Team

Julie Dussliere

President and CEO, Purdue for Life Foundation

Julie Dussliere is President and CEO of the Purdue for Life Foundation, which helps people who love Purdue stay connected, get involved, and give back. She oversees all aspects of alumni-facing organizations—including the Purdue Alumni Association, President’s Council, and the John Purdue Club—as well as development, alumni engagement, and more.

Prior to this appointment, Julie was an executive with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). She started working with the USOPC in 2003, rising to senior vice president, chief of Paralympic sport in 2018 and then senior vice president, chief of Paralympics and internally managed sports in 2022.  In this role, she oversaw the high-performance planning and support processes and sport development projects for the 28 summer and winter Paralympic sports. She also directed day-to-day operations for the teams that served as the Olympic/Paralympic National Governing Bodies within the USOPC. Additionally, she led the USOPC’s Paralympic international relations efforts and was an integral leader for all Games planning, execution, and operations.

Julie is a 1994 graduate of Purdue University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Russian and earned Academic All-Big Ten Conference honors as a member of the swimming team. She also completed a master’s degree in Slavic and East European studies from Ohio State University.

In 2012, Julie received the Purdue University College of Liberal Arts Emerging Voice Award. And in 2020, she took part in Purdue’s Old Masters program, which connects distinguished alumni with current students. A passionate Boilermaker, Julie is a longtime member of the Purdue Alumni Association, President’s Council, and the John Purdue Club.

Dimitrios Peroulis

Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Online, Reilly Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University

Contact Info
Office: 765-494-3539
dperouli@purdue.edu

Rosie Foulke

Executive Director, Technology Portfolio

Rosie Foulke serves as Executive Director in the Office of Industry Partnerships. In this role, she is responsible for leading the University’s engagement with corporations and corporate foundations within the technology, consulting, and financial services sectors.

Prior to coming to Purdue, Rosie earned a 20+ year proven track record as a sales and business development leader, with experience in a broad range of industries. Her abilities to identify strategic opportunities, effectively collaborate with stakeholders, and successfully advance objectives, have resulted in measurable growth for organizations year after year.  As a proud Purdue graduate, she is thrilled to leverage her strengths to cultivate impactful connections on behalf of the University.

Rosie is actively involved as a board member of WFYI, Central Indiana’s source for NPR, PBS, and local programming, and the Carmel Clay Public Library.  She lives in Carmel, IN with her husband and three children.

Education
BS, Dietetics, Purdue University 

Contact Info
Mobile: 317-627-5442
rkfoulke@purdueforlife.org

Joseph Krok

Executive Director Aerospace and Defense Portfolio

Joseph (Joe) Krok serves as Executive Director for the Office of Industry Partnerships. In his role, Joe leads a team of individuals focusing on holistic engagement and partnerships with companies in the high-tech/STEM industry sectors. More specifically, the team is responsible for engagement with the aerospace and defense, telecommunications and semiconductor, chemical and energy, and construction, transportation, and environment sectors.

Prior to coming to Purdue, Joe worked at Rolls-Royce Corporation for 21 years with his most recent role being Program Lead, University Research Partnerships. He was responsible for linking university research capability with Rolls-Royce technology needs and for building university research partnerships across the United States. He also was tasked with building the vision and strategy for the research & technology arm for the organization, started a corporate ventures function, led innovation activities, and initiated an academic alliance in cyber security technology. He also started a minority recruiting program, leading the relationship with several key diversity organizations, including SHPE, SWE, and NSBE.

Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan in 1994.  During his time at Michigan, he earned a varsity letter, recognition on the Dean’s list, and 1^st Prize for his senior design project.  He also assisted on genetic research for cystic fibrosis and met his wife. He earned his master’s degree from Purdue University in 2013.

Joe is married to Dr. Windi Krok, has two sons and a daughter, and lives in Whitestown, Indiana.

Education
BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1994
MS Purdue University, 2013

Contact Info
Mobile: 317-696-3173
jdkrok@purdueforlife.org

Maria Tsiper, PhD

Executive Director, Pharmaceutical, Biotech and HealthCare Portfolio

Dr Maria Tsiper is a healthcare technology leader with over two decades of experience in academia, the pharmaceutical, and diagnostic industries. Throughout her career, Maria has consistently achieved success in diverse functions, including strategic partnerships, basic and clinical R&D, regulatory science, and corporate strategy.
 
An ambitious and curious leader, Maria excels in thinking outside the box and engaging cross-functional teams to discover innovative solutions. Her extensive experience uniquely positions her to expertly manage science-based, highly matrixed programs, cultivate valuable industry-academia partnerships, and facilitate translational research and product implementation, all with a keen focus on maximizing revenues and ensuring commercial sustainability.
 
At Purdue Office of Industry Partnerships, Maria is leading the team that supports Purdue’s engagement with Life Sciences industry sector including pharmaceutical, medical devices and healthcare portfolios.

Education
PhD, Cell Biology, Rutgers University
MS, Engineering Physics/Biophysics, St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University 

Contact Info
Mobile: 609-933-0601
mvtsiper@purdueforlife.org

Eric Woods

Executive Director Agriculture/Plant; Food Science & Veterinary Medicine Portfolio

Eric Woods serves as Executive Director for the Office of Industry Partnerships, Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine Portfolio. This group provides a gateway to the University, making connections between external partners and Purdue within the areas of recruiting, research, philanthropy, campus presence/investment, and student/classroom engagement. These responsibilities support university-level priorities and help to build long-term strategic relationships. Woods is also responsible for a portfolio that includes some of Purdue’s largest corporate partners.

Woods has been with Purdue since 2013, serving as the first Director of Corporate Relations for the College of Health and Human Sciences. In 2015, as Senior Director, he was asked to lead a cross-campus collaboration effort for the Office of Corporate Relations — part of the University Development Office — a role that has grown to his current position.

Prior to joining Purdue, Woods spent 25 years leading sales and business development teams with various companies.

Education
BS Behavioral Science ’89, Indiana University Kokomo

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-637-8000
pewoods@purdueforlife.org

Bradford Beach

Senior Director Pharma and Biotech Portfolio

Bradford Beach will serve as one of the Senior Directors for the Office of Industry Partnerships. In this role, Brad will support Purdue’s efforts to transform the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Brad joins us from Evonik Healthcare where he developed and delivered improvement programs for contract manufacturing operations in their Lafayette, Indiana location. Prior to joining Evonik, Brad spent over 10 years with SLB, an oilfield technology and services company, where he learned to understand technology from its first principles, how to operate a high-tech service business in a complex environment, and how to function with a “dual perspective” to keep the business running today and improve for tomorrow.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University 

Contact Info
Mobile: 317-529-8503
bwbeach@purdueforlife.org

Andrew Antonio

Director Chemical and Energy Industry Portfolio

Andrew Antonio serves as the Director of Industry Partnerships in the STEM/Hi Tech Group, working mainly to expand collaboration within the chemical and energy industry sector. This team provides a path for top university corporate and corporate foundation prospects to engage with Purdue through faculty research projects, student recruitment and classroom presence, campus investment, and local development. 

Prior to coming to Purdue, Andrew developed a long history of partnerships with the university through his leadership roles at Ivy Tech Community College as the Executive Director of Diversity, Engagement, and International Programs and then at Greater Lafayette Commerce as the Vice President of Chamber and Quality of Life. 

Andrew has been recognized for his community and engagement efforts through the Tippy Connect Young Professionals Top 10 Under 40 Award, Outstanding Community Service Director Award by Indiana Campus Compact, and Workforce Diversity Best Practices Award by the Supplier Diversity Coalition of Tippecanoe County. 

Andrew is married to Sarah Antonio and they have eight children: five daughters and three sons. They enjoy farming the homestead, riding off-road, and traveling as a family.

Education
BS, Economics, Christendom College
MBA, Applied Management, Indiana Wesleyan University

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-586-1501
alantonio@purdueforlife.org

Matthew Merzdorf

Director Semiconductor and Telecommunications Portfolio

Matthew Merzdorf serves as Director for the Purdue Office of Industry Partnerships within the STEM/Hi-Tech team. This team of professionals provides industry connections with a unique gateway to Purdue University’s technological and academic sectors, facilitating interactions and conversations within the areas of recruiting/career programs, research, philanthropy, campus presence/investment, and student/classroom engagement. Merzdorf’s focus is primarily on the intersection between the semiconductor and telecommunications industries.

Merzdorf is a dual-degree holder from Purdue University who has served the Purdue Research Foundation and the Purdue For Life Foundation through his knowledge of the extensive programs offered through Purdue’s College of Engineering. In 2019 Matthew Merzdorf was appointed to serve as Director for Corporate Partnerships within the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He filled this position for well over two years, during which time the program grew to encompass 36 distinct partners and saw the launch of three planned industry-centered events. Matthew has served the Purdue For Life Foundation as Associate Director of Donor Relations, representing and providing technical/professional services to the School of ECE as well as the School of Industrial Engineering. He is also a serving member of the Purdue Gateway Project’s action team.

Education
MA International Relations; Comparative Politics, Purdue University
BS Agricultural Economics; Sales and Marketing, Purdue University
AAS Accounting, Ivy Tech Community College

Contact Info
Office: 765-494-3441
mrmerzdorf@purdueforlife.org

Michael Reckowsky

Director, Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine Portfolio

Since 1997, Michael Reckowsky has worked for Purdue University and our company stakeholders in some capacity.  He joined the Office of Industry Partnerships in 2023 and serves as Director.  Michael’s portfolio focuses on Agriculture-related companies.  His career has come full circle as he spent nearly 10 years in the Department of Food Science at Purdue, managing their corporate interactions.  He looks forward to renewing acquaintances and meeting new friends.

Mike’s philosophy is first and foremost asking companies what they need as the first step to partnering with them.  Being responsive, meeting corporate needs, and providing companies solid ROI is what makes lasting partnerships.  “I’ve worked for companies as they have engaged with Purdue for over 20 years and I look forward to continuing that by expanding and representing all that Purdue has to offer.”

Mike has been married for 27 years, has two sons including a second-generation Purdue Graduate!  When not working for Purdue, he enjoys coaching the Purdue Rifle Team and doing woodworking.  He is also the caretaker of a rare pre-World War II mahogany speedboat.

Education
BA, Foreign Policy in Political Science, Purdue University

Contact Info
Office: 765-412-3253
MJReckowsky@purdueforlife.org

Jesse Wade

Director of Industry Partnerships, Construction & Transportation Portfolio

Jesse Wade serves as a Director in the Office of Industry Partnerships. In this role, he is responsible for leading the University’s engagement with corporations and corporate foundations within the construction and transportation verticals.
 
Prior to joining Purdue, Jesse worked in the software & technology industry where he led sales & account management teams for the last 10 years. He was tasked with initiating, cultivating, and growing relationships with Fortune 1000 companies across all sectors. In his most recent role, he worked specifically with partners in the construction and transportation industry to form strong partnerships, resulting in maximized ROI and increased safety & efficiency measures.
 
Jesse has just recently moved to the West Lafayette area with his fiancée who also recently joined Purdue as an Assistant Professor of Communication. They enjoy exploring West Lafayette restaurants, and spending time with their two dogs, Bennett & Birdie.

Education
BS, Business & Administration, University of Alabama

Contact Info
Mobile: 901-569-3073
jhwade@purdueforlife.org

Diana Hancock

Associate Vice President Educational Partnerships

Diana serves as the Associate Vice President for Educational Partnerships in the Office of Industry Partnerships. She is charged with all B2B sales and coordination for both Purdue Global and Purdue Online. She will be managing both an internal team focused on business development as well as managing our external third-party partnerships with both Kaplan North America, Guild, and others. Diana comes from Purdue Online where she served as Executive Director of Business Partnerships, Quality and Communications.  Prior to joining Purdue, she worked in the automotive industry in a variety of engineering, manufacturing, and marketing capacities.

She and her husband, Rob, reside in Lafayette, Indiana, love to vacation in Traverse City, Michigan, and have two children who both graduated from Purdue in Industrial Engineering and are gainfully employed, Abigail as a Corporate Engineer at Conagra Foods and Ryan as a Data Scientist at Proctor & Gamble.

Education
BS Industrial Engineering, University of Michigan
MBA, University of Michigan

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-412-0995
dlhancock@purdueforlife.org

Matthew Wagner

Senior Director Educational Partnerships

Matthew (Matt) Wagner serves as the Senior Director for Educational Partnerships in the Office of Industry Partnerships.  He joins Purdue for Life Foundation from Purdue University where he has been a leader in the growth of Purdue’s Online Programs since 2015, including the development of educational partnerships with: Cummins, General Motors, Lilly, and others.  Matt is thrilled about joining the Office of Industry Partnerships to further bridge industry with their next “Giant Leap” through innovative learning and upskilling partnerships.

Prior to Purdue, Matt worked in business development and engagement roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Duquesne University.  He is originally from Indianapolis and was a collegiate athlete.  In his free time, he enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Miriam, two daughters, Annalise and Brea, and dog, Rizzo.

Education
BS, Sport Management, Niagara University
MS, University of Louisville

Contact Info
Mobile: 317-258-4670
mlwagner@purdueforlife.org

MJ Bassett

Director Educational Partnerships

Maria Jose, who goes by MJ, is one of the new Directors for Educational Partnerships joining us from Purdue Global. She focuses on developing new relationships and partnerships in the Midwest region to help promote and grow Purdue’s programs and offerings.

MJ speaks 3 languages: Spanish, English and French. Joining the Office of Industry Partnerships fulfills her desire to learn more about the various segments of the university, academic verticals, and Purdue’s nationwide alliances.  MJ has been in academia since 2002 when she held a position as a member of the field team with DeVry University supporting the recruitment of high school students. Several of her professional roles provided her the opportunity to build a career that empowered the lives of students. MJ worked closely with healthcare and educational partners, including IU Health and Ivy Tech Community College System. She established partnerships with Morton College, College of Lake County, and Oakton Community College. Additionally, she assisted in the growth of partnerships with Advocate Aurora Health, Loyola Medicine, and built new alliances with RML Specialty and West Suburban Medical Center.

MJ was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador and achieved her goal to attend college in the USA by graduating with her undergraduate degree in Business from Campbell University in North Carolina. MJ has also earned her MBA at Keller Graduate School of Management, with a focus in Project Management from DeVry University. She now resides in River Forest, Illinois with her husband Rob, daughter Emma Maria, and enjoys playing golf, paddle tennis, and running. They also love to entertain, cook, and travel.

Contact Info
Mobile: 708-334-2561
mjbassett@purdueforlife.org

Tina Burton, DM

Director, Partnership Solutions, Educational Partnerships

Tina joins Purdue for Life Foundation from Purdue Global where she was the Associate Dean for the School of Business and Information Technology since 2011. Tina led a team of department chairs and faculty to create several new graduate and undergraduate programs in a wide variety of IT-related discipline areas. She enabled the university to be recognized by the National Security Agency as a Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity, with both undergraduate and graduate programs of study, as well as ABET accreditation for the undergraduate IT and Cyber programs. Leveraging her experience and background, Tina hopes to generate enhanced educational partnership opportunities for Purdue as a part of her new role.

Prior to Purdue Global, Tina worked at a variety of other colleges and universities in leadership and faculty roles, as well as positions in industry prior to joining academia. Tina has been a California resident since the age of 10 when her dad was transferred by the Navy to San Diego. She now resides in Murrieta, CA and spends any spare time she has walking her best friend, Diego, or poolside at her sister’s house nearby.

Education
Bachelors, Psychology
Masters, Computer Information Systems
Doctoral, Management

Contact Info
Mobile: 916-897-7141
TMBurton@purdueforlife.org

Michelle Carlson

Director Educational Partnerships

Michelle Carlson will serve as one of our Directors for Educational Partnerships. She began her career as a Vice President for National Consulting at a private company serving social services agencies throughout the nation before moving to the American Heart Association as the ‘Jump Rope for Heart’ lady.

Michelle began working for Purdue University Global’s School of Nursing in February 2020 developing healthcare relationships throughout Nebraska and Iowa.  In 2022, she received the ROSE Award (Recognizing Outstanding Service Excellence).  Prior to beginning her career at Purdue Global 3 years ago, she worked as a business development manager at both Grand Canyon University and Chamberlain University.  She has served as an Affirmative Action Officer and adjunct faculty at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Michelle is a board member of the Lincoln/Southeast Nebraska American Red Cross, sits on the library committee for St Mark’s United Methodist Church, and is a member of the NOVA Business & Professional Women in Lincoln. 

Michelle is a native Nebraskan; she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Education and her Master of Arts in Sports Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is also certified in the Stephen Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Michelle resides in Lincoln with her husband, Bruce.  Together they love to golf and officiate high school volleyball in Nebraska. Some of her favorite things to do are reading, attending concerts, and watching just about any sport. They have one daughter, Liz, who is married and lives in Lincoln as well.

Contact Info
Mobile: 308-293-1899
mjcarlson@purdueforlife.org

Soukaina Lamrani

Director Educational Partnerships

Soukaina (Souki) Lamrani serves as Director of Educational Partnerships within the Office of Industry Partnerships. Souki joins us from University of Michigan Ann Arbor where she has been a leader in the growth of Online and Hybrid Programs including the development of educational partnerships with global entities.

Prior to U-M, Souki has worked at Arizona State University where she was responsible for developing and managing key relationships with industry partners, university leadership, faculty, staff, researchers, and administrators as well as planning new programs in alignment with industry needs. 

Souki is excited about joining the Office of Industry Partnerships to help make a societal impact through lifelong learning and upskilling/ reskilling partnerships. Souki has a diverse set of skills as she worked in finance, data analytics and business consultancy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s in global affairs and management.

In her free time, Souki enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, and caring for her cat and dog.

Education:
MA Global Affairs and Management, Thunderbird School of Global Management
Graduate Certificate in Global Finance, Thunderbird School of Global Management
BS Computer Science, Jacksonville State University

Contact Info
Mobile: 256-225-6718
slamrani@purdueforlife.org

Russell McKee

Director Educational Partnerships

Russell McKee will serve as one of our Directors of Educational Partnerships also joining us from Purdue Global.  In this role Russell will seek out and maintain clinical and educational partnerships with healthcare organizations and systems throughout Maine for the Purdue system.  His goal is to solve the partners training and educational needs while also insuring their employees are receiving the highest quality training at the most affordable cost. Russell has previously been recognized by former White House Chief of Staff, Andrew Card, for excellence in educational commitment.

Russell McKee received his bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in Economics from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Additionally, he has earned his master’s degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. In his free time, he enjoys coaching his children’s soccer and lacrosse teams and is an avid outdoorsman. 

Contact Info
Mobile: 603-732-8086
ramckee@purdueforlife.org

Andrew Rachmell

Director Educational Partnerships

Andrew Rachmell is one of the new Directors for Education Partnerships joining us from Purdue Global.  He is a former flight instructor and regional airline pilot with 25 years of experience in business development, many of which spent in higher education.

As a Director of Education Partnerships for the Purdue for Life Foundation, Andrew will primarily be developing channel partnerships with organizations in the aerospace and aviation industries as well as the military.  In addition, he will spearhead business development for the Professional Flight and Aviation Management programs at Purdue University Global including the expansion of its flight training affiliates across the U.S. and globally.

Andrew also meets with educators, administrators and career counselors associated with high schools and community colleges offering aviation and aerospace studies.  Andrew is passionate about inspiring individuals to pursue their dreams, especially a career in flying.  He enjoys speaking at conferences and career events as well as consulting with individuals considering a career change. 

Contact Info
Mobile: 561-703-0480
ajrachmell@purdueforlife.org

Jenny Curtin

Site Educational Coordinator, Vandenberg Space Force Base

Jenny Curtin serves as the Site Coordinator for Educational Partnerships within the Office of Industry Partnerships at Vandenberg Space Force Base. In this role, she focuses on aligning educational programs with the unique needs of military and base communities, ensuring that offerings are tailored to support their specific educational and career objectives. Jenny transitioned to this position from National University, where she was crucial in supporting students through their educational and career advancement processes. She effectively marketed and promoted the university’s established online and on-site educational programs, significantly enhancing their awareness and accessibility within military communities.

Previously, Jenny held roles in student support and volunteer management at Savie Health and FE Warren AFB Airman’s Attic. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, she uses her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology to create supportive learning environments and foster community engagement.

In addition to her professional duties, Jenny served as the President of the Vandenberg Spouses’ Club, where she demonstrated her leadership and dedication to community building. At Vandenberg, Jenny is committed to merging academic aspirations with personal strengths through innovative learning strategies and partnership development. Outside of work, she enjoys engaging in outdoor activities, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends, underscoring her dedication to a balanced and community-focused lifestyle. 

Education
BA, Psychology, Park University 

Contact Info
Office: 805-606-6557
JSCurtin@purdueforlife.org

Keith Corbin

Data Analyst

Keith started at Purdue in December 1994 as a third shift worker in the now-demolished Freehafer Hall (he still has a brick!), handling the printing and breakdown of the daily reports for student services.  Since then, he worked his way through programming for the Bursar’s Office, working as a data analyst for the Registrar’s Office, and into his current position as a data analyst, now under University Development, splitting support between the Office of Industry Partnerships and the Development Office.

He loves bowling, Hold ‘Em poker, board and card games of all kinds, practically any RPG, and telling a good joke on occasion (the more groans the better!).  He has five children altogether including a stepson, with the youngest getting ready for her first year of high school next year at Lafayette Jefferson – the last one to leave the nest! 

The achievements in his life that mean the most to him are being a part of the worship team at church, bringing couples closer together by leading a communication class, leading a men’s group in Lafayette, and bowling 819 pins in a three-game series.  Keith and his wife are also hoping to start their own stroke support group, as she suffered a stroke back in 2017 and they want to bring stroke survivors and caregivers closer together.

Education
BS, Mathematics Education ’11, Purdue University

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-637-1174
kbcorbin@purdueforlife.org

Billie Johnson

Director of Operations

Billie serves as the Director of Operations for the Office of Industry Partnerships. In this role, she is responsible for the operational functions of the Office of Industry Partnerships, collaborating with the executive directors and directors to provide research assistance and help prepare corporate reports for them and other stakeholders. Billie has been with Purdue since 2015, serving in various roles within University Residences and Residential Life. In her most recent role as Senior Project Manager for the Office of Special Projects, she participated in the launch of Summer Training Awareness and Readiness for Semiconductors (STARS) and the Regional Economic Acceleration & Development Initiative Program (READI).

She resides in rural Montgomery County with her husband, Ty, and their daughter, Tessa. Together, they love to go camping (glamping), contribute to the multi-generation family farm, and spend their winter holidays in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Education
MS, Technology, Leadership, and Innovation, Purdue University
BA, Sociology, Purdue University
AAS, Business Administration, Ivy Tech Community College

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-918-7127
bjjohnson@purdueforlife.org

Jacqueline Richeson

Executive Assistant

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-714-7347
jsricheson@purdueforlife.org

Maya Hill

Student Intern

Maya serves as a student intern for the Office of Industry Partnerships. She is currently a sophomore at Purdue, pursuing a degree in Public Health. She is originally from Noblesville, IN but resides here in West Lafayette while away at school. She is a member of the Alpha Xi Delta chapter here on campus and loves spending time with her sorority sisters. Her favorite things to do in her free time are thrifting, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family, especially her four dogs.

Contact Info
MGHill@purdueforlife.org