Lela Mixon wasn’t searching for a new opportunity when she applied to be director of Purdue’s Office of Summer and Winter Sessions, but the job called to her. It seemed like the perfect blend of responsibilities from her past professional pursuits, such as developing new programs, providing alternative pathways and supporting student success.
Having previously served as assistant director for the Office of Academic Programs in Agriculture and associate director for Exploratory Studies at Purdue, Mixon is passionate about services that provide access and empower students to complete a degree. She’s held a variety of roles in higher education and beyond, but a consistent theme in her work involves helping students recognize the value of their individual experiences.
In her first few weeks as director, Mixon had an opportunity to visit Purdue’s Polytechnic High School, where she felt a connection with students reminiscent of her earlier roles in student programming and residential life.
“I have always been drawn to roles that focus on having a positive impact on student experiences,” she said. “The reason this new role in the Office of Summer and Winter Sessions was so exciting to me is because of the access component. I tend to find ways to integrate programs and services, and there are so many intersections within this work that require offices to come together to provide solid support for student success.”
Pictured: Lela Mixon (left), new director of the Office of Summer and Winter Sessions, stands with students and staff from across Purdue University
Regarding her vision for the Office of Summer and Winter Sessions, Mixon expressed a deep commitment to helping first-generation students and their families navigate the educational process. She sees an opportunity to develop programs and curricula specifically tailored to address the questions and concerns of first-generation families, ensuring a positive entry experience and seamless paths toward graduation.
This goal is also related to Mixon’s approach to integrating information and services to create a holistic and supportive environment. A prime example is Winter Session, which launched in December of 2023 and provided more than 550 Purdue students an opportunity to earn three course credits in three weeks.
“The current and former staff have done a great job in creating new and award-winning programs that expand access for Purdue students, helping them save money and reduce time to graduation while participating in opportunities that enrich their academic experience,” she said. “Still, the educational process is always changing, and we have a real opportunity to support students as well as their families along their evolving journeys so they are well-positioned to reach their goals.”
Mixon’s own journey includes the experiences of being a first-generation student and college parent, with one of her children being a Purdue alum.
“I’m a Purdue mom, and I’m proud of that,” she shared. “Having experienced different aspects of Purdue from a parent perspective as well as a professional one, I can speak in a way that resonates with families because I’ve been through the process and I can provide valuable insights.”
Pictured: Lela Mixon (right) brings both a Purdue parent and professional experience to her new role
Mixon also believes her team spirit and dedication to effective communication will be key to her new role. She expressed her commitment to building strong partnerships with various campus units and finding common goals to drive collaboration. She also emphasized the importance of compromise and persistent communication in achieving successful partnerships.
Most of all, Mixon looks forward to leveraging her diverse experiences to contribute to the innovative and inclusive atmosphere of Purdue University's Office of Summer and Winter Sessions. Her commitment to supporting students and families aligns seamlessly with Purdue's mission to enhance the overall student experience.
“Purdue is a complex institution with many different priorities, but there is so much commonality in what different units are trying to achieve,” she added. “Ultimately, the heart of our shared mission is student success.”
Andrea Mattingly
Director of Communication for Teaching and Learning, andrea@purdue.edu