Purdue Removes Interim Tag From Provost

(Image courtesy of Purdue University.)

Purdue University earlier this week named Jay Akridge provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity. He has served in the position on an interim basis since July. Akridge previously served as Purdue’s Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture.

Purdue says his responsibilities will include recruitment, hiring and review of deans and ensuring academic affairs, student life, diversity and inclusion, the Graduate School, enrollment management and library functions are focused on student success and effective use of resources.

President Mitch Daniels says "all of us at Purdue should be pleased and proud to have someone of Jay’s talents and character as our provost. He is a longtime Boilermaker who exemplifies the level of excellence to which we all aspire."

Akridge is a professor of agricultural economics and previously served as interim vice provost for engagement. He was also director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business and the MS-MBA in Food and Agribusiness Management program.

"I am honored and humbled to be asked to serve Purdue as provost and chief diversity officer and look forward to working with our faculty, staff and students, other campus leaders, and President Daniels and our trustees to help our university truly define what it means to be a 21st century land-grant institution in terms of excellence, innovation and impact, accessibility, affordability, and inclusiveness," said Akridge.

You can read more about the appointment by clicking here.