HAMMOND — The Dean of Purdue University Calumet’s College of Technology has assumed additional responsibilities as Executive Director of the university’s emerging Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center.

Among his added duties, Niaz Latif is overseeing renovation and development of the center, located three blocks west of campus at 7116 Indianapolis Blvd. The facility will serve to enhance economic development as a site for small business, new product and prototype development, as well as advanced manufacturing opportunities and related training for manufacturing firms of all sizes. The center also will enable faculty and students to engage with local business and industry.