A meeting of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees convened at 9:02 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023, in Room 326 of Stewart Center on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

All committee members were present: JoAnn Brouillette, chair; Vanessa Castagna; Mark Gee; Shawn Taylor; and Professor Colleen Brady (ex-officio). All other trustees were present: Sonny Beck; Michael Berghoff; Theresa Carter; Malcolm DeKryger; Michael Klipsch; and Gary Lehman.

Officers and administrators in attendance were: Mung Chiang, president; Patrick Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity; Chris Ruhl, chief financial officer and treasurer; Eva Nodine, senior vice president, assistant treasurer, and assistant secretary; Steve Schultz, general counsel; Cindy Ream, corporate secretary and senior executive assistant to the Board; and Ron Elsenbaumer, chancellor, Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Committee Chair Brouillette took a moment to introduce Patrick Wolfe who is the new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity noting that he was previously the Dean in the College of Science. Provost Wolfe stated he couldn’t be happier to be here and commented that it is incredible to see the university placed in such a strong position after the work of the last ten years. He said he looks forward to seeing where things go in the next ten years and is happy to be a part of it.

I. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE JAMES G. DWYER PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Trustee Brouillette shared some information about Dr. Ganesh Subbarayan who is being recommended for the James G. Dwyer Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Subbarayan is recognized as an international leader in the field of thermos-mechanical reliability for electronic packaging. Dr. Subbarayan has received multiple awards for his published academic works as well as fellowships and professional societies for both mechanical and electrical engineering. Provost Wolfe provided additional information about Dr. Subbarayan noting that he uses different techniques and methods to assess how semiconductors are packaged stating that the timing could not be better with all that is transpiring with the Chips Act. Provost Wolfe respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Ganesh Subbarayan as the James G. Dwyer Professor of Mechanical Engineering. President Chiang highlighted the strategic importance of what Dr. Subbarayan has done, noting that Dr. Subbarayan’s research for advanced packaging is crucial. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. Ganesh Subbarayan’s appointment as the James G. Dwyer Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

Dr. Subbarayan stated that he is deeply honored and appreciative of the very kind words. He made sure to recognize the students who over the years did the work, stating that he only advised them and they did the work. He thanked his colleagues, his parents and his wife who has been so supportive even sacrificing her life as a scientist to move here in support of him.

II. UNIVERSITY SENATE REPORT

Professor Brady noted that Purdue Student Government gave a report about ongoing programming, one of particular interest being a ride share partnership with Lyft to increase student safety. She provided an update from previous Senate Action, the BMV relocation. She shared that they had received a response from Senator Deery who noted that there would be additional training of branch associates to support the needs of foreign nationals, mobile branches located convenient to campus staffed by BMV associates, a BMV presence at student fairs and special events to provide education on required documentation and additional promotion of continued availability of scheduling appointments. She highlighted current topics of discussion which are consideration of Diversity Equity Inclusion as potential embedded outcomes in coursework, response from West Lafayette senate to comments from Chancellor Keon at PNW Commencement and updates to academic regulations regarding terminology probation, WF Grade and stylistic consistency.

A copy of Professor Brady’s presentation was filed with the minutes.

III. ADJOURNMENT

By consent, the meeting adjourned at 9:19 a.m.