Purdue Provost to step down
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Purdue University Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Jay Akridge announced Tuesday he plans to step down at the end of December. He has served as the school’s chief academic officer since 2017.
The university says the search for his replacement has already begun.
“We are grateful for his loyal and excellent service in perhaps the most strenuous and taxing job on campus. I’ll especially remember his indispensable efforts through the pandemic and his leadership in our growth as a 21st-century land-grant institution,” said Purdue President Mitch Daniels, who will also be leaving at the end of the year.
In his executive role, Akridge has been responsible for the recruitment, hiring and review of deans. He also oversaw the university’s strategic growth initiative, and led the development and ongoing implementation of the Purdue Next Moves initiatives.
Purdue says Akridge will take a sabbatical and then return to his faculty appointment as a professor of agricultural economics.
“I have been humbled daily by the passion and commitment our faculty, staff and students bring to all they do,” said Akridge. ”Our leadership team has never wavered in their focus on our land-grant mission, and they have my deepest thanks. That said, I am looking forward to reengaging in my faculty role and contributing in a different way to teaching and learning excellence at Purdue.”
Akridge previously served for more than eight years as the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, leading the college’s academic, research, Extension and international programs.