Purdue University Trustees Approve Promotions of 12 Faculty Members

The Purdue University Board of Trustees approved the promotion of Purdue University Northwest faculty members at the North Central and Calumet campuses, during its recent meeting at the Calumet campus. These promotions become effective with the start of the 2016 -2017 academic year in August.

“These talented educators have dedicated their careers to sharing their knowledge and experience with their students, encouraging them to learn, explore and grow. It is my honor to announce the promotion of these outstanding faculty members,” said Purdue North Central Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin.

Academic tenure is acquired on promotion to the rank of associate professor. Candidates promoted to this rank have accumulated a record of accomplishment as a faculty member and show promise of continued professional growth and recognition. Clinical Professors are promoted but not tenured.

Faculty members promoted to full professor have achieved a significant record in all three areas of accomplishments: Learning, Discovery and Engagement.

Those promoted at the North Central campus are:

• Michael Connolly, of Porter, to professor of History.
• Deepa Majumdar, of Valparaiso, to professor of Philosophy.
• Vanessa Quinn, of Battleground, to professor of Biology.
• Jonathan Swarts, of South Bend, to professor of Political Science.
• Meden Isaac-Lam, of Valparaiso, to associate professor of Chemistry.
• Assen Kokalov, of Portage, to associate professor of Spanish.
• Jessica Thomas, of Chesterton, to associate professor of Chemistry.
• Anastasia Trekles, of Valparaiso, to clinical associate professor of Instructional Technology.

Those promoted at the Calumet campus are:

• Raida Abuizam, of Schererville, to professor of Operations Management.
• Constantin Apostoaia, of Griffith, to associate professor of Electrical Engineering.
• Brenda Turgeon, of Chicago, to associate professor of Elementary Science.
• Su Jeong Wee, of Savoy, Ill., to associate professor of Human Development & Family Studies/Early Childhood.