Purdue trustees name new chancellor for northwest campus
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Purdue University Northwest is calling upon a familiar face to serve as its next leader.
Chris Holford, who currently serves as provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, will begin as Purdue Northwest chancellor on Jan. 8.
He follows Chancellor Thomas Keon who said earlier this year that he planned to step down in 2024. The announcement came several months after faculty called for the chancellor’s resignation after comments he made during a 2022 commencement ceremony.
Holford has served in his current vice chancellor role since May 2020 and has worked with Purdue Northwest for more than 20 years. He was the founding dean of the institution’s College of Engineering and Sciences and also served as dean of the College of Sciences and chair of the Department of Biology and Chemistry at Purdue North Central in Westville, which merged with Purdue’s Calumet campus in Hammond in 2016.
Holford holds a PhD in biology from Illinois State University, a master’s in zoology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Augustana College. His selection as chancellor comes following a national search, university officials said.
Purdue trustee Malcolm DeKryger led a search committee comprised of Purdue Northwest students, faculty, staff and alumni. The committee organized listening sessions, open forums and surveys, and advised Purdue University President Mung Chiang, who recommended Holford’s appointment to the Purdue Board of Trustees. Trustees ratified Holford’s selection on Dec. 8.
“In his roles as provost and dean, Chris has emphasized the importance of academic and research quality, while prioritizing the quality of the student experience, the importance of developing a highly trained workforce, and the enrichment of the regional community and economic growth,” Chiang said in a news release. “He is ideally qualified to lead during a time of significant advancement for Purdue Northwest and transformative opportunities for the northwest region of our state.”
Holford said he is honored by the opportunity and that his administration’s goal will be to sustain and enrich an environment conducive to student success.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to build upon our successes in applied research and to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation to ensure PNW remains a leader in regional economic development and workforce development,” Holford said in the news release. “Together we will continue to build upon our forward momentum and have a positive impact on our students and our communities.”