A tradition of opportunity

How Purdue’s founding mission guided its evolution and lives on today
Purdue University was created to serve – to serve the people of Indiana and beyond through research, teaching and engagement. It also serves its students through access to a world-class education. This legacy dates back to the passage of the Morrill Act in 1862, and it lives on today.
This series of stories will outline how Purdue has evolved through the years in accordance with its founding as a land-grant university. Learn about some of the key people and events that shaped Purdue’s evolution, building an internationally renowned university that will continue meeting challenges and serving its state and nation well into the future.
Learn about Purdue’s inspirational founding mission:

Purdue remains nimble and driven toward the future
Evolving alongside society is necessary for any land-grant institution that wishes to deliver upon its promise.

Why Purdue is unique among land-grant institutions
Purdue distinguishes itself through its focus on collaborative, multidisciplinary research that is increasingly important to solving society’s most pressing issues.

What is a land-grant university?
What makes Purdue and its 111 land-grant peers different from other colleges and universities?

Purdue Global, PPHS carry on tradition that dates back to Purdue’s founding
As a land-grant university, Purdue exists to provide educational opportunity Nearly 45 years after she attended her first class on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, Cynthia Walker Middleton finished what she started by completing an online degree in business administration …