Purdue alumnus named director of Discovery Park District

Jeremy Slater, a Purdue alumnus, has been promoted to director of Purdue’s Discovery Park District. (Image provided) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Research Foundation President Brian Edelman announced Thursday (Aug. 2) the appointment of Jeremy Slater to director of the Discovery Park District, that will become the university’s innovation center on the western edge of campus.

“We conducted a nationwide search to fill the position and found that we already had the best candidate for the position working with us,” Edelman said. “Jeremy was a key player as we developed the master plan for the $1 billion Discovery Park District so he has a deep knowledge of where we are headed and what is needed to get us there.”

PRF announced in April a 30-year master plan for the $1 billion Discovery Park District. The plan calls for creation of a “work-live-play” district where companies will have the opportunity to interact with Purdue faculty, staff and students and to tap into the university’s strengths and assets.

Rich Michal, PRF vice president and chief facilities officer, also praised the selection of Slater.

“Jeremy has a strong understanding of the vision PRF has for the district and the experience necessary to ensure we meet fulfill that,” Michal said. “The district will feature learning, modern living and dining for Purdue students, faculty and staff and the surrounding community.”

The 450-acre district will include 7 million square feet of interior building space with restaurants; retail, office and business spaces; parks; research facilities; and industrial space. Construction already has begun on a private $86 million, 835-bed apartment complex, “Aspire at Discovery Park.” 

“I’m fortunate to have been involved with this development from the start, so I am excited to be able to oversee the giant leaps that will be taking part in the Discovery Park District in the coming months and years,” said Slater, who will begin in his new position on Monday. “The district will become a gateway not only for our community but for intellectual discourse as students, faculty and staff interact with commercial partners in an area that will feature modern and innovative living, learning, shopping, dining, and recreation.”

Slater graduated with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Purdue in 2008, and an executive MBA from Purdue Krannert School of Management in 2018. Before serving as associate director of Discovery Park District development, Slater was project manager of architecture and engineering for PRF for more than two years. He also was a project manager for the Schneider Corp. in West Lafayette for nearly six years and for American Structurepoint Inc. of Indianapolis for four years.

Purdue Research Foundation contact: Tom Coyne, 765-588-1044, tjcoyne@prf.org

Sources: Brian Edelman, beedelman@prf.org

Rich Michael, rjmichael@prf.org

Jeremy Slater, jdslater@prf.org