The Purdue University board of trustees approved eight faculty promotions for the 2026-27 academic year. Promotions will take effect Aug. 17.
“Our faculty and staff are focused on excellence in teaching, passionate about helping students succeed and dedicated to serving the communities in our metropolitan region,” said PNW Chancellor Chris Holford on the university's website.
Two faculty members will receive the rank of professor, which reflects significant accomplishments in teaching.
Jesse Cohn will become a professor of English, and Grethe Hystad, a professor of statistics.
Six faculty members were promoted to associate professors, which includes academic tenure.
- Jodi Allen, associate professor of nursing
- Manisa Baker, associate professor of nursing
- Matthew Bauman, associate professor of hospitality and tourism management
- Farai Gombedza, associate professor of biochemistry
- Omeed Ilchi, associate professor of criminal justice
- Aref Yadollahi, associate professor of mechanical engineering
Arash Asrari, an associate professor of electrical engineering, also received tenure.
PNW serves about 9,000 students at two locations, Hammond and Westville. Students hail from 37 states and 60 countries.
