Purdue Global career advancement director receives national honor

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Global’s Adam Bufka is this year’s recipient of the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ (NACE) Mackes Leadership Award. He was honored during NACE’s annual conference June 9-11 in Denver.

Bufka, who has been with the online university for 12 years, serves as a director of Purdue Global’s Center for Career Advancement. He also presented at NACE on partnerships to champion veteran success, centered around intentional collaborations with education institutions and industries.

The Mackes Leadership Award is named in honor of Marilyn Mackes, who served as NACE’s executive director for 23 years. It recognizes members who “have shown exemplary leadership while promoting an environment of inclusive excellence, ethical standards and innovation.”

As a director at the Center for Career Advancement, Bufka supports the School of Health Sciences, overseeing eight career specialists and working with academic partners, all while supporting 2,500-plus graduates. His specialty areas include workforce development, government relations and career services. He is a NACE member and has served on numerous NACE committees, including the use of AI in career services and on this year’s Workforce Development Programs and Intermediaries Task Force. Bufka serves as director of research for the Council on Military Transition to Education, helping the Military-Civilian Transition Office and colleges improve the transition process to education and subsequent career paths to assist military professionals after service.

“I was both surprised and deeply honored to receive the Mackes Leadership Award. At my first NACE conference in 2015, I was introduced to this association dedicated to improving the lives of those they serve, whether in recruiting or career services,” Bufka said. “That first conference was eye-opening and cemented my desire to push individuals forward and open opportunities that lead to success. I’ve been fortunate to have amazing leaders at Purdue Global who have taught me so much, and I am motivated to continue leading in ways this award represents.”

According to Jennifer Lasater, vice president of student and career advancement, Bufka is known to coach and mentor others in career services, work with groups to develop educational pathways for military members, and continually work to enhance the student experience.

“The criteria for this award include promoting an environment of inclusive excellence, ethical standards and innovation. Adam’s work on initiatives — especially those involving the military, skills and technological advancements for our students — illustrates his commitment to the success of our students and our team here at the Center for Career Advancement,” Lasater said. “I’m thrilled for him to be recognized by NACE for his dedication to our profession.”