Enabling dreams: Purdue First Lady Kei Hui discusses advancing health, well-being and empowering Boilermaker women

Written By: Rebecca Hoffa, rhoffa@purdue.edu 

First Lady Kei Hui(Photo provided)

From supporting Purdue University families to advocating for preventive health care, health and well-being are central to First Lady Kei Hui’s mission as she engages with the Purdue network and bolsters campus and community resources.  

A medical doctor and mother of three, Hui’s values echo the respective areas of work happening in the Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) and have resulted in many fruitful collaborations since she began her role as First Lady in 2023. 

As Hui’s example paves the way for the giant leaps of Boilermaker women across campus, she recognizes the legacy of women leaders and their influence on history and contributions to today’s society. 

“I think it’s important for each of us to remember and show gratitude for the women in our lives who have made a difference, whether through their guidance, support or the example they’ve set, shaping us into who we are today,” Hui said. 

How has your passion for children’s well-being and preventative health care shaped your experience as First Lady of Purdue? 

These initiatives are close to my heart due to my experience as a doctor and mother. As a physician, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that preventive health care can have on improving lives and building stronger communities. As a mother, I understand the critical importance of nurturing children’s well-being, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive. This dual perspective has shaped my approach as First Lady of Purdue, allowing me to champion initiatives that prioritize holistic health and education while making connections both within Purdue and our community. I love to be a connector of people, uniting individuals and the existing resources. Being able to do so and playing a role as a dream enabler in this capacity has been a great honor.   

How have collaborations with the College of Health and Human Sciences been important as you advance community health promotion, preventive care and children’s well-being at Purdue and beyond? 

The College of Health and Human Sciences has been a fantastic partner in advancing the initiatives I envisioned when we came to Purdue. Its support, along with the College of Education and Purdue Athletics, was instrumental in recognizing our local educators during the Golden Hammer Education Appreciation football game highlighting teachers’ essential role in shaping our communities. Additionally, its leadership and collaboration were critical in organizing the Purdue Alumni Medical Network and the One Health Alumni Reunion, which brought together interdisciplinary professionals from the plant, animal, human and environmental health sectors. The partnership has been so impactful in extending the impact of my initiatives, both on campus and throughout our community.  

The college has and supports so many excellent programs. I have worked with several, including the Center for Families, which focuses on strengthening family resilience and well-being; Nutrition Science, which continues to lead education efforts around the impacts of food choices and long-term health, preparing students to turn knowledge into action; and lastly, the School of Nursing, which continues to lead in innovative health care education and practice. HHS resources, combined with my initiatives, provide unique opportunities to optimize connections between pre-med students and those pursuing careers in health care through mentoring, networking and hands-on experiences facilitated by the Purdue Alumni Medical Network and One Health initiatives. Together, we are not only shaping the next generation of health care leaders but also expanding access to impactful, community-focused solutions. 

Who are the women who have been the most inspiring or influential to you in your career?  

The most influential women in my life have been those who embody strength, determination and a deep commitment to their families and communities. My mother’s hard work, independence and support of advanced education, even in extremely challenging times of limited opportunity and resources, laid the foundation for my strong belief in the power of education and the importance of adaptive changes in my career path (I call them “detours”) to create opportunities for our family. I am equally moved by countless other remarkable women from various walks of life — my mother-in-law, friends, colleagues and leaders — who have shown resilience and grace in overcoming challenges. I am incredibly thankful for these amazing women who have served as an example in my life. 

What advice might you give to the next generation of women leaders who will earn their degree from Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences? 

To the next generation of women leaders: Stay true to your passions and priorities through hard work and resilience. Understand that success may require detours, but those paths often lead to unexpected growth. Embrace opportunities, seek support and be flexible when life takes you in a different direction than you anticipated. Sometimes these unexpected paths yield the most amazing outcomes. Never hesitate to reimagine your goals. Remember it is not about doing it all but about doing what matters most with purpose. Lastly, never underestimate the power of gratitude — it shapes perspectives and keeps us grounded as we navigate our unique journeys.