Purdue Initiative Focuses on Northwest Indiana
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPurdue University has launched an effort designed to build connections with northwest Indiana's businesses, government and work force. The Northwest Indiana Engagement Office is led by Tim Sanders, who has been with the university's office of government relations for the last five years. June 2, 2014
News Release
CALUMET and WESTVILLE, Ind. – As a point of contact for connecting Purdue University expertise with priorities of Northwest Indiana business, industry and government, university administrator Timothy Sanders has assumed a new role as Director of Purdue's newly-established Northwest Indiana Engagement Office.
Sanders, who began his new duties Tuesday (7/1), served since 2009 in Purdue's Office of Governmental Relations, where he acted as a liaison between the university and governmental officials. In his new position, he reports to Associate Vice President of Engagement Steve Abel at Purdue's West Lafayette campus.
Advancing economic development
Sanders' Northwest Indiana responsibilities include building contacts with business, industry, governmental agencies and community leaders to promote workforce, business and economic development, while enhancing greater awareness of Purdue-provided technical assistance and research capabilities. He also supports related efforts and activities of Purdue University Calumet and Purdue University North Central.
“We welcome what this commitment means to the joint efforts of our two Northwest Indiana Purdue campuses in building a stronger Purdue presence in this region,” Purdue Calumet Chancellor Thomas L. Keon said. “With respect to Purdue's land grant university status, this university appointment is a viable step for strengthening the path of economic development between Purdue campuses and Northwest Indiana.”
Helping build partnerships
Purdue North Central Chancellor James B. Dworkin added, “This is a tremendous opportunity for Purdue University and Northwest Indiana. Purdue University has long been a champion for strengthening our local communities, and Tim will work to enhance our existing relationships, while reaching out to build new partnerships. Tim is very familiar with Northwest Indiana and is committed to helping us move forward.”
Calling engagement “a hallmark of Purdue University,” Abel said, “The opportunity to have someone of Tim Sanders' talent and standing in Northwest Indiana will help significantly advance our engagement mission and broaden our reach across Indiana. Our regional campuses play an integral role in Purdue's success, and I am delighted to be partnering with them in this new and important endeavor.”
The opening of the Northwest Indiana Engagement Office follows similar Purdue initiatives established in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne areas. The Northwest Indiana Office has locations at Purdue North Central and Purdue Calumet.
Source: Purdue University