Katie Sermersheim

Senior Associate Vice Provost & Dean of Students

Katie Sermersheim serves as senior associate vice provost and dean of students at Purdue University. Since joining Purdue in 2015, she has been dedicated to supporting students through every stage of their college experience by celebrating successes, navigating challenges, and helping students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Sermersheim provides leadership at both West Lafayette and Indianapolis for the Office of the Dean of Students, including Student Support Services; the Crisis Team; the Center for Advocacy, Response and Education; Fraternity, Sorority and Cooperative Life; Off-Campus Housing; Student Legal Services; Student Activities and Organizations; the Roger C. Stewart Leadership and Professional Development Department; the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities; and Purdue’s five cultural centers. These areas work together to promote student well-being, engagement, accountability and a strong sense of belonging at Purdue.

“I truly love what I do,” Sermersheim says. “Working alongside students and staff every day and helping students navigate challenges and discover their potential is incredibly meaningful to me. Supporting students during some of the most important years of their lives is a responsibility I take to heart.”

Sermersheim previously spent 18 years at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she served in a variety of student affairs leadership roles, including dean of students, associate dean of students, director of student development and assistant director of student development. She has also held professional positions in student affairs at Western Illinois University and St. Joseph’s College.

Sermersheim earned a Doctor of Education in educational administration from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a Master of Science in college student personnel from Western Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Science in psychology and sociology from the University of Southern Indiana.

She is actively involved in the student affairs profession and has participated in organizations such as College Student Educators International and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. She has presented at numerous national conferences and programs focused on student leadership, engagement, and fraternity and sorority life.