May 13, 2015
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
Karen Schmid, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs for Purdue University North Central, also will
assume responsibilities as interim vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost for Purdue
University Calumet, following the recent resignation of Purdue Calumet Provost Peggy Gerard for
family reasons. Thus, Schmid will serve both campuses in anticipation of the unification into Purdue
University Northwest.
Karen will assume her responsibilities for Purdue Calumet, effective July 1, 2015.
Peggy announced her resignation as vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and provost to Purdue
Calumet Friday (5/8), citing increasing family concerns. Peggy, who has served Purdue Calumet since
1982 as a faculty member, dean of the College of Nursing, vice chancellor and provost, will return to
the Purdue Calumet College of Nursing faculty.
Among her numerous accomplishments, Peggy has led teams that established the Purdue University
Calumet College of Nursing as a national Center of Excellence and advanced the university’s first
doctoral degree in nursing practice. In 2013 she received the Indiana Hospital Association’s Award of
Merit for her contributions to health care statewide.
Her leadership also has contributed to establishment of the Indiana Center for Evidence Based Nursing
Practice at Purdue Calumet and escalation of the university’s Honors Program to Honors College.
Additionally, Peggy and Karen collaborated to establish a joint Office of Research and Graduate
Studies between Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central.
Karen also is an experienced educator and administrator with a long record of accomplishments. Karen
came to PNC in 2008 after six years as associate vice president for Academic Affairs at Indiana State
University. Since then, PNC has added seven bachelor’s degree programs; various student success
initiatives, including supplemental instruction; more online courses; and expanded the first-year
experience course.
Under her leadership, an Honors Program also was developed; the concurrent enrollment program was
enhanced; and PNC became one of 92 colleges and universities accredited by the National Association
of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.
Please join us in thanking Peggy for her many years of service to Purdue University Calumet as she
enters this next phase of her journey, and welcoming Karen to her expanded responsibilities with
Purdue Calumet.
Sincerely,
Thomas L. Keon
Chancellor
James B. Dworkin
Chancellor
IB #22 FY14-15 Interim of Vice Chancellor Academic Affair and Provost for Purdue Calumet