CLA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Director of Academic and Career Advising
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of the CLA Development Team
- Director of Foundation Relations
Alexandra's Purdue experience helped shape her perspective of the world and the direction in which her life moved. She was encouraged to always remember her perspective on life is only one of a vast number of perspectives and experiences and that listening and learning with an open mind and heart are keys to developing relationships built on trust and respect.
While her career looks like a winding path from ordering materials in a manufacturing facility to writing thank you notes on behalf of a college president, she has extensive experience in higher education (Liberal Arts, particularly) related to career development, experiential education, developing and running internship programs, alumni volunteer management, and donor relations. Alexandra loved higher education so much she obtained her Master's Degree in Educational Psychology, with a focus on Program Assessment and Evaluation, from Miami University. She sometimes jokes her love of data and Excel rivals that of coffee puns.
Alexandra served as a board member, then President, for a local nonprofit before stepping into her previous role of Executive Director of the Fayette Community Foundation. She recently joined Purdue for Life Foundation as Director of Foundation Relations. She shares life with Justin, her partner of 20+ years (and a fellow Purdue alum!), and her two children, Alexander, and Henry. Alexandra is exceedingly proud to be supporting her alma mater in her current role, matching foundation funding opportunities with the needs at Purdue University to assist the various goals and initiatives across campus.
Job Titles:
- Head, Department of English
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Member of the CLA Development Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the CLA Development Team
- Associate Director of Donor Relations
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Excellence and Community
Job Titles:
- Business Manager - ANTH / ENG / DAP
Brian A. Holcombe, MPA is a native of the rural cornfields of Indiana and currently is a Government Relations Representative for the KinderCare Learning Companies. Brian represents KinderCare throughout the Great Lakes region advocating for affordable and accessible early childhood education options for all.
Brian received his bachelor's degree in political science and a bachelor's degree in history from Purdue University, where he currently serves on the Purdue University College of Liberal Arts Alumni Board. He later went on to receive his master's degree in public administration from Norwich University in 2018.
Prior to joining the KinderCare team, Brian spent three years at the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies lobbying in Indiana and four years in various administrative roles in the Indiana Secretary of State's office. Additionally, he spent time working for the Indiana Republican House Caucus and an Indiana Governor's campaign.
When he is not researching policy or constructing testimony, Brian enjoys spending time with his three dogs and two cats, building computers, and long Jeep rides with his Fiancée and son.
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Excellence and Community
Job Titles:
- Academic Advisor
- Senior Academic Advisor
Education
B.S. Western Illinois University; M.S. Western Illinois University
Job Titles:
- Director of Financial Affairs
Job Titles:
- COMMUNICATION
- POLITICAL SCIENCE
Education
B.A. Purdue University; M.A. Eastern Michigan University
Job Titles:
- Head, Department of Political Science
Job Titles:
- Interim Head, Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance
Job Titles:
- Head, Department of Philosophy
Christy graduated from Purdue in 1990. She's worked as Advertising Director and Business Adviser in college student media at the Purdue Exponent and the Daily Vidette at Illinois State University. She earned a Master of Science Degree in College Student Personnel Administration in 2010 from Illinois State University. She returned to Purdue in 2011, first as an Assistant Director of Development in Mathematics and then as Director of Development for Computer Science and Physics in the College of Science.
Starting in 2016, Christy served as a Senior Advancement Officer at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. There she cultivated and grew the Midwest and Southern states territory, working with alumni from all disciplines.
Christy returned to her Boilermaker roots in September 2022, joining the advancement team in the College of Health and Human Sciences. Here, she serves as Senior Director of Development representing the School of Nursing, the School of Health Sciences, the Department of Human Development and Family Science, the Military Family Research Institute, and the Center for Families.
Christy resides in West Lafayette with her husband Tom. Together they enjoy traveling to historic battlefields and presidential homes. Christy is a recently converted Disney Junkie, so when they aren't getting their history fix, you might find them visiting the Big Rat. Fall is her favorite season - football, scary movies, and all things pumpkin spice. She enjoys working in her garden and trying new recipes on unsuspecting guests.
Job Titles:
- Study Abroad Specialist, at
Originally from Munster, Indiana, Clarissa is a recent graduate of Indiana University (Bloomington), where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. During her time as an undergraduate, Clarissa studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, with the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS). Her experience as a Peer Advisor for the Indiana University Education Abroad Office sparked her passion for international higher education, inspiring her to pursue this career path. As CLA's Study Abroad Specialist, Clarissa now serves as the primary study abroad/international student advisor within the College and serves as the International Liaison for all Purdue students who take CLA coursework abroad, among other duties.
Originally from California, Dania is a 2024 graduate from Purdue with degrees in political science and communication. While at Purdue, she was involved with the Office of Admissions, Orientation Programs, the Barbara Cook Chapter of Mortar Board, and Purdue Athletics, as well as recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts.
In her current role as the Recruitment Specialist, Dania assists in the recruitment, admission and retention of JMHC students, and supports college-wide family and alumni events.
In her free time, Dania enjoys travelling, hiking, listening to podcasts, and following Purdue sports.
Job Titles:
- Member of the CLA Development Team
- Senior Development Officer
Job Titles:
- New Chancellor at Indiana University 's Bloomington
Job Titles:
- Interim Head, School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Elizabeth is a senior at Purdue University. After joining the College of Liberal Arts later in her college journey, she has truly found her community there. She is actively involved around campus as the Junior Representative of the Purdue Chapter of ASID & IIDA, and serves as a design team lead for the National Association of Home Builders. Outside of school, she loves traveling to new places, trying new recipes, and anything crafty!
Job Titles:
- Additional Staff Member
- Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Director of College Outreach
Job Titles:
- Head, Department of History
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Donor Relations
Job Titles:
- Director of Writing Lab ( OWL )
Job Titles:
- Grants Coordinator and Assistant to Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education
Job Titles:
- Project and Data Manager and Executive Assistant to the Dean
Job Titles:
- Head, School of Languages and Cultures
Job Titles:
- Interim Dean
- Interim Dean / College of Liberal Arts
- Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Read Full Profile
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Assistant Director of Academic and Career Advising
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Visual Communication Design and Marketing
Kara Bishop has been working at IU Health since 2017. In this role Kara oversees marketing and brand for the West Central Region that includes IU Health Arnett, IU Health Frankfort and IU Health White Memorial. Responsibilities include development of marketing campaigns, healthcare branding and service line and provider marketing. Kara enjoys working in all facets of marketing including website development, branding, design, social media and storytelling. She is passionate about the impact successful marketing and communications can provide for businesses and organizations. In addition to working at IU Health Arnett, Kara enjoys working as a freelance designer and volunteering with local organizations. She sits on executive boards for a variety of groups and is a strong advocate for Greater Lafayette and all it has to offer.
Kara began her creative career as a graphic designer at Haan & Associates Advertising, where she worked for five years before taking a position at the Journal & Courier Media Group as Creative Specialist and Marketing Manager for more than 10 years. Kara also started Lafayette Magazine and contributed as a designer and marketer for the publication. Just before landing at IU Health Arnett, Kara worked for three years at the City of Lafayette as the Communications and Marketing Director, establishing a marketing and communications department from the ground up by developing a voice and brand for local government that continues today.
While attending Purdue, Kara was a Purdue Cheerleader and a member of the Purdue Dance Team. She was also a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) sorority. Kara resides in West Lafayette and enjoys spending time with her family, exercising and cheering on the Boilers, of course.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Deputy Director of Policy and Government Affairs for the Sustainable Cities Fund
Katie Lineweaver Robinson has over 20 years of experience navigating complex issues in the municipal and nonprofit landscapes. Most recently, Lineweaver Robinson served as the Vice President for the Electrification Coalition, a nonprofit that works to accelerate EV adoption across the country. Lineweaver Robinson led a team that provides technical, project management, and policy support for cities and other partners as they work to transform their fleets and communities to an electrified transportation future.
Lineweaver Robinson now serves as the Deputy Director of Policy and Government Affairs for the Sustainable Cities Fund, which works with donors to support and enable equitable climate action at the local levels of government. Through strategic grant-making, Lineweaver Robinson focuses on building the civic power of cities and communities to implement ambitious, equitable climate solutions. The Sustainable Cities Fund is a project of the New Venture Fund and is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies alongside other foundation-based partners.
During her time at Purdue, Lineweaver Robinson was a member of Purdue Student Government and Delta Zeta Sorority. She is an active Purdue alum, holding a lifetime membership with the Purdue Alumni Association.
Lineweaver Robinson actively serves on the Board of Advisors for the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Board of Directors of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, and serves as Co-Chair for the Sustainability Committee for the 2024 NBA All-Star game.
Kendra had a thirty-four year career creating opportunities for young women to realize their potential. As Director of Development for Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, responsibilities included fundraising planning, communication, relationship building, stewardship and more. Professionally, Kendra was a member of Association of Fundraising Professionals for over 20 years serving on the board of the Indiana Chapter and recognized in 2008 with the Marita R. Scherer Award for enthusiastic and exemplary service to Indiana Chapter. She also served on the board of the North American Interfraternity Conference Foundation, an organization serving fraternal foundations through professional development opportunities for staff.
Furthering her passions for history and community, Kendra joined Conner Prairie Alliance in 1997. The Alliance is an organization of creative, energetic, amazing women dedicated to the mission of Conner Prairie, Indiana's living history museum using the past to shine a light on the future. For two years, Kendra chaired the Elegant Country Luncheon, at the time this was the Alliance's signature fundraiser. She then served as president of the Alliance and was recognized in 2003 with the Touchmark Award for outstanding service to Conner Prairie Museum Alliance.
Kendra has been active in the Purdue Alumni Association of Indianapolis since 2005, helping Purdue alumni stay connected, get involved, and give back. She served as President in 2008-2010. She was then elected to the Purdue Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2012-2018 serving on the Finance, Leadership Development and Nominating, and Executive Committees.
In retirement, Kendra has followed her passion for inspiring women to realize their potential serving on the National Panhellenic Conference Scholarship Committee and mentoring college women to address professional and soft-skill development through the Pass the Torch for Women Foundation.
Kendra and husband Tim (BS 1970, Computer Science) are members of John Purdue Club, President's Council, and life members of the Purdue Alumni Association. They love cheering on Boilermaker teams with their daughter, Missy Lewis Deeter (BA 1999, Health Promotion and Exercise & Fitness, MS 2003, Health Promotion) and son-in-law Ryan Deeter, (BS 200, Food Science). Kendra is proud to follow in her daughter's footsteps in service to CLA. Missy was president of the CLA Alumni Board 2012-2014.
Kevin is the Founder of KJK Sports - a business that has housed multiple entities since founded in 2018. The leading company within the KJK family is KJK Registrations - an online registration and custom website provider for athletic camps of all sports and ages. This is the second time Kevin has entered this arena, having previously founded SDI Camps & Races, LLC in 2008. SDI grew quickly and was acquired by Stack Sports in August of 2016.
In addition to KJK Sports, in 2020 Kevin took over sales for Kennedy Homes - a custom home builder in Lafayette and West Lafayette. In this role, Kevin is in charge of all pre-construction aspects of building a home, from creating floor plans to important in-house selections.
A good majority of Kevin's spare time since his graduation from Purdue was spent assisting the community. He recently retired after a 20-year career as a volunteer with the Wabash Township Fire Department - 14 of which were spent as a line officer as well as a firefighter. During his seven years as a CLA Alumni Board member, Kevin has participated in many different presentations, mock interviews, and group discussions with classes at Purdue, as well as the sales staff at the Purdue Exponent (of which he was the Sports Editor during his undergrad days as a Boilermaker from 1993-97). Kevin's family includes his wife Holly, also a Purdue grad and a senior analyst in the Office of the Register, as well as 18-year-old daughter Kari and 15-year-old son Bryce.
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Associate Business Manager - CLA Admin
Job Titles:
- Project Manager and College Data Manager and Executive Assistant to the Dean
Kristen Morris has more than 30 years in government relations, including serving as a Government Relations Officer for two of the nation's largest and most prominent health systems, Advocate Health and the Cleveland Clinic. In these positions, Morris directed corporate social responsibility and advocacy strategies. She also has led government relations for two top-ten pharmaceutical companies. She was the divisional vice president of Federal Government Relations for Abbott Laboratories, a Fortune 100 company. In this role, Morris led the company's Washington, D.C. office. She also led Government Relations and Public Policy for Boehringer Ingelheim, and before that, she managed the American Hospital Association's lobbying team.
Morris has a history of community leadership having served on multiple not-for-profit boards. Currently, she is a member of Purdue University's Lamb School of Communication Board of Advisors and The Assistance Fund Board. She is also an active member of the selective In Counsel with Women.
Morris received her bachelor's degree from Purdue University and began her career in the U.S. House of Representatives where she was responsible for a portfolio of domestic policy issues.
Originally from California, Kristi spent the past three years in sunny Surprise, Arizona before relocating to Lafayette. With over 20 years of experience in education, Kristi has worked closely with students at every stage - from recruitment and enrollment to the classroom, through preparing them for life after college. Her passion for student success and career development fuels her dedication to helping students achieve their goals and what ultimately lead her to CLA Career Services. Outside of work, Kristi has a true love of musical theatre and has found a recent knack of finding amazing antiques with her husband.
Job Titles:
- Director of College Outreach
Job Titles:
- ADMINISTRATION
- Director of Financial Affairs
Job Titles:
- Head, Department of Sociology
Job Titles:
- Head, Brian Lamb School of Communication
Job Titles:
- Director of Oral English Proficiency Program ( OEPP )
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean of Research & Graduate Education
Job Titles:
- Director of Purdue Language and Cultural Exchange ( PLaCE )
Maureen Richmond is an APR-certified, results-driven public relations professional with more than 25 years of experience. She has managed strategic internal and external communications for the largest provider of passenger transportation in North America and the largest provider of healthcare in Ohio, served as lead speechwriter for the CEO of a major insurance company, and worked with national media to promote the world's largest seasonal theme park.
Richmond has led teams responsible for innovative media relations campaigns, spanning both traditional and social media channels. She works to translate message platforms into meaningful employee and constituent communications that are clear and impactful. Her work has received a variety of industry awards from PRSA and IABC, and she was named one of three Mortar Board National Honor Society's Emerging Leaders in 2014 -which recognizes young professionals for their achievements in leadership, scholarship and service.
Outside of the office, Richmond is very involved in the community, having served on the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Public Relations Society of America and Zeta Tau Alpha. She has also served as a youth soccer and basketball coach. Maureen also serves her community on the board of the Sycamore Athletic Boosters.
Richmond resides in Montgomery, Ohio with her husband Tim and three children -Joseph, Jackson and June Marie.
Job Titles:
- Director of Information Technology
Job Titles:
- Director of Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts
Job Titles:
- Head, Department of Anthropology
Job Titles:
- Additional Staff Member
- Administrative Assistant
Resultant's Workforce and Economic Development Practice helps clients leverage data and technology to improve citizen outcomes and the customer experience. Michael Schmierer leads them in client delivery, strategy, engagement management, and business development activities. The team serves a national portfolio of state workforce, labor, and economic development agencies, as well as local government, workforce development boards, and non-profits.
Prior to joining Resultant, Michael applied his knowledge and expertise in both the public and nonprofit sectors. He served as a legislative assistant in the Indiana House of Representatives and in several key operational leadership roles with Conexus Indiana, an Indianapolis-based organization whose mission is to accelerate, promote, and grow Indiana's advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors.
Michael resides in Indianapolis and has roles on several committees and boards in the community, including vice president of the Purdue College of Liberal Arts Alumni Board, vice president of the Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation, and board member of Teach Indy.
Job Titles:
- Research Account Specialist
Job Titles:
- Lead Administrative Assistant, Undergraduate Curriculum & Research Coordinator
Originally from Pennsylvania, Rachel relocated to Indiana after finishing her degree at Penn State. She is a first-gen student, passionate about helping students find their own path! In addition to Art History, she also received a minor in French and a certificate in Museum Studies. Her work with the Hub Robeson Gallery taught her about working with student at every stage of their journey. Her personal passions earned her an Arts in Activism award in recognition of her work in cataloging and preserving the stories of underrepresented groups and advancing social justice through the arts.
She collects hobbies like Pokémon and when she's not at the office you will find her at a bookstore!
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Marketing
Job Titles:
- Career Services Specialist
Job Titles:
- Assistant Interim Dean, Director of Global and Experiential Learning
Job Titles:
- Lead Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Education
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Professor of Political Science at Oakland University
Terri L. Towner is Professor of Political Science at Oakland University in Michigan. At Oakland, Terri teaches a variety of courses in American politics, including Introduction to American Politics, Elections and Voting Behavior, and Politics and the Internet. Her research focuses mainly on the role of social media in campaigns and elections, with a particular focus on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. She has published over 30 manuscripts and most recently co-authored the book, The Internet and the 2016 Presidential Campaign (2017). Terri was an Honors College Visiting Scholar at Purdue University in 2016 and 2018. She was also invited by the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany, to participate in a speaking tour on "Political Campaigning and Social Media in the 2018 U.S. Midterm Elections."
Terri has won numerous awards, honorariums, and grants. At the university level, she was nominated for Oakland's Teaching Excellence Award in 2013 and 2014. She received the Service Award in 2012 and the Research Award in 2018. She has received other departmental honors, such as the Faculty Service Award, Merit prizes for scholarship and teaching, and the Honors College Inspiration Award.
Service is an integral part of Terri's career. She has served as the faculty advisor to the Pi Sigma Alpha (national Political Science Honor Society) chapter since 2010. This talented student group has been named "Best Chapter" by the national office seven times and has also earned awards from Oakland's Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development. Since 2013, Terri has served as the Faculty Editor of the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics, advising the student-run Editorial Board for the National Office.
During her time at Purdue, Terri was a member/officer of Purdue Student Government, the Panhellenic Association, Pi Sigma Alpha, Delta Delta Delta, and the Pre-Law Society. She is an active Purdue alum, holding a life membership with the Purdue Alumni Association and supporting the Purdue Alumni Club of Madison County.
Job Titles:
- Director of College of Liberal Arts Research Academy
Veronica Appleton is a scholar, practitioner and children's author. Currently, she serves as a scholar-practitioner holding professional roles within the corporate sector and in academia. Dr. Appleton works as lecturer for DePaul University College of Communication, facilitator for Northwestern University Weinberg School of Arts & Sciences Executive Education Program in Racial Equity in Business, and head facilitator for Yale University's Women in Leadership Executive Education program. She's also a certified diversity professional and works as Vice President for Talent Management and Inclusion within The Marketing Arm, an advertising agency within Omnicom Group, Inc.
As a renowned speaker, Appleton has served as keynote and speaker for some of the world's largest Fortune 500 organizations and believes educating the future is an essential strategy for building equity in communities and systems at-large. Appleton's work has been recognized by Crain's Business, FOX News, and Diversity Journal's Top Professionals in Higher Education. She's also a mentor and board member of several nonprofits providing resources and impact in communities of color, women, men and children.
Of all her career accolades, Dr. Appleton is a giver of her time to the community. She currently serves as Task Force Member within DePaul University's Addressing the Vincentians' Relationship with Slavery Committee, a Board Member for the Chicago Foundation for Women Southside Giving Circle, and a Board of Directors for Bernie's Book Bank. Outside of work, Dr. Appleton is also a children's author and reading literacy advocate.
Dr. Appleton completed her undergraduate education at Purdue University, graduate education at DePaul University, and doctoral education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Business Manager - HIST / SLC / SIS / SOC
Job Titles:
- Director of Global
- Director of Global and Experiential Learning
- Interim Assistant Dean, College of Liberal Arts / Director of Global & Experiential Learning, College of Liberal Arts
William (Will) Sartore is the Director of Global and Experiential Learning for the College of Liberal Arts. In his role, he manages the day-to-day operations for Study Abroad & International Programs, Engagement, and Undergraduate Research for the College of Liberal Arts. He is the International Programs Officer (IPO) and Intercultural Learning Officer (ILO) for CLA, represents the College on the Global Academic Committee, and annually leads a Spring Break study abroad program to Rwanda. Prior to working in the field of International Education, he previously worked as an ESL instructor and taught in Vietnam, South Korea, Rwanda and Poland. He holds a BS in Political Science (Central Michigan Univ.), an M.Ed in Adult Education (Pennsylvania State Univ.), and is currently completing his PhD in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (Michigan State Univ.). He studied abroad for a semester at the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) as an undergraduate.
Job Titles:
- Business Manager - Political Science / Philosophy / Communication / Purchasing Center