Purdue Global has begun a search for its next chief academic officer and senior vice president (CAO) to sustain momentum, drive growth, and focus on student success and innovation.

Jon Harbor, who recently announced he is stepping away from his role as interim chancellor, will lead a universitywide search committee for the position, which will combine the current chancellor and provost roles. Following the appointment of the new CAO, current Provost Carolyn Nordstrom will lead the onboarding process for the new CAO and continue to serve as a senior advisor, reporting to Purdue Global CEO Eva Nodine.

In addition to Harbor, the search committee consists of the following members:

  • Malcolm DeKryger, Purdue Global Board of Trustees, Board of Trustees representative
  • Carolyn Nordstrom, provost
  • Kati Pratt, chief marketing officer
  • Jody DeKorte, dean and vice president, School of Multidisciplinary and Professional Studies
  • Lori Tripoli, faculty member in Purdue Global Law School and Purdue Global Faculty Senate president
  • Sunil Prabhakar, vice provost for faculty affairs at Purdue University, Purdue academic leadership representative

Purdue Global’s growth is evident in recent enrollments and record-breaking commencements. Students can be found in all 50 U.S. states and numerous countries around the world. Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults and a leader in online higher education, is an early adopter of credit for prior learning and awarded more than 1 million prior-learning credits in 2024-25. Purdue Global serves working adult learners seeking to earn a degree for economic and career mobility. Of the current student population:

  • 28% are military-related
  • 62% are 30 years of age or older
  • 52% have a child or other dependents
  • 83% are working while enrolled
  • 49% are first-generation college students

Interested candidates can review the job posting and submit applications with a cover letter and a CV online. Purdue Global faculty and staff may also submit nominations for the role by completing a Qualtrics survey. Questions about the position can be addressed to Harbor at chancellor@purdueglobal.edu.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.

About the Author

Matthew Oates

Media contact: Matthew Oates, oatesw@purdue.edu, 765-496-6160, @mo_oates