Purdue Hires Vice Provost

John Gates

Purdue University has named John Gates vice provost for diversity and inclusion. He will serve as clinical professor in the Krannert School of Management. His appointment will be effective April 1.

Gates most recently served as the inaugural associate dean responsible for diversity, inclusion and engagement strategy in the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He provided leadership in the recruitment and retention of faculty and graduate students from underrepresented minorities and guidance for diversity in curriculum development and programming.

Prior to his appointment at UVA, Gates launched and led his own consulting firm, Criticality Management Consulting, where he advised corporate clients on a range of workforce issues. He also was associate dean for administration and finance at Harvard College, Harvard University, where he was responsible for budget, human resource management, strategic planning, communications and diversity.

In addition, Gates was the special assistant to the president and provost at the University of Vermont, where he focused on strategic initiatives, change management and diversity. He held a series of positions with increasing responsibility at New York University, culminating with his role as executive director of global operations.

A native of Gary, Indiana, Gates received a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, a master’s degree from New York University and a Ph.D. from the University of London.