A meeting of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees convened at 8:55 a.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021, on the Hammond, Indiana, campus of Purdue University Northwest. The meeting was held in Alumni Hall located within the Student Union and Library Building. Everyone in the room was wearing a mask amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
All committee members were present: JoAnn Brouillette, chair; Vanessa Castagna; Malcolm DeKryger; Mark Gee; and Professor Steve Beaudoin (ex-officio). Other trustees were present: Sonny Beck; Michael Berghoff; Theresa Carter; Michael Klipsch; and Gary Lehman.
Officers and administrators in attendance were: Mitch Daniels, president; Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity; Chris Ruhl, chief financial officer and treasurer; Jim Almond, senior vice president, assistant treasurer, and assistant secretary; Steve Schultz, general counsel; Janice Indrutz, corporate secretary and senior executive assistant to the Board; Ron Elsenbaumer, chancellor of Purdue University Fort Wayne; and Tom Keon, chancellor, Purdue University Northwest.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of its last meeting convened on June 11, 2021.
II. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE DEAN’S CHAIR IN FOOD SCIENCE
Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Senay Simsek as the Dean’s Chair in Food Science. He informed the Committee that Dr. Simsek, who joined Purdue in July 2021 as head of the Department of Food Science, was an international leader in cereal and carbohydrate science. He said her research, which included understanding the role of wheat and flour biochemistry on human health and nutrition, had positive economic impact, and he also described Dr. Simsek as an inspirational teacher. Provost Akridge highlighted a few of Dr. Simsek’s awards and cited one of five letters received in support of her appointment.
Trustee Brouillette called upon Dr. Karen Plaut, dean of the College of Agriculture, to comment on the recommendation. Dean Plaut remarked that Dr. Simsek would bring food science to the next level because of her passion for research and teaching. Trustee DeKryger noted Dr. Simsek’s commitment to the university’s land-grant mission after recently spending an afternoon with her. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. Simsek’s appointment as Dean’s Chair in Food Science. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.
Dr. Simsek expressed her appreciation and said the appointment would be a highlight of her career.
III. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY PROFESSOR OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. R. Mark French as the 150th Anniversary Professor of Engineering Technology. He informed the Committee that Dr. French’s areas of specialty were industrial support, experimental mechanics, and stringed instrument design, and he described Dr. French as a remarkably innovative instructor who used real-world examples to engage students. Provost Akridge discussed Dr. French’s unique guitar-making program and its national reach and his YouTube video channel with international reach, and he pointed out that Dr. French was a member of the Purdue Book of Great Teachers and Purdue Teaching Academy. Provost Akridge cited one of five letters received in support Dr. French’s appointment, the writer of which was Dr. French’s former graduate student who spoke about how Dr. French’s teaching had impacted him.
Trustee Klipsch said he was pleased to meet Dr. French, albeit virtually, because his son had spoken very highly of Dr. French as his student. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. French’s appointment as 150th Anniversary Professor of Engineering Technology. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.
Dr. French remarked that he was pleased that Purdue was faithful to its land-grant mission, and having been an engineer, he said he felt fortunate to thrive at Purdue. Dr. Carrie Berger, interim dean of the Polytechnic Institute, stated that Dr. French’s approach to teaching and learning was the epitome of a 150th Anniversary professor.
IV. APPROVAL TO NAME THE ELMORE FAMILY SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Trustee Brouillette stated that the Committee had received a recommendation to name the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering for Mr. William Elmore in honor of his tremendous generosity and support of the School. She shared that Mr. Elmore had earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Purdue. Provost Akridge discussed how Mr. Elmore’s $25 million gift would be utilized for several key initiatives and programs to ensure that Purdue’s electrical and computer engineering program remained one of the best in the world for perpetuity. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval to name Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.
V. UNIVERSITY SENATE REPORT
Professor Steve Beaudoin, new chair of the University Senate, introduced himself as a professor of chemical engineering and director of the Purdue Energetics Research Center. Professor Beaudoin presented his priorities for the University Senate over the next academic year: sexual assault prevention and support for survivors; mental health; diversity and equity; professionalism; and Protect Purdue. He also offered the Senate’s support toward the Board’s priorities and said he looked forward to working with the Board to make Purdue the best institution it could be. A copy of Professor Beaudoin’s report slides were filed with the minutes.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
By consent, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.