Team USA hopeful Kell Berliner says it’s all about mindset

Kell Berliner is an elite judo athlete with huge dreams — he’s a Team USA hopeful and now that Guild’s partnership with Team USA has named Purdue Global as its preferred online university, he’s a current student too. While he trains to qualify for the LA28 Olympic Games, a master’s degree is in reach.  

And while he may have a workout schedule that’s a bit more strenuous than the rest of us, other working adults may find his mindset relatable. 

A couple terms into his Purdue Global MBA, Berliner says even if your ambitions don’t involve the LA28 Olympic Games, thinking like a champion makes all the difference in meeting your goals. Do any of these look familiar? 

1. Your past is a part of you, but you’re invested in the future. Just like he and his wife, Nicole Stout-Berliner [LINK], Kell’s parents met as judo competitors.

“I’ve been around judo my whole life. Some of my earliest memories are being at the side of the mat at around 2 or 3 years old,” he says. “The sensei at that dojo literally had a leash. I was in a harness running around on the side, and whenever I’d try to climb on the mat, he’d say ‘nope’ and pull me back to safety.” 

But even though judo has always been a part of Kell’s life, he knows that chapter is closing. 

“This will be my last Olympic Games cycle, almost certainly. I’m 30,” he says. “I’m not broken — I was No. 1 in the U.S. for most of last year — but I’ll probably retire after the LA28 Games,” he says. 

Kell, alongside his wife (also a Team USA hopeful), are now looking to the future. They’re both pursuing MBAs with Purdue Global. Whereas Nicole’s dream is to serve as an advocate for athletes within judo governance, Kell plans to pursue a medical degree when he’s completed his MBA. 

“A medical degree combined with an MBA should position me well for an upper-level position in a health care company,” he says. “That’s my ambition; that’s my plan.” 

2. You’re not afraid of the grind.

Training for the LA28 Olympic Games is no joke, especially when a full-time job, classes and family are part of the mix too. 

“It’s pretty grindy,” he says. “It’s busy. My schedule is packed from 8 in the morning until bedtime. It’s a 13-hour day, and I might get an hour or two to relax before bed. But the price of ambition is you have to work hard.” 

He clarifies, though, that just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it doesn’t bring joy.   

“I love my life. And I know it’s setting me up for the future,” he says.  

3. You know it’s never too late for a comeback.

Recently, Kell talked his dad into training with him for a tournament in Canada where they could compete together, in separate age brackets, even though his dad hadn’t fought in 40 years. It turned into the trip of a lifetime. 

“We had an awesome experience. Nicole and my mom came with us — Nicole coached me; Mom coached Dad,” he says. And even though his dad lost after a couple of rounds, Kell is clearly proud. 

“He lost to the guy who ended up pulling a bronze. He hadn’t fought in 40 years, but he trained every day and did a lot of cardio to prepare,” he says.  

4. You believe a loss can be a win because experience is the best teacher.

Kell describes one of his favorite memories, remarkably, as a match he lost. At an important tournament, he drew the name of one of his judo heroes in the first round. 

While he could have ruminated over his terrible luck, he didn’t. He decided to give it everything he had, learn from it and, most of all, enjoy it.

The price of ambition is you have to work hard.

Kell Berliner

MBA, Purdue Global 
U.S. Olympic hopeful, judo

“It was the first match of the day. And I’ve watched this guy for years. I didn’t even have to research him because I knew him pretty well just from being a fan!” he says.  

“I knew I was going out the first round. But I threw my heart into it, and I think it was actually pretty close. What a fight. It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had on a tour, having an enormous crowd that was super engaged in my match, specifically. And yeah, I was disappointed to lose. But it was the best loss I’ve had in my career.” 

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5. You believe in what you can be, so you prioritize preparation.

At the end of the day, the dream matters — whether it’s athletics, family, career, doing good in the world, travel or anything else — and no time is better than the present to make a move. But working adults have more at stake. They don’t want to ruin it by pulling the trigger on a half-thought-out plan.  

Kell says when it came to selecting a university and a program, he buried himself in the research.  

“I had a whole spreadsheet with about 20 programs through Guild that I thought looked interesting,” he says. “It was really helpful that Purdue Global lists the statistics for their degrees. I narrowed down the programs I was interested in from 20 to 10 and then five. Out of those last five, three of them were with Purdue Global.” 

It wasn’t long before the Purdue Global MBA was the last program standing. And when Nicole coincidentally landed on the same program, they enrolled together.  

So even if you’re not a Team USA hopeful like Kell or Nicole, working adults are working adults, and that life experience rewards a person with focused priorities, a careful approach and big dreams that deserve attention. As Kell says, you have to take the opportunities as they come. 

“When you’re still in the game, you can’t stop,” he says. “It’s difficult and there are no guarantees, but you can’t bow out.”

For more information on starting your comeback, visit purdueglobal.edu.

When it reopens this summer, the oldest building on Purdue’s campus will reclaim its original role as a student gathering spot 

Anyone who has toured the Purdue campus likely walked past, but not inside, University Hall. 

While the building is among Purdue’s most historically significant structures — of the original six buildings on campus, it’s the only one still standing — there was no compelling reason for most visitors to see the 148-year-old landmark’s interior. 

Until now. 

When it reopens this summer following extensive renovations, University Hall will reclaim its original status as a campus hub. The 34,200-square-foot building will serve as the front door to the College of Liberal Arts, with ample room for students to study, collaborate and socialize alongside liberal arts student services, classrooms, and meeting and office spaces. 

“I am so pleased with the thoughtful design inside University Hall. It creates much-needed student study space in a welcoming environment and includes many details that are a nod to the history of the building’s original architecture,” says Joel Ebarb, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “University Hall has long held a special significance for Purdue University, adorning countless websites and brochures. Now, the crown jewel of our campus is truly that once again. The College of Liberal Arts is proud to call it our home.” 

Formerly the site of Purdue’s chapel, president’s office and first library, the new University Hall will once again buzz with activity, making it a destination guests will instinctively want to venture inside. 

Its modern amenities, central location and wealth of available space will help transform the everyday experiences of Boilermaker students from liberal arts and beyond. 

“There’s been a real desire from the top down in terms of student-directed focus,” says Ash Lettow of Workshop Architects, whose team collaborated with architects from MSKTD & Associates and structural engineers from Fink Roberts & Petrie Inc., to implement Purdue stakeholders’ vision for the project. “There’s always the mantra of making sure this space is for them and part of the mission of serving students. The approach from campus administration has been that if a project does not serve the students, then we are not doing it.”

Part renovation, part restoration

When it first opened in 1877, University Hall’s two-story central atrium and library made it a natural gathering spot for Boilermaker students. But as the campus grew through the years, the central space was filled with offices and mezzanines. And in 1961, a substantial renovation left the structure a generic and uninspired office and classroom building: while functional, hardly a place to wow anyone. 

The building’s new central gallery will mimic its original look and feel, which is very much by design. 

“That central space was the gathering space. You can see it in historical photographs of faculty meetings and student events from the early days of the building,” Lettow says. “And so, you think about the place having a buzz, having a life. It was where you would run into somebody, or if you had to meet somebody on campus, that’s where you would arrange to meet. 

“So that was definitely our inspiration, and I know the team we were working with in the administration wanted that too. How do we bring back that heart, not only for the department but the campus?” 

They revived the building by embarking on what Lettow describes as a “recuperative restoration,” which is about reviving the lost spirit of a place and not replicating historic details. It is an approach where modern conveniences complement an overall aesthetic with nods to University Hall’s significant place in Purdue history. 

Luckily, the architects and engineers leading the renovation had extensive experience at Purdue — and with historic structures that required special levels of attention and care. 

For Tory Kincius (BS civil engineering ’93, MSCE ’95), senior project manager at Indianapolis-based Fink Roberts & Petrie, the University Hall project was appealing on multiple fronts. 

For one thing, it was right up her alley as an engineer who specializes in restoring historic structures. Among the renovation projects on Kincius’ resume are the Victory sculpture atop the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indy, the capital city’s Bottleworks Hotel, and Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse. 

But also, this was not just any historic building. It’s arguably the most iconic landmark at her alma mater — where she estimates her company has executed more than 100 engineering projects, including work at the Purdue Memorial Union, the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering, the Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), the John Martinson Honors College and the Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories. 

“With every old building I work on, it’s an honor to be able to take something that’s part of history and bring it back up to current codes and make it return to its former glory,” Kincius says. “Taking care of these old buildings so that we have them in the future is one of the best parts of my job. It’s very rewarding to be able to do that. And the fact that it’s a Purdue project and it’s the oldest building on Purdue’s campus is pretty special.”

Taking care of these old buildings so that we have them in the future is one of the best parts of my job. It’s very rewarding to be able to do that. And the fact that it’s a Purdue project and it’s the oldest building on Purdue’s campus is pretty special.

Tory Kincius (BSCE ’93, MSCE ’95)

Senior project manager; Fink Roberts & Petrie Inc. 

Lettow — whose company also completed recent architectural projects at Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center — adds that the assignment involved more than simply gutting an old building and replacing its contents with something modern and aesthetically pleasing. The project also carried significant space-management implications for a College of Liberal Arts that encompasses 11 different schools and departments. 

“It was a shell game of moving all the parts and pieces around, looking at how many people and where they need to go, creating efficiencies and synergies among departments while planning for future growth of the college,” Lettow says. “It was a fascinating game of four-dimensional chess.” 

University Hall was the primary piece of the puzzle, but the project also involved substantial upgrades at Beering Hall, former home of the liberal arts dean’s office, which is now located in University Hall. Most liberal arts academic and administrative offices changed locations within the last two years as renovations to the former dean’s office complex greatly expanded the amount of space in Beering available for student use. 

With renovations complete, Beering is home to a new 180-seat active learning classroom, an upgraded commons area and new graduate student hubs in the basement, enhanced spaces for the Department of Sociology, a new main office for the Department of History, and a new conference room with views of campus.  

Renovations in Stanley Coulter Hall created new graduate student hub space, a new main office for the Department of English, and various office and research lab spaces.

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Preparing for the unexpected

Lettow and Kincius agree that flexibility is essential in their jobs, as it’s impossible to predict what might be uncovered when renovating a century-old building. 

“You do have to be an archeologist that crawls around the crevices of the building and an archivist delving into the reams of documents,” Lettow says. 

As expected, they discovered plenty of antiquated eccentricities at University Hall, from the hand-hewn wooden trusses holding up the roof to the stacked-stone foundation that supported the building for nearly 150 years. 

“Back in the 1870s when this building was under construction, they didn’t have concrete, so the foundations are stacked stone,” Kincius says. “We were cutting some fairly large openings in the walls at the base of the building, and when they went to dig that out, it’s basically just stone. And as they’re digging, some of that stone is just loose, and it comes out. So, then we had to do some adjustments in our footing design.” 

Kincius says her team did not initially plan to conduct seismic retrofitting to stabilize the building’s foundation, but elected to do it since the building was empty. 

“That’s the perfect time to get in there and do some reinforcing while the whole building is open, so we were able to do that,” she says. “I am hoping between getting the seismic retrofitting done, getting the new steel in, and just giving the whole building a good once-over that it will be able to last at least another 100 years for the university.” 

Another complicated step in the project involved installing new steel support beams through the building’s roof. The steel beams will resemble the cast-iron columns that were present in University Hall’s original atrium while also serving the modern-day purpose of supporting the structure with strength that is far superior to that of the brittle cast-iron material that builders abandoned decades ago following the development of structural steel. 

That said, genuine cast-iron columns will still be part of University Hall’s new interior aesthetic. After workers discovered five of the building’s original columns embedded in walls during the demolition phase of renovations, the project’s leaders elected to put them on display. Two columns will be on the ground floor near the student services and advising area, two will be on the third floor across from the dean’s office, and the largest will be in the south stairwell. 

“I wasn’t particularly optimistic about getting those columns out intact because once demolition guys get rolling, they just go,” Kincius says with a laugh. “First of all, it was surprising to find those original columns, and secondly it was surprising that we were able to get them out in one piece. But they are actually going to be part of the architecture now.”

Transformative student impact

Because of the renovated building’s historic legacy and its scenic views of Memorial Mall and the Loeb Fountain, University Hall is sure to become a popular gathering space for faculty, staff and alumni. 

However, it will be most useful to the students who will benefit daily from the centralized space that the liberal arts community will share with other Boilermakers. Liberal arts students can still choose to study with friends in WALC, at the Union or any other popular gathering spot, but the new student-centered areas in University and Beering halls will reduce their need to trek across campus. And with classrooms assigned to programs that teach students from all majors, University Hall will serve as a resource for many Boilermakers. 

“It gives us a space to collaborate if we have group projects or if we just want to study and talk to our friends about things. I think it’s important to have that space to talk freely and interact,” says Misri Shah, a Degree Plus student double majoring in political science and finance. “Also, the location is really good. It’s in the middle of the campus, so it fits perfectly where I do not have to walk back to a dorm to study with a friend. I can study right there in a collaborative space, and I don’t have to be quiet like if we were in the library.” 

Another key component is that all College of Liberal Arts student services will now be available in one location. These offices have been spread across several campus buildings of late, so the new arrangement will be far more convenient for students. 

“Right now, (liberal arts advising is) at Young Hall. It’s a little trek away, and you have to go up an elevator, so it’s not as personal as it could be,” says Lilly Pirotto, a Degree Plus student double majoring in creative writing and brain and behavioral sciences. “Having it all smack dab in the middle of campus, in this beautiful liberal-artsy building, will add so much more of a personal touch that these student services are sort of missing now.” 

Perhaps the most significant change that the new University Hall can bring about is a sense of community that stretches across Purdue’s wide-ranging liberal arts disciplines. 

Recent graduate Isabelle Diaz (BA English ’25) became passionate about creating such a community-building space as a freshman when she was elected to represent liberal arts in Purdue Student Government. While Diaz graduated just before what she envisioned became reality, she remains excited about its potential. 

“I’m interested to see how that space is going to kind of transcend into something that builds bridges among all the different majors and minors that the college houses,” Diaz says. “That’s something that not every college has, and I think it really makes the humanities degree unique and important.”

Extending a legacy

More than any other Purdue landmark, University Hall connects the bustling campus of today to its humble beginnings as Indiana’s land-grant institution. 

It was funded in part by John Purdue’s founding donation and is actually the final resting place of the university’s namesake, whose grave and memorial statue sit just east of the building at Memorial Mall. 

Of course it would be a point of interest on a campus tour. 

But now it will be more than a curiosity as visitors stroll toward somewhere more exciting. Thanks to generous investment from Purdue’s donors and leadership and a thoughtful “recuperative restoration” that modernized its interior and stabilized its structure, University Hall will be that must-see attraction. 

Just as it was in Purdue’s earliest days. 

“It’s going to be a destination versus a pass-by now, and I think that’s what the building originally was. It was this destination on campus,” Lettow says. “The exciting thing is recovering that pride of place for the building.”

Purdue alumna Olivia West reflects on her journey as the in-game host for the Indiana Pacers during the NBA playoffs

If you’ve ever attended Indiana Pacers or Fever games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, you’ve probably heard in-game host Olivia West’s energetic voice, hyping up fans throughout the arena.   

This is undoubtedly an exciting time for Pacers fans. For the first time in 25 years, the home team in this basketball-obsessed state is competing in the NBA Finals. 

“You can’t go anywhere in Indiana and not feel the basketball culture running through the spirit of this city, the town, community — whatever it looks like,” says West, who graduated from Purdue in 2021 with a degree in agricultural economics. 

West feels that spirit running through fans at every game. They’re her favorite part of basketball, inspiring and motivating her in the arena. 

“In a world where we’re so distracted by our phones, basketball creates an environment where you want to be locked in,” says West, who began hosting games for the Pacers in October 2023. “And I’m a part of that experience. I’m a part of the vibe, of the zeal of that environment, and that’s something that I don’t take lightly at all.” 

Speaking ahead of Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, she can’t wait to see what happens next. 

“If something crazy happens in a basketball game, people will be talking about it for the rest of their lives,” West says.  

‘B.C. and A.C.’

The dynamic host is just as enthusiastic about the Fever’s future and fans. It’s easy to see why they shower love and passion on the team — led by superstar point guard Caitlin Clark — and its coach, Purdue alumna Stephanie White. 

Clark famously awakened a new fervor for the WNBA and basketball for global audiences. West jokingly refers to this phenomenon and Clark’s impact on the franchise as “B.C. and A.C.” — before and after Caitlin.   

“I cannot help but be inspired by being around these women, these change-makers, these women who are being legendary every single day out on the court. I apply that to my own life,” she says.   

Big dreams, giant leaps

“You have to have a vision because when you can see it, you can be it.”  

West came to emceeing in an unconventional way, but it felt like kismet. As a lifelong basketball fan and player, and Indiana native, she spent years making connections, learning key skills and pursuing her wildest dreams. 

But there was a time while at Purdue when West wasn’t sure what her career path would look like. Hoping to be inspired and challenged, she attended every lecture she could during the university’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2019.   

Being in proximity to visionaries and thought leaders like Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple and tech entrepreneur, and Randall Lewis, Fortune 500 tech and finance executive and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Daniels School of Business, pushed her to dream big and experience a mindset shift where she could envision herself being valued for her intellect and talent.   

“I think one of my favorite things about my time at Purdue is it was like a shipyard,” West says. “You just had all these pieces and tools everywhere, and it was up to you to learn how to build the boat that you wanted to be on.”   

Once you have a true vision for the value that you want to provide, you’ve got to go after that with everything you have. I see that pulled through on the basketball court every single day.

Olivia WesT

In-game host, Indiana Pacers and Fever

Taking a chance

After graduating from Purdue and working in the agriculture and health care sectors, she found herself yearning for something different. So she decided to take a giant leap. 

Driven by her love of basketball and natural talent for public speaking, she reached out to the Fever about hosting opportunities.   

West was initially rejected but was determined to make her dream happen. She tried again the next year and secured an audition. And the rest was history. 

She officially joined the Fever as a host in May 2023.   

“Once you have a true vision for the value that you want to provide, you’ve got to go after that with everything you have. I see that pulled through on the basketball court every single day,” she says.

Amplifying her story

“I speak with the lens of using your voice to provide value — turning conversations into contributions.”  

When she’s not at Gainbridge, West travels as an inspirational speaker, connecting with students and professionals and sharing her unique journey as a Purdue alum who found her purpose by becoming an NBA and WNBA in-game host.   

West speaks about keys to success, the power of persistence and ways to overcome challenges, all while sharing personal, relatable anecdotes. Her clients include Athletes Unlimited, NBA All-Star and Fortune 500 organizations.  

“I tell people to look inside themselves and say, ‘What am I good at? What do I like to do? What am I incredibly proficient at?’ And then take that thing and say, ‘How can I use this to serve others? How can I use this to make people smile? How can I use this to solve problems?’ That right there is where you’ll find your thing,” West says. 

Her optimism for her future is bright and infectious. She desires to expand her client portfolio and speak across borders, continents and demographics for various sports, cultural and historic events.   

At the heart of it, West wants to bring people together. 

“My desire is to continue to build something, to continue to motivate, inspire and leave people with hope,” she says.

Lisa Shields pursued her health care career dreams through Purdue Global, inspiring her family and honoring her son’s memory.

During the pandemic, health care workers were on the front lines. They were working long hours while being isolated from loved ones and putting others before themselves. Lisa Shields was one of these heroes, working 100-hour weeks as a phlebotomist — her first job in the medical field. 

But Shields wasn’t just carrying the weight of a career in health care during a pandemic. She was also grieving the loss of her 4-year-old son, Ethan. 

Ethan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and due to his tracheostomy, he succumbed to acute respiratory distress syndrome after fighting hard for four years. Inspired to help others after her journey with her son, she joined the medical field after he passed away in 2019 and was quickly hit with the pandemic in 2020.  

“Going through COVID and grieving the loss of my son while being a health care worker was absolutely hard,” Shields says. “But when I would see these sick people, it made me want to care more about them. It made me realize that my face may be the only face they get to see.” 

The two tragedies forced her to reassess. Tired of feeling the disassociation and exhaustion the pandemic created during a time that should’ve been dedicated to grief, Shields decided to do something to improve her life — pursue online education through Purdue Global. 

Purdue Global opens doors to dreams 

In 2020 Shields took her first step toward her dream of working in the medical field by becoming a phlebotomist. By completing blood draws, Shields could get her foot in the door without any advanced training or qualifications. But it wasn’t easy.  

At work, she was on her feet for 100 hours a week. At home, she cared for her 11-year-old daughter, Serenitie. There wasn’t time to think about anything else. Shields barely had time to eat. Looking at the medical assistants at her hospital who were working fewer hours than her for more pay, she realized she was just as capable, and she could make a move toward becoming a medical assistant by continuing her education.   

“I needed to find a solution where I could go to school while being a working mom,” Shields says. “I struggled to find that, but then I found Purdue Global. I thought, ‘What? I can really do this online?’ I was so happy to find the program.” 

Even with an emotionally and physically demanding job during a challenging time in health care, on top of balancing her parenting responsibilities as a single mom, she was able to earn her certificate with the flexibility and opportunities Purdue Global provided.  

“I completed my externships and internships at the same place I was working as a phlebotomist, which helped me balance everything,” Shields says. 

In 2024 she walked across the stage in West Lafayette, Indiana, to accept her medical assistant certificate — a moment she describes as “overwhelming” because most of her family was able to attend.  

Shields’ daughter and partner were able to see her success in person. Shields’ parents, who had rarely left their home state of Michigan, were sitting in the audience. 

“My dad actually cried when I walked across the stage,” Shields says. 

Not only were her parents there, but Shields’ siblings were also cheering her on. Her sister was there in person, holding the phone that allowed their brother to join the celebration. 

“My brother graduated college, and he’s currently serving in Iraq,” Shields says. “He was on a video call when I walked, and he got to watch me cross the stage, which meant a lot.” 

The undeniable impact of her online certificate 

With her certificate, Shields was hired at the same company as a medical assistant in family medicine. She loves that her job allows her to help a wide range of people. When asked what she loves most about her job, Shields quickly asserts, “everything.” 

“I have a passion for every person that comes in,” Shields says with a huge smile. “It’s a gift for me.” 

Not only is Shields able to move forward in family medicine, but she is looking even further ahead. 

“Purdue Global has given me a look at bigger roles in the medical field and opened my eyes to what’s possible,” Shields says. “I want to go back for a degree.” 

Beyond her personal triumph, her educational journey has also impacted her family.  

“A week after my graduation, my baby sister signed up for her GED,” Shields says. “She told me later, ‘You did it. Now it’s my time.’” 

Shields’ experience even brought her closer to her daughter, who is now 13 years old.  

Don’t ever say you can’t do it. You can do it if you put your mind to it.

Lisa Shields 

Medical assistant certificate ’24, Purdue Global 

“This degree means even more because I was able to sit at the table with my daughter for the last year or so and do homework and say that I did it with her,” Shields says. “She is very proud of me.”  

Of course, it always goes back to family for her. Shields says this is how she chooses to honor the memory of her son — working to continually improve herself and help others. 

“This means everything to me. I didn’t think I’d ever go back to college,” Shields says, reflecting on her journey. “I really used to think I didn’t have what it takes. Then one day I decided it wasn’t an excuse. 

“Don’t ever say you can’t do it. You can do it if you put your mind to it.” 

Purdue’s track standout, previously featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, embodies ‘The Persistent Pursuit’ through and through

Purdue women’s track star Jalen Elrod finds herself on the precipice of capping an illustrious—and unexpected—career in West Lafayette that has seen her ascend from walk on to All-American and winner of the Golden Petes’ Persistent Pursuit Award, bestowed upon a single student-athlete across Purdue Athletics for their remarkable dedication in the face of significant challenges.

While the path from Elrod’s home in Houston to West Lafayette is marked by unmistakable triumph, it did not come easy. Soon after arriving at Purdue, tragedy struck her family when her Houston home burned down, taking the life of two loved ones in the process.

But despite the hardships, she’s continued to chase her dream, one that has already culminated in a school record in the pentathlon.

To understand her journey, the nexus of Elrod’s resilience and exceptional mindset, let’s rewind.

It all began with the races from the bus stop to home. It was Jalen Elrod vs. her older brother, Tre. Sibling vs. sibling. Elrod vs. Elrod.

“Trey never let her win,” fessed their father, Maurice. “I don’t think he could beat her now.”

Not many people can.

“What makes her good?” says Raffael Craig, Purdue’s combined events coach. “She is very coachable. She works hard, too, and wants to get better. And she comes from a great family.”

It was family that supported Elrod and fueled a passion for track that began at seven, when girls her age were still riding their Razor scooters.

“I found her one Saturday morning watching YouTube videos of Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Flo-Jo (Florence Griffith Joyner),” says Maurice Elrod. “I was like, ‘She should be watching cartoons. What are you doing?’ I had no idea where she picked that up, but she was very locked in at a young age.”

Determination was already taking root. Elrod had two goals: To be a physician and to go as far as she can in track.

Her career took off after high school, when she enrolled at nearby Prairie View A&M. Although Elrod was recruited to run the 400 and 800 meters, the team had others who were a cut above her at the events. That’s when a teammate piped up and said Elrod had competed in the heptathlon before.

Elrod was hesitant. Really? The heptathlon?

But, soon, a star was born. She finished fifth in the heptathlon as a freshman in the SWAC championship meet. And Elrod never looked back.

For the uninitiated, the heptathlon consists of three running events (100 hurdles, 200 meters, 800 meters) and four field events (long jump, shot put, javelin, high jump). Elrod’s strong suits: long jump, 800, and hurdles.

Elrod wanted to explore what else was out there beyond Texas and Prairie View A&M. She had aspired to attend Purdue out of high school, but the track roster was full. Now, she’s a centerpiece of the program, arriving in West Lafayette ahead of her junior year in the summer of 2023.

But tragedy soon followed. Shortly after she arrived on campus, her family home was destroyed by a fire that took the life of her paternal grandmother, Cornelia Elrod, and her family cat, Dexter.

“I knew things were bad when my dad called,” recalls Elrod in a hushed tone. “I never in my life had my dad tell me to sit down. I was really confused.

“I was able to sit and cry along the side of the road in my car just outside of Mackey Arena after finishing practice,” she says. “It was a lonely time. I had just moved here. I didn’t know anyone. It was hard to deal with the grief, showing up at practice with a smile on my face.

“It was devastating to our family. You never expect something like this. We are a dope family, full of love, laughing, joking. When something like this hit hard, it’s difficult to shake to this day, if I am being honest.”

The Elrods had to move in with their maternal grandmother to a nearby small one-story house.

“It’s hard to acclimate to something like that,” Elrod says.

Within a year, the Elrods would receive an unbelievable blessing: The family was chosen for the show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition—the prize: A new house.

“A work friend of my mom encouraged her to sign up for it,” says Elrod.

She did.

Around 1,000 applications in the Houston area were submitted.

“We aren’t gonna get it,” Elrod recalls thinking. “There are others who need it more.

“But we got an email in the summer of 2024 saying we were a finalist. They showed up to interview us, and surprised us that we were the winners. We were all crying. It was a heartfelt moment. We ran outside, embraced each other, and cried. We talk about it a lot. We can’t believe it actually happened.”

But the joy of winning is muted by the circumstances that allowed it all to unfold.

“The reason we were chosen is unfortunate,” says Elrod. “You are taking a win, but at what cost?”

Elrod leans on her faith and family to get her through. There is a sense of ease and comfort when she talks. She is comfortable in her own skin, a combination of confidence and playfulness that is grounded in strong parenting.

Mom Regina is a counselor, while Dad Maurice works in marketing for the Houston Texans. There was plenty of love in the Elrod home. And plenty of nicknames for middle child Jalen.

“My dad calls me Doodle,” she says, giggling. “Not sure why. Pumpkin. Sometimes it’s Pumpkin-Doodle. LISH is another one. LL COOL J.”

Adds her dad: “She is listed in my phone as Doodle.”

And every Sunday, you’ll find Doodle and her family of five assembled in a pew in a Baptist church deep in the heart of Texas.

“I am blessed to have the family I do,” says Elrod, who also has a 12-year-old sister, Samiah. “My mom and dad have been so good to me. I love them to death. People say I am smiley, bubbly, jokey. Then, when people meet my parents, they see why. They are goofy and very smart. I get advice from them on everything. I love their faith in us and Christ.”

It was that upbringing that instilled the values Elrod carries today, hundreds of miles from home. It’s not just about her—it’s about others. Specifically, it’s about serving others—a lesson learned around the holidays, when all were welcome at the Elrod table. And Elrod has continued a life of service while in West Lafayette.

• She wrapped and picked out presents as part of the Salvation Army Angel Tree project.

“I love Christmas,” says Elrod. “It was fun. I got to fill bags with toys from a list. I said: ‘I’m gonna pick out the biggest Barbie Dream House for this girl that I can.’ It was cool to help families and bond with teammates, too.”

• She has delivered Thanksgiving meals to needy families.

“I have been delivering meals for a few years,” says Elrod. “We used to do it for my church (back home). My mom was always big on helping others during the holiday season. We did that a lot in Houston.”

The reaction of people in the Lafayette area made it all worth it.

“People were very appreciative,” she says. “They are surprised to see these prominent athletes at their door deliver a basket for Thanksgiving.

“It makes me feel warm inside. It also pulls the heartstrings a bit. Some families lack the means to buy food or make a big meal. We wanted to make it special. It was a heartfelt moment.”

• She has worked with seniors at nearby Westminster Village, where Elrod engages with people suffering dementia. She was introduced to dealing with the ailment through a class at Purdue.

“It was something I needed,” she says. “I had a grandfather who passed away from dementia. I didn’t understand the disease. Sometimes, he knew me; sometimes, he didn’t. Then, when I took the class, I learned how to interact with those suffering from dementia and what they are capable of.

“When I worked with people, I imagined they were my grandfather. They don’t have many people who spend time with them.”

Elrod formed a bond with one particular resident while helping with art projects and motor skills: Mary.

“She just wanted someone to listen to her,” says Elrod. “Look at her pictures. She’d say, ‘Have a Coke with me.’ “

For Elrod, it’s about balance. About becoming the best version of herself not just as an athlete, but as a human. And while the Golden Pete Awards committee saw this in her – saw her strength, her selflessness, her resilience and inspiring story worthy of the Persistent Pursuit Award, Jalen still strives for more. A fitting sentiment for such a winner.

“I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything,” she says.

Elrod will compete in the heptathlon in the upcoming NCAA outdoor championships.

This is her last dance, her final chance to shine at Purdue, where she is majoring in biomedical health sciences and plans to graduate in spring 2026. Grad school, as well as a hoped-for professional track career, looms.

“I want to make sure I go out with a bang,” says Elrod, smiling. “I don’t want to have any regrets. I’m going all in. It’s now or never.”

Written by Tom Dienhart of GoldandBlack.com

Nicole Richardson Hicks’ relentless zeal for learning, helping others drives her success

Nicole Richardson Hicks remembers times during her childhood when she would line up her stuffed animals or other household items, make them little notes or assignments, and play teacher on her grandparents’ pool table.  

“Education was very important in my family,” Hicks said. “My nana is a professor. My great-grandmother made education a priority growing up.” 

It’s a legacy that Hicks carries in her own journey as well — a journey that didn’t come without trials and setbacks — ultimately culminating in Hicks completing her comeback with Purdue Global.

Hicks, an alumna who served as Purdue Global’s May 2025 Commencement speaker, shared her journey of overcoming challenges, especially as she pursued her college degrees.

“My educational path took many twists and turns,” she said. “Between health issues in my family and the birth of my first child, my goal of earning a degree was met with many challenges. But I was determined to accomplish that goal.

After a series of health struggles and the sudden death of her father, Hicks found Purdue Global. Hicks’ mother, who had worked in the university’s IT department, and grandmother, who served as an adjunct professor, told her about the opportunity to continue her education at Purdue Global.

“My mother also earned her bachelor’s and MBA at the university, so it felt like a natural fit for me,” Hicks said. “In addition, the flexibility of the online learning environment as a working mother made Purdue Global the perfect place for me to finish what I started.”  

Hicks pursued a Master of Science in psychology with a focus on applied behavior analysis (ABA), a field she had long been passionate about.  

“I’ve always enjoyed working with children, especially those who are at risk or behaviorally challenged,” Hicks said.  

Her time at Purdue Global was transformative, particularly her experience with Lisa Phillips — a professor in clinical applications, supervision and management — who introduced her to ABA’s broader applications.  

“Dr. Phillips had the biggest impact on me. She opened my mind to filling a need in our field that I never would have imagined,” Hicks said. “She was a fantastic instructor who gave us lots of real work applications to ABA’s clinical side. She helped me see how I can do more with my credentials and degree.” 

Since graduating in 2021, Hicks has made significant career strides. She currently works at the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida as a school behavioral health professional and founded her own business, Rays of Behavior Consulting LLC. Through her work, Hicks bridges the gap between the practices of mental health and ABA, offering a holistic approach to behavior management.

The work doesn’t end at graduation — it just begins

Nicole Richardson Hicks

MS psychology, Purdue Global ’21 
May 2025 Commencement speaker

“Behavior is everywhere. My goal is to increase individual and family wellness through positive interactions and relationship-building skills,” she said.  

While Hicks’ professional accomplishments are fulfilling and meaningful, her personal journey is equally inspiring.  

“I got to a point where I chose not to give up,” Hicks said. “I could have just stopped long ago, but I had a daughter to take care of and she was my priority. I did it for her and me.”  

Hicks’ comeback is rooted in the belief that no matter the challenges, we control how we respond. “It’s when you rise when people least expect you to that major growth happens,” she said. “That’s divine. My unwavering faith is how I was able to overcome it.” 

During her commencement speech, Hicks encouraged graduates to embrace their individual journeys. 

“The work doesn’t end at graduation; it just begins,” Hicks said. “Sometimes we don’t realize how important growth is. So it’s OK to not ‘be the same.’ You are a different level of you, and there’s nothing wrong with that.” 

Hicks also encouraged graduates to believe in themselves.  

“We can do and be anything we want to be,” Hicks said. “The longer we wait, the more we tell ourselves it’s too late, I’m not qualified enough or it will never happen. The longer we wait, the longer others have to wait. And the world needs you.”  

Hicks knows this from her own experience. The waiting and obstacles she overcame resonate with many, as well as the bold decision to earn her degree at Purdue Global and launch her business to complete her comeback. 

“Now it’s your turn. It’s 2025. There’s no more waiting. There are no more excuses. It is time for action, and that time is now,” Hicks said. 

Her mission of lifelong learning continues. She plans to grow her business, expanding her reach from individuals to families and from small businesses to corporations.

“I want to continue growing and flourishing as an individual. I don’t believe in limitations. I truly believe I can have it all,” she said. “If all I do is improve the ability for individuals to live a better life through positive relationships and interactions, improving their self-talk and self-worth, and living a life filled with joy, then I have done what God has led me to do.” 

Hicks is focused on creating an independent lifestyle for herself, her husband and their three children. She hopes her story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when one refuses to give up and pushes through obstacles.  

“Your time is now. Don’t be afraid to go big in what drives you,” Hicks said. “You are unstoppable. You are capable and, most of all, you are more.”

Greg Etter is a Delta first officer during the company’s 100th anniversary

When Purdue men’s basketball traveled to compete in the Final Four in 2024, many Boilermakers caught flights to Phoenix to support the team — including pilots themselves.  

Greg Etter, a first officer at Delta used his ability to secure the jump seat — an extra space reserved for crew members and authorized personnel — to get to Phoenix. At the airport, he discovered he wasn’t alone. At least eight other pilots were Purdue graduates doing the same thing.  

“You don’t have to look far to find a pilot from Purdue,” he says. “It’s a world-class program, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”  

As Delta celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, Etter is proud to contribute to the company’s — and his family’s — legacy in flight.  

Launching an aeronautics career 

Ever since Etter can remember, he’s been cheering on Purdue. He was raised by a long line of alumni and grew up less than a half hour away from West Lafayette. Every year, he and his father had season tickets to athletic events.  

Etter’s family influenced his path in many ways beyond introducing him to game days at Ross-Ade Stadium. His father and uncle were both pilots, inspiring him with stories about seeing places all over the globe.

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In 10th grade he got a plastic pair of Delta wings — a novelty version of pilots’ prized uniform accessory — and wore them every day as motivation to work for the real thing.  

The decision to attend Purdue for its aviation program was natural given both his proximity and family ties to the university. He pursued a degree in what was then called aviation administration while joining the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC). 

Being a part of AFROTC was intense, but he found the program to be incredibly motivating. “I got to work with people from all over with different backgrounds and stories,” he says. “All of us were there for one reason: We wanted to serve our country.”

Returning to Purdue to teach 

After serving in the U.S. Air Force for over 14 years and completing his first year with Delta Air Lines, Etter returned to West Lafayette full time for a new role: assistant professor of aerospace studies.  

Etter had instructed at different levels within the Air Force, primarily pilot training. When an instructor role opened up within Purdue’s AFROTC program, it was an easy decision to apply. The energy that comes with working with young, ambitious trainees is something that makes those kinds of environments especially rewarding.  

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Teaching and mentoring future Air Force leaders seemed like a great way to give back to both the university and the Air Force. One of the students in his very first class was Ashley Bird.  

“I know how lucky I am to have such a prestigious place so close to home,” he says. “I’ve noticed that no matter where I go, people know Purdue.” 

Traveling the world as a Delta first officer 

After instructing at Purdue, Etter returned to the airline industry to continue flying for Delta on its newest wide-body aircraft, the Airbus A350.   

“There isn’t anywhere I would rather be,” he says. “It feels like it’s a big family. We’re all working together to get people to places safely.” 

He’s honored to be a part of military-related flights, like a memorable dignified transfer from Korea to Minneapolis. The entire crew dedicated themselves to making the process as courteous as possible for the fallen soldier’s family. When the plane landed, everyone stood respectfully in the subzero weather until the escorts had completed the transfer to the awaiting ground team.  

The unforgettable days and the routine flights are reminders for Etter that he’s chosen a career that’s meant for him.  

“Everyone always says that if you can find a job you love, you won’t work a day in your life, and I feel like I’ve done that,” he says. 

Raising the next generation of Boilermakers 

Etter still goes to a lot of home games at Purdue. It’s a continuation of the family tradition — his wife and their five children are with him.  

Along with picking up a love for Purdue and a passion for flying from his father, he’s also continuing his family’s legacy in farming. “I get to live here and farm what my dad, my uncle and my grandpa started,” he says. “It’s imperative that I bridge this to the next generation.” 

Everyone always says that if you can find a job you love, you won’t work a day in your life, and I feel like I’ve done that.

Greg Etter

BS aviation administration ’02

As a farmer himself, Etter appreciates his employer’s agricultural roots. Delta actually started as the world’s first aerial crop-dusting organization. While flying and while farming, Etter applies the spirit of resilience that he strengthened at Purdue. Both endeavors require the attention to detail and adaptability he learned then. 

“Purdue was rigorous. You want to make sure you’re growing from mistakes and learning how to be better,” he says. “One of my dad’s instructor pilots sent me a motivational letter when I started Air Force pilot training giving me the guiding principle of ‘seek perfection; accept excellence.’ That kind of mindset has carried me throughout my 22-year military career and my time with Delta Air Lines,” he says. 

Kuan-Hua “Joe” Chen’s commitment to student learning earns him Purdue’s Excellence in Instruction Award for Lecturers

Kuan-Hua “Joe” Chen is the kind of math teacher every college student wishes they had.  

Since 2010 the senior lecturer of mathematics in Purdue’s College of Science has been well-known among Purdue students in the Department of Mathematics for simplifying otherwise rigorous subjects, like linear algebra and calculus, and for being a friendly mentor outside the classroom. 

“I think if I can do something to give math a second chance with these students, many of whom might not have had pleasant experiences with math in the past, maybe that would change something,” Chen says.  

He explains that the key to helping students understand math’s simplicity is to first build a meaningful connection with them beyond teaching, especially during Zoom lectures and online forums. 

For Chen, making that connection often starts with something that everyone can relate to, for example, by showing off his beloved cats, Kiki and Tali. That’s when his students light up the most. “All we have to do is reach out and make that human connection,” he says. 

Chen’s empathetic, authentic approach to teaching and building rapport with students is among the reasons he earned the 2025 Excellence in Instruction Award for Lecturers, one of Purdue’s highest undergraduate teaching honors.  

Every year the university presents this award to a lecturer or senior lecturer who has gone above and beyond for their students. Chen received a surprise presentation in his classroom from Purdue Pete, colleagues and former students, many of whom have expressed interest in teaching math themselves. 

Chen was overcome with emotion and gratitude by the surprise honor because there was once a time he didn’t realize how much he liked teaching.

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He started his educational journey as an undergraduate student and then became a graduate student in Purdue’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, later becoming a teaching assistant in the math department.  

After encouragement from his uncle, who’s also a university instructor, he realized that teaching students was what he was meant to do.  

Now Chen teaches about 400 students each semester and consistently receives outstanding course evaluations and student feedback. One of his main contributions as an instructor –– and a reason behind his popularity among students –– is his innovation “ChenFlix,” an online archive of his lecture videos and study resources, which his students “binge-watch” before exams.  

With the help of BoilerCast, he’s recorded lectures for all his classes so that any student anywhere –– in Indiana, Texas, Antarctica and beyond –– can watch at their convenience. ChenFlix’s visitor counter recently showed over a million lecture views. 

“As long as they’re learning, that’s all that matters to me,” Chen says. 

Sydney Powell, one of his students, says, “It’s my first semester in Professor Chen’s classroom, but not my first time learning from him. ChenFlix has helped me so much.” 

Chen also prioritizes engaging with his students outside his lectures. To name a few of his roles, he’s participated in Boiler Gold Rush, Boiler Cold Rush and Summer Visit Days and led high-demand Calculus I exam review sessions for students in the Don and Liz Thompson Minority Engineering Program.  

“I firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed. If I can help in some way, then why not?” he says. 

Beyond teaching, Chen is also an advisor for several student clubs, including Dungeons of Purdue, which is made up of students who love the famous fantasy role-playing game, and a faculty fellow for Shreve Residence Hall, which is where he stayed during his undergraduate years at Purdue.  

His teaching track record is stellar, and his accomplishments are numerous, but those things are not what motivates him every day. Instead, Chen is inspired by his students’ learning journeys. Their successes and breakthroughs are what he remembers most.  

He shares that years ago he ran into a former student on the bus. “I asked him how he was doing, and he told me, ‘Hey, it’s because of your class that I’m switching my major to math.’”

All we have to do is reach out and make that human connection.

Kuan-Hua “Joe” Chen

Assistant department head and senior lecturer of mathematics in the Purdue College of Science

Purdue professors receive the Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award for inspiring dedication to undergraduate student success

This year’s recipients of Purdue’s Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award are molding Boilermakers into the leaders of tomorrow through innovative teaching methods and real-world projects that are making an impact locally and globally.  

Every spring, the university presents this award to outstanding faculty members with the rank of assistant or clinical assistant professor. They receive a surprise presentation in their classrooms from Purdue Pete while surrounded by students, colleagues and mentors.  

Meet the 2025 award winners:

Rebecca Johnson

“Nursing is a work of heart,” as the saying goes. And it’s one Rebecca Johnson knows well.   

Each year, the clinical assistant professor in Purdue’s School of Nursing strives to create a space for hundreds of students to learn the history, clinical techniques, dedication to service and compassion required to succeed in the notoriously tough field.  

Johnson aims to spark a passion for nursing by establishing innovative, hands-on teaching experiences, and she’s seen the promising results in her students’ feedback.  

“I love seeing comments that tell me by taking my class, it brought back their passion for nursing and showed them why they were doing what they were doing, or it inspired them to go a different direction that they weren’t going to go in before,” Johnson says. 

“Because of her, I have a new perspective on nursing,” says student Grayson Hill. “Having her as my clinical instructor has been phenomenal.” 

Since 2017, Johnson has served as a faculty advisor and co-coordinator for Water Supply in Developing Countries, an interdisciplinary class for undergraduate and graduate students where they work with faculty and community partners to provide safe drinking water and improve water sanitation and quality for peri-urban residents of the La Vega region of the Dominican Republic.  

In past years, she and her colleagues also co-created service-learning opportunities for students to collaborate with the Lafayette-based Bauer Family Resources Head Start facility to develop health promotion and education for children and their families.

In addition to teaching critical foundational nursing classes, one of Johnson’s most unique offerings is Wartime Influences in Health Care, where students interview veterans on their health care experiences and have an opportunity to submit their findings to the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project.  

These examples of her local and global impact and her warmth, selflessness and commitment as an educator and nurse led to her winning Purdue’s 2025 Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award. 

For Johnson, the award was a welcome reminder of how far she’s come in her journey. 

“I think the most important thing is just understanding that you don’t get anywhere without the help of others, whether it’s students or mentors or colleagues,” she says.  

Johnson’s role as a nursing professional has also taught her the value of being aware of everyone’s different lived experiences, and it’s a lesson she asks students to internalize when treating patients in an evolving field. 

“We have to be humble when we walk in their room and recognize that there is a power difference,” she says. “It’s important to ask, ‘How would you like to be cared for today?’” 

Johnson emphasizes the importance of this question, especially since her students work in many different health care settings including hospitals, global nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits. 

She encourages her students to explore various career paths. “I always try to tell my students that there are so many different ways that you can be a nurse,” she says. 

Wherever Johnson’s students may be, seeing them in action — especially at clinical sites — is always a possibility. 

“I tell them that’s the most exciting thing, knowing that in just a little while we’re going to be working alongside each other,” she says.

I think the most important thing is just understanding that you don’t get anywhere without the help of others, whether it’s students or mentors or colleagues.

Rebecca Johnson

Clinical assistant professor in Purdue’s School of Nursing

Yiwei Huang

Yiwei Huang’s energetic passion for teaching tomorrow’s leaders is valued by students and Purdue alike. She gives her students a safe space to dream big, make mistakes and grow.  

“You can tell every single time you walk into this classroom that she really cares about us and wants us to do well,” says student Cameron Tarpey.  

Combined with this ethos, the assistant professor of landscape architecture’s teaching approach is centered around three pillars: designing by doing (or experimenting), learning and engaging the community. And she’s challenging her students in Purdue’s College of Agriculture to experience these pillars through real-world projects. 

“Gen Z was born with technology, but they are also the group that wants to transform the world,” Huang says.  

To give her students opportunities to apply their skills outside the classroom and revitalize communities, she’s built partnerships with stakeholders across Indianapolis and Chicago, including local schools, parks, and Purdue’s Campus Planning and Architecture unit. 

Last year, her class collaborated with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation to help develop a plan for a new Chinese Garden. Their concept was approved and moved to the next phase. Two years ago, Huang’s students also conceptualized design ideas to reconstruct the outdoor gathering space for the Westminster Village senior living community in West Lafayette.

In addition, in 2022 her students had the chance to envision the future of Purdue’s campus by pitching stormwater management and green infrastructure solutions. Their design of the Agriculture Mall was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Campus RainWorks Challenge. 

Huang created these immersive experiences to help students understand how to interact with clients, communicate clearly and sell their ideas. 

“Students always say the whole engagement process is really eye-opening and inspiring and that it teaches them new things outside of regular lectures,” she says. 

This inventiveness and deep enthusiasm for her students’ journeys and their success are among the reasons Huang won a 2025 Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award. 

“Teaching has always been my dream,” she says. The award means a lot to her because it was chosen by students and affirms her commitment to using design to reimagine city spaces — especially to create more quality green spaces for communities that need them. 

“I think we are really land artists, and we are trying to bring people closer to nature and create beautiful outdoor environments to improve their physical and mental health,” Huang says. 

She particularly values engagement with children in K-12 public schools, seniors, women and people of color, among other groups. Huang believes their input enhances design approaches. This is also an element she asks students to reflect upon, knowing they’ll meet with clients from different backgrounds and with various approaches and opinions.  

Her primary goal is to equip students with the skills and mentorship they need to thrive at Purdue and beyond. 

“I always tell my students that if there’s one thing I can teach them, it’s that design has power, and we can use it to address challenges on the ground,” Huang says.  

“Their homework has value that can really impact communities.”

“Their homework has value that can really impact communities.

Yiwei Huang

Assistant professor of landscape architecture in Purdue’s College of Agriculture

Get to know the educators recognized with the university’s highest undergraduate teaching honor

Every spring up to five recipients are selected for the Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, named in memory of the Purdue history professor who taught from 1927-1970. Winners can come from any of the 12 colleges and schools on campus. This year the five winners serve different departments, but all share the same drive to deliver a world-class education.

Liz Brite

The John Martinson Honors College brings together ambitious students to learn from experts in a variety of fields. Ensuring that programs are serving this community — and that programs are continually improving — is no easy task. Liz Brite helps steer the Honors College as a clinical associate professor and associate head of academic affairs while also teaching in her courtesy faculty role in the College of Liberal Arts. 

Brite’s background in anthropological archaeology has influenced her inventive approach to teaching. Courses on material culture studies inspire students to meaningfully assess their consumption habits. They can also take service-learning classes centered on international engagement, like the influential Beyond Afghanistan program that connects Boilermakers with peers across the globe. Each learning environment promotes self-reflection and the integration of multiple perspectives.  

“She wanted to make sure I succeeded and made it clear that she was going to be a resource whenever needed,” says Jordan Reynolds, one of her students. 

Faculty in the Honors College are supported by Brite’s dedication to their development. She meets with them every semester to identify opportunities to improve approaches and integrate their expertise. Along with mentoring, she’s created shared resources and advocated for perpetual growth. “Our 17 clinical faculty are from a broad array of backgrounds — historians, ecologists, political scientists, biologists,” she says. “We all really enjoy thinking creatively about what teaching and learning in the university space can be.”

We all really enjoy thinking creatively about what teaching and learning in the university space can be.

Liz Brite

Clinical associate professor and associate head of academic affairs in the John Martinson Honors College with a courtesy faculty appointment in the College of Liberal Arts

Steve Hallett

How can Boilermakers grow to cultivate a better tomorrow? As an instigator of innovation and an influential force in agriculture, the university has a responsibility to prepare students to tackle today’s toughest challenges. Professor of horticulture Steve Hallett promotes solutions centered on environmental sustainability and food justice. 

Through Hallett, Boilermakers learn to be agents of change — he teaches the analytical and creative skills needed to understand problems’ layered nuances. He and colleagues started the Purdue Student Farm and the Sustainable Food and Farming Systems degree program, pioneering hands-on experiences and an emphasis on small farms and local foods.  

“Everyone has a role in solving our environmental problems,” Hallett says. “I think it’s important to be teaching agricultural concepts because we’re all implicated and involved.” He’s in the process of writing two books. “Ancient Wisdoms for Modern Crises” examines what Eastern philosophy can teach the modern Western world about climate change, the energy crisis, biodiversity loss and other ongoing issues. For the second book, he’s working with Andrew Flachs, associate professor of anthropology.

“He makes concepts interesting — ‘critical thinking’ isn’t just a buzzword in his classroom,” says student Madison Compher. “You look at things differently.”

Richard Johnson-Sheehan

While connecting with students, mentoring teachers or writing influential textbooks, Richard Johnson-Sheehan blends innovation with empathy. The professor of English specializes in classical rhetoric and scientific, technical and medical writing. He knows communication is always changing and encourages learners to lean into it. Tools like generative AI won’t hinder creativity but will instead allow students to focus on imaginative thinking and authentic storytelling.  

A PhD student, Paul Thompson Hunter, says, “He’s helped me develop strategies for succeeding as an educator, as an academic and as a person.” 

At the heart of Johnson-Sheehan’s teaching philosophy is the desire to understand his students and create a learning environment where they feel encouraged to contribute to meaningful dialogue. Fostering trust and openness is built on small moments — asking them how they’re doing or what’s on their mind. He’s aware of the adversities they can face while pursuing their degrees, especially in recent years.  

For Johnson-Sheehan, the Murphy Award is not only a personal honor but a testament to the collective effort his colleagues made while protecting the community against coronavirus. “Purdue faculty, lecturers and staff did heroic things during the pandemic,” he says. “If I could spread this award out among everyone, I’d love to do that.” The team’s resilience ensured students continued to receive quality instruction and support. 

Scott Lawrance

Persistently prioritizing adaptability and connection has made Scott Lawrance a leader in his field. As a clinical professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology and the athletic training program director, he has improved athletic training on campus and contributed to sports medicine at the national level.  

“Health care is ever evolving, and we’re always at the forefront of what’s next here,” Lawrance says. “It’s about learning real-world applications and evidence-based practices.” Because knowledge is constantly changing and new groups of students are always different, he feels he’s never truly led the same class twice since he started teaching in 2010. He looks for ways to make courses dynamic, introduce new technologies and engage people creatively. 

Laura Claussen, one of his students, says, “Not only is he a great teacher, but he makes sure to get to know all of his students on a personal level.” 

Purdue has one of the country’s premier athletic training programs, with 12 Boilermakers in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Hall of Fame and a reputation for being at the field’s cutting edge. Lawrance is helping the next generation of athletic trainers everywhere through his roles with organizations like the NATA, Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education and Indiana Athletic Trainers licensure board. 

Cara Putman

Cara Putman wanted to earn this award at some point in her teaching career — she had no idea it would be the very first year she was eligible. “Continuous improvement is always top of mind for me, so I’m going to keep asking, ‘How do I get better?’” she says. Her dedication to going above and beyond shows in her roles as a clinical associate professor in the Mitch Daniels School of Business and director of the Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business.  

“She is beyond inspiring,” says student Grace Hyman. “When I was a prospective student, I decided I wanted to come here because of her.” 

Energetic and engaging, Putman draws on her background in law and communication to serve the Purdue community. For students, she emphasizes pragmatic, interactive lesson plans to make abstract concepts more relatable. For faculty, she strives to share resources across campus that uplift everyone and promote development opportunities.  

One of the programs Putman loves is Purdue’s Center for Instructional Excellence, an organization that helps educators excel. “I really encourage faculty to take advantage of every opportunity,” she says. “We have so much to gain from each other’s knowledge, and I want to help partners on campus with what I’ve learned myself.” 

Purdue’s go-to closing pitcher has overcome more than his fair share of adversity through five seasons

Sideways. Sidetracked. Sidearm.

Three words to describe the standout pitching career of fifth-year closer Avery Cook, who concludes his Purdue career with one of the more remarkable journeys in school baseball annals.

Cook is a grand old man of Purdue Athletics, having been on campus since the fall of 2020. But his road was never smooth or straightforward. The Utica, New York, native started his college career at St. John’s in New York City, almost transferred to Georgia Southern and was on the cusp of getting cut from the Boilermaker squad just over 18 months ago.

But Cook’s relentless and persistent personality has sustained him throughout. It has helped him navigate the sideways and sidetracked chapters.

“Avery always believed in himself and always thought he could be a mainstay at Purdue and Purdue baseball,” says John Madia, who has been connected to Purdue baseball since his playing days in the 1970s and now serves as the director of player development. “And he never, never, never wavered on that philosophy or dream. He just persevered.”

Madia, also from Utica, was a key conduit for getting Cook to Purdue. After a year at St. John’s, which ended during the COVID-19 outbreak, Cook realized the big city was not for him. It took an additional connection with Chris Marx, Purdue’s pitching coach at the time. That tie was made earlier when Marx, in his previous job, recruited Cook at Campbell University. When Marx became a member of the Boilermaker staff, the timing was perfect for Cook and Marx to rekindle that relationship.

“Purdue was more my speed,” says Cook, who visited campus with his dad during the 2020 summer shutdown. Despite the campus being a ghost town (and not being allowed to meet with the coaching staff in person), Cook saw enough to think life at Purdue was a fit.

West Lafayette was a match for Cook, but living the dream at Purdue had its share of heartbreak and angst. Cook, an imposing figure listed at 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, developed arm trouble and never was comfortable in the COVID-shortened 2021 season. His pitching numbers weren’t bad, but he only appeared in nine games.

“The COVID shutdown probably had something to do with my arm troubles,” Cook says. “I got out of my training routine, and problems arose soon after that.”

If you know Cook, you know he is about process – successful pitchers often are. This process has developed and matured over the years, but the grit and grind have existed since the beginning.

That is, until his arm troubles morphed into a major medical procedure on his elbow. In September 2021, Cook underwent Tommy John surgery, which replaces a torn or damaged UCL in the elbow with a tendon from another part of the patient’s body. The medical repair often restores pitching careers, but that wasn’t the immediate result for Cook.

While the surgery was successful, it didn’t produce immediate positive results on the mound. After a year of rehab and recovery, Cook struggled in 2023, making only nine appearances for the Boilermakers. Frustrated and flailing, he thought he needed a change of scenery and entered the transfer portal, agreeing to move on to Georgia Southern. But an academic snafu put the brakes on the departure.

‘The hardest call of my life’

With the Georgia Southern move in peril, Cook reaffirmed Purdue was the place for him. He got up the nerve to call head coach Greg Goff and plead for another chance in West Lafayette.

“They took me back,” Cook says. “They didn’t have to do that.”

Goff left it to the Boilermakers to vote on whether Cook should be invited back to the squad. The vote was unanimously affirmative.

“Nobody hesitated at all,” says current roommate and fellow pitcher Carter Doorn. “He was a leader, and the guys respected him. I wanted him back because he had become a close friend, as did my teammates.”

There was some light after the “darkest year of my life,” Cook says. Still, Cook, who was rusty after being on the sidelines for two seasons, had trouble getting the ball over the plate with his “up top” throwing motion. His career was, once again, at a crossroads.

“I thought about quitting several times,” Cook says.

The moment that changed everything

In the fall of 2023, with the Boilermakers nearing the end of the autumn season with the Black & Gold Series as the final order of business, things were getting desperate for Cook. That is when new pitching coach Josh Newman came up with an idea. What about dropping down and throwing sidearm? Cook, ever the team guy who was looking for a way to survive, gave it a whirl.

“All of a sudden, he had great ball placement and velocity,” says Newman, a former major leaguer with previous Big Ten pitching coach stints at Penn State and Ohio State. “He took to the sidearm delivery and has never looked back. It helps that he is disciplined and thoughtful in his approach and completed all the necessary steps to succeed.”

Cook realized it would have been easier for Newman and Goff to send him packing instead of searching for a solution.

“They never gave up on me,” Cook says. “They didn’t have to go to those lengths for me, but they did.”

Cook’s gratitude, especially for Newman, is a bond that will never be broken.

“For me, this is the moment that the Avery Cook career began,” says Doorn. “He has been dominant since.”

Mindfulness and leadership

Cook uses introspection to develop his leadership skills, something he developed at an earlier age, but had reached the level of seasoning to implement fully. He journaled almost obsessively, writing down every detail and subsequent feeling of his baseball journey. Several of Cook’s teammates also practiced this, but not to Cook’s level.

“I see him with his backpack heading to the bullpen all the time, ready to write down his thoughts and feelings,” says Newman, who has watched Cook develop into the Boilermakers’ premier late-inning closer the past two seasons. “He always wants the ball in tight situations and has delivered great results for us, and that form of expression has helped him.”

Journaling helped Cook be stoic and calm, which has delivered good results in tight situations. He admits that the many challenges he faced during his college career have helped him not overthink things at crunch time. Age, maturity and skill have all been assets for Cook.

“When I write my thoughts down on paper, those thoughts become real,” Cook says. “But when you journal, you have to be honest with yourself. If you are scared of a big situation, you must admit it, even if it is just an internal comment.”

It all goes toward Cook’s unique ability to be comfortable in his own skin.

In baseball, you’re going to fail a lot. And I think what I bring to the table is the ability to talk to the guys about that. And not many guys in their college careers have experienced the number of failures that I have.

Avery cook

“I attribute a lot of my leadership skills to what I’ve gone through in my past,” says Cook, an excellent student with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and a master’s certificate in communication and leadership. He hopes it will serve him well when he becomes a coach. “Being able to be there for guys who are struggling, and being able to help them through that, and just being able to recommend things for them to do is something I have to offer.”

But the challenges have continued. Cook also dealt with a debilitating knee issue this past offseason, so painful that he couldn’t walk for a few weeks.

“He went through a lot this summer, but never talked about it,” Doorn says.

Cook embraces his baseball future

His performance in 2025, as he is on pace to record double-digit saves, has Cook thinking positively about his future in baseball. Aspirations of making a career out of the sport, whether as a player or a coach, haven’t left Cook’s mind since he was 6 years old.

“Avery Cook with confidence is a dangerous man,” Doorn says with a declarative laugh. “Avery will tell you himself he’s not the most athletic, he’s not the quickest, he’s not the fastest, but he has the mindset that no one’s going to beat him. It’s that conviction that he has that gives him an edge.”

The analytics say Cook throws hard but not at a speed that reaches major league standards.

“He’s got a dream, he’s got aspirations, and he’s got the work ethic,” Newman says.

Madia says he’s the epitome of a Boilermaker, calling Cook “selfless.” This ability puts him at the center of any conversation when discussing the big things that could be in his future.

“I am praying and hoping and working my butt off every day to make that happen,” Cook says.

But he is realistic about his pro baseball vision, knowing that his “advanced” age of 24 puts him at a slight disadvantage.

“I feel like this new lease on my baseball career is just starting, and I’m excited to see where it takes me,” Cook says. “I hope somebody takes a chance on me and allows me to prove myself.”

Proving himself in challenging situations is something that Cook knows more than most.

Written by Alan Karpick, publisher of GoldandBlack.com

Joining Windsor Hall’s Purdue Grand Prix team inspired Mollie Parker to pursue a position in the racing industry

Racing has long been a part of Mollie Parker’s life, whether through attending NASCAR events with her family at the California Speedway or watching Formula One and IndyCar races on TV. 

But she had never actually participated in motorsports until, as a Purdue sophomore living in Windsor Hall, she noticed the flyer that changed her life. 

“It said, ‘Do you want to race?’” recalls Parker, a senior majoring in both economics and marketing. “And I was like, ‘Of course!’” 

The flyer invited female students to join the Windsor Racing Team based in Purdue’s oldest all-female residence hall. Parker started out as an inexperienced mechanic working on the team’s go-karts that compete in the Purdue Grand Prix. But by her second year with the team, she had advanced into a leadership role as crew chief and race director. 

“When I joined Grand Prix, it really opened my eyes to what hands-on involvement looks like in this field,” says Parker, whose Windsor team was the only all-women team to qualify for the 2023 Purdue Grand Prix and barely missed making the grid last year. “There’s something really satisfying about seeing a direct, tangible outcome from the work you put in. Implement these changes here and you can immediately see how it affects performance on the track. That kind of instant feedback is what drew me in, and I fell in love with it.” 

That was only the beginning of a racing journey that has already taken Parker to internships at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and at race car manufacturer Dallara’s U.S. headquarters in Indianapolis.

These experiences have helped Parker envision a future working at the highest levels of the racing industry, ideally contributing to strategy for an open-wheel team. And she credits her foundational Grand Prix experience — where she leverages a data analysis background to make decisions for a team stocked with engineering know-how — for inspiring that audacious goal. 

“One thing that I think has been helpful as a nonengineer is a lot of my teammates are able to come up with a variety of innovative solutions to the problem. My role, though, has been to help guide the decision-making process and implementation, keeping us moving forward — a struggle point for some teams,” Parker says. “And so this experience has taught me to be very decisive in stressful situations, to trust my judgment and build on the strengths of the team.” 

Before Parker attempts to apply these lessons in a professional setting, however, she still has some races to run at Purdue. 

Working around trips to Dallara’s offices on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she remains involved in the event that helped her recognize that she could turn her new passion into a profession. 

This is Parker’s second year leading the Windsor team into the traditional (combustion engine-based) Purdue Grand Prix that will take place April 26. This year she also joined Purdue’s first all-women electric vehicle team — Lady Elizabeth EV Team, sponsored by the Purdue Integrated Business and Engineering program — that won the evGrandPrix on April 18.

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The EV team recently garnered a coveted sponsorship from auto giant Toyota. 

“It’s great to have their support, not only supporting us financially, but through resources in both engineering and management,” Parker says. 

Only a few short years have passed since Parker noticed that flyer on the wall at Windsor that set her on a path toward a career that truly excites her. It all started by working around a group of supportive women who simply enjoyed hanging out and sharing a hobby that they loved. 

“Everyone truly wants to be there to have a good time. We’re all working toward a common goal of getting the kart on the track and developing our driver,” Parker says. “The results, of course, they’re fun. It’s fun when you win; it’s fun when you qualify. But seeing the kart that you have built from the ground up race is awesome, and fine-tuning it is even more fun. 

“My favorite part is seeing our team dynamic, how it has changed over the years, and helping girls develop whatever skills they want to develop to get where they want to be in life,” she says. 

She never expected it before joining her first racing team at Purdue, but for Parker, that might someday involve working on pit row at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

When I joined Grand Prix, it really opened my eyes to what hands-on involvement looks like in this field.

Mollie Parker

Senior in economics and marketing