Anne Edwards

Executive Director of Centers and Director of the Black Cultural Center 

Anne Edwards serves as executive director of Purdue’s five cultural centers and director of the Black Cultural Center (BCC). In this capacity, she oversees the BCC; Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center (AAARCC); Latino Cultural Center (LCC); Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center (LGBTQ Center); and Native American Educational and Cultural Center (NAECC).

Prior to Purdue, Edwards held various positions in higher education, including her most recent role as director of the Center for Black Studies at Northern Illinois University. She is a two-time Purdue graduate, having earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hospitality and tourism management. She then worked in the hospitality industry for several years before returning to school to earn an MBA from Valparaiso University. Edwards went on to earn a doctorate in educational psychology from Northern Illinois University, where her research centered on Black women and identity development in higher education. Her research interests include topics around race, motivation, leadership and career development.

Edwards is an active member of the Association for Black Culture Centers, National Council for Black Studies, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.