advance toward what they are created to do as well.
I am fortunate to work with a group of fellow faculty and staff members who want to be here as much as I do. We are involved and care about the success of our students. That passion for student success carries over to the other part of my work, too. As senior lead for DEIB in the School of Business, I enjoy working with others to create initiatives within our school that foster better engagement, a sense of belonging and more inclusion. In the DEIB space, the challenges we address are present everywhere. They are universal.
I try to celebrate the wins and concentrate on what I can change. We’ve had real DEIB successes throughout all the schools. For example, an inaugural chief diversity officer was appointed. We created a curriculum guide for our professors on DEIB principles. Juneteenth is now a university holiday, and we have a university diversity statement. There have been other wins, and I hang my hat on the fact that I can see the needle being moved.
That’s what keeps me going. Meaningful change isn’t instant, like flipping a switch. It’s slow and steady.
I see myself in my students, and I believe this is where I can make a difference.
Bea Bourne Professor, Purdue Global
Meet Purdue Global professor Bea Bourne: ‘I was an adult student, too!’
When this Purdue Global professor realized she wanted to teach, she knew she wanted to teach adults.
Purdue Global student says ‘this comeback is for all of us’
Alejandra Palma enrolled at Purdue Global after a brush with death, when her dream became more meaningful.
Purdue Senior Hoopers Raised the Standard
Zach Edey, Mason Gillis and Ethan Morton steer teammates in the right direction It was a gut-wrenching loss at Indiana for the No. 1-ranked Boilermakers. All losses to the intrastate rival Hoosiers are. When a reporter in the postgame press …
‘My online degree from Purdue Global gave me the confidence I needed’
Desiré never saw herself with a degree backed by Purdue. Now she has one.
Podcast Ep. 103: March Madness: Carolyn Peck, Stephanie White and Ukari Figgs Reflect on the 25th Anniversary of Purdue Winning the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to former head coach Carolyn Peck and co-captains Stephanie White and Ukari Figgs as they reflect on the Purdue women’s basketball team’s 1999 NCAA National Championship. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of …
Setting up for success at the intersection of technology and finance
Nikhil Anand Dhoka is excelling as a Purdue computer science and mathematics student in Indianapolis For Nikhil Anand Dhoka, earning an A-plus is not about the grade. It’s about the ability to build skills and train for a world that’s …
Meet Purdue Global professor Josef Vice: Why your success matters
Purdue Global professor Josef Vice says if he can make a comeback after 35 years, so can other working adults.
Black Pioneers Who Shaped Purdue Athletics
Five Boilermakers reflect on what it was like to be a Black student-athlete at Purdue Pioneers. There have been many in Purdue Athletics history. But perhaps none more important than those among the first Black student-athletes to compete for the …
Purdue Global winter graduation 2024 recap
On Feb. 17, #PurdueGlobal graduates participated in ceremonies and events at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, with family, friends and faculty. Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our graduates as they cross the stage and embark …
A ‘forever professor’ for Purdue students in Indianapolis
Katrenia Reed Hughes feels a responsibility to help the students she teaches achieve long-term success.
Journey to ‘Mars’ with Purdue analog astronauts
Purdue given rare opportunity to send two crews on back-to-back Mars Desert Research Station missions
Building tools to shape the future of health science
Myson Burch, an IBM research scientist, uses skills he sharpened at Purdue to address complex health issues As he reflects upon his journey in computer science, Dr. Myson Burch can pinpoint the experience that transformed the discipline from something he …
Subscribe to The Persistent Pursuit Newsletter
Subscribe