Purdue University Visit

Fostering Academic Collaboration: Purdue University and Chicago State University Explore New Partnerships

On Monday, September 30, 2024, Dr. John Gates, Vice Provost for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Clinical Professor at the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business at Purdue University (PU), visited the campus of Chicago State University (CSU). This visit marked a significant step in exploring collaborative opportunities between the two institutions, particularly in areas such as resource sharing, faculty exchange, and student pathways to PhD programs at Purdue. These discussions were pivotal in fostering a stronger relationship between the two campuses, with the potential to open doors for joint research projects, academic exchanges, and opportunities for CSU students to pursue advanced degrees at Purdue.

During his visit, Dr. Gates met with key leadership at CSU, including President Zaldwaynaka Scott and Provost Sonja Feist-Price. These high-level discussions focused on how both institutions could benefit from a shared commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion. The possibility of establishing formal agreements that would enhance faculty and student exchanges, as well as collaboration on research initiatives, was a central theme of the meeting.

Dr. Gates also visited the Department of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences, and Technology (CIMST), where he met with Dr. Mohammad Abdus Salam, the department chair, and other prominent faculty members, including Dr. Rohan Attele, Dr. Saifuddin Saif, Prof. Kristen Griffin, and Prof. Melvin Miller. The interactions were positive, and the faculty expressed a strong interest in exploring avenues for joint research and academic initiatives with Purdue University. Dr. Gates commended the department’s efforts in advancing technology education and research, noting the potential for collaborative projects that could benefit both institutions.

One of the highlights of Dr. Gates' visit was his motivational speech delivered to the undergraduate and graduate students of the CIMST Department. His speech was both encouraging and inspiring, focusing on the importance of perseverance, the value of advanced education, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for students pursuing careers in STEM fields especially in semiconductors. He emphasized the unique opportunities that a PhD pathway at Purdue University could offer, especially for those passionate about technology, innovation, and research.

Dr. Gates’ words resonated deeply with the students, many of whom expressed a keen interest in pursuing further studies at Purdue. The visit sparked excitement and enthusiasm, as students began to explore the possibility of transitioning from CSU’s rigorous programs to PhD opportunities at Purdue. His visit not only motivated the students but also left a lasting impression on the faculty.

In the end, Dr. Gates departed CSU with a sense of optimism and excitement for the potential future collaborations between the two institutions. The discussions and connections made during this visit laid a strong foundation for meaningful partnerships, with great potential for growth and success in the future. Both CSU faculty and students felt encouraged and inspired by the possibilities that this collaboration could bring, marking this visit as an important milestone in CSU's ongoing efforts to foster partnerships with leading institutions like Purdue University.