Purdue University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Purdue University has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative strategy, academic advisory, student leadership, and institutional governance.

Committed to advancing science, technology, and agriculture education, Purdue University fosters a research-driven environment that prepares students for global challenges through rigorous academic inquiry and innovation.

Leadership Roles at Purdue University

  • President's Council Advisory Board - Patsy Mellott
  • Club President - Samarth Rastogi
  • President - Francesca Galanti
  • President - Mitchell Daniels
  • Purdue Arab Society President - Omar Saad
  • President & Captain - Robert Boychyn
  • President - Aamiya Hashim
  • President, Alum, 's Council Donor Thru Project Management Office Efforts - Gary Higgins
  • Special Advisor To the President and Provost Bill and Dee O'Brien Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Engineering. Director of Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute. S - Michael Manfra
  • Chief of Staff To the Chancellor - Catharine Olsen
  • Patsy Mellott - President's Council Advisory Board

    Patsy Mellott, the President's Council Advisory Board at Purdue University, provides critical guidance on institutional development and philanthropic engagement. Mellott evaluates strategic partnerships that enhance the university research capabilities in science and technology. As a member of the President's Council Advisory Board, Mellott identifies opportunities for community outreach and alumni involvement to bolster the university reputation. This role requires deep analysis of market trends within higher education to ensure the institution remains at the forefront of innovation. Patsy Mellott collaborates with university leadership to refine long-term goals and support the expansion of academic programs. By leveraging extensive networks, the President's Council Advisory Board strengthens the financial foundation of the university. This position demands a focus on sustainable growth and the cultivation of relationships that benefit the entire academic community. Through dedicated oversight, Mellott ensures that strategic initiatives align with the core mission of providing world-class education.

    Samarth Rastogi - Club President

    Samarth Rastogi, the Club President at Purdue University, directs student-led initiatives that promote engagement in science and technology fields. Rastogi organizes collaborative projects that bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application. As the Club President, Rastogi manages membership growth and coordinates events that highlight the university commitment to innovation. This role involves fostering a culture of leadership among students while maintaining strong ties to faculty advisors. Samarth Rastogi oversees the allocation of resources for club activities to ensure maximum impact on the student experience. By facilitating workshops and networking sessions, the Club President enhances the professional development of participants. This leadership position requires effective communication and organizational skills to manage diverse teams. Through consistent effort, Rastogi drives student participation in research-focused activities. Ultimately, the Club President contributes to the vibrant academic environment that defines the university experience for students across all disciplines.

    Francesca Galanti - President

    Francesca Galanti, the President at Purdue University, oversees the strategic direction of student organizations focused on academic excellence and professional development. Galanti coordinates efforts to integrate student initiatives with the broader research goals of the university. As the President, Galanti manages internal governance and ensures that all activities align with the institutional mission of advancing science and technology. This role involves representing student interests to the administration and fostering partnerships with industry leaders. Francesca Galanti drives the implementation of programs that enhance the educational experience for the student body. By optimizing organizational workflows, the President ensures that resources support high-impact projects. This leadership position requires a commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across campus. Through strategic planning, Galanti secures the long-term viability of student-led research groups. Ultimately, the President maintains the high standards of excellence expected within the university community while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

    Mitchell Daniels - President

    Mitchell Daniels, the President at Purdue University, directs the overarching institutional strategy and academic vision for the university. Daniels oversees the expansion of research programs in science, technology, and agriculture to maintain the university status as a leader in public education. As the President, Daniels manages relationships with state and national stakeholders to secure funding and support for campus initiatives. This role involves setting the tone for academic rigor and innovation across all departments. Mitchell Daniels drives the development of policies that improve operational efficiency and student outcomes. By collaborating with the Board of Trustees, the President ensures that the university remains responsive to the evolving needs of the global economy. This leadership position requires a focus on long-term sustainability and the promotion of excellence in teaching and research. Through decisive action, Daniels advances the university mission and strengthens the institution position as a premier research university.

    Omar Saad - Purdue Arab Society President

    Omar Saad, the Purdue Arab Society President at Purdue University, leads cultural and academic programming that enriches the campus community. Saad coordinates events that highlight the contributions of Arab scholars to science and technology. As the Purdue Arab Society President, Saad fosters an inclusive environment that encourages cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. This role involves managing organizational logistics and building partnerships with other student groups to promote diversity. Omar Saad drives initiatives that support the professional growth of members through networking and mentorship opportunities. By facilitating engagement with faculty, the Purdue Arab Society President ensures that student activities align with the university commitment to global education. This leadership position requires strong interpersonal skills and a dedication to community building. Through consistent outreach, Saad enhances the cultural fabric of the university. Ultimately, the Purdue Arab Society President contributes to the diverse and innovative spirit that defines the institution.

    Robert Boychyn - President & Captain

    Robert Boychyn, the President & Captain at Purdue University, manages competitive student teams that apply engineering principles to real-world challenges. Boychyn oversees the technical development and operational logistics of these teams to ensure success in regional and national competitions. As the President & Captain, Boychyn coordinates training schedules and resource management to maximize team performance. This role involves mentoring members and fostering a culture of technical excellence. Robert Boychyn drives the integration of advanced research concepts into team projects, reflecting the university focus on science and technology. By maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism, the President & Captain ensures that all activities align with institutional policies. This leadership position requires a balance of technical expertise and organizational management. Through dedicated guidance, Boychyn prepares students for careers in engineering and research. Ultimately, the President & Captain supports the university mission by producing graduates ready to solve complex global problems.

    Aamiya Hashim - President

    Aamiya Hashim, the President at Purdue University, leads student-driven initiatives that focus on community service and academic advocacy. Hashim coordinates projects that connect student efforts with the university mission of public service and education. As the President, Hashim manages organizational strategy and ensures that all activities promote the values of the institution. This role involves collaborating with university administration to address student needs and improve campus life. Aamiya Hashim drives the development of programs that encourage student participation in research and community engagement. By fostering a collaborative environment, the President ensures that student groups contribute positively to the university reputation. This leadership position requires strong communication skills and a commitment to service. Through strategic planning, Hashim enhances the impact of student organizations on the broader campus community. Ultimately, the President supports the university goal of preparing students to be active and responsible citizens in a global society.

    Gary Higgins - President, Alum, 's Council Donor Thru Project Management Office Efforts

    Gary Higgins, the President, Alum, 's Council Donor Thru Project Management Office Efforts at Purdue University, oversees alumni engagement and philanthropic support for institutional projects. Higgins coordinates with the Project Management Office to ensure that donor contributions directly support research and infrastructure improvements. As the President, Alum, 's Council Donor Thru Project Management Office Efforts, Higgins leverages professional experience to guide strategic investments in science and technology education. This role involves maintaining strong relationships with the alumni network to foster long-term support for the university. Gary Higgins drives initiatives that align donor interests with the university mission of academic excellence. By facilitating communication between alumni and university leadership, the President, Alum, 's Council Donor Thru Project Management Office Efforts ensures that resources are utilized effectively. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the university history and future goals. Through dedicated efforts, Higgins strengthens the financial and community support necessary for continued institutional growth.

    Michael Manfra - Special Advisor To the President and Provost Bill and Dee O'Brien Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Engineering. Director of Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute. S

    Michael Manfra, the Special Advisor To the President and Provost Bill and Dee O'Brien Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Engineering. Director of Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute. S at Purdue University, directs research initiatives in quantum science and engineering. Manfra oversees the development of advanced laboratory facilities and coordinates interdisciplinary research projects across multiple engineering departments. As the Special Advisor To the President and Provost Bill and Dee O'Brien Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Engineering. Director of Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute. S, Manfra provides expert guidance on scientific policy and academic strategy. This role involves managing large-scale research grants and fostering partnerships with industry and government agencies. Michael Manfra drives the integration of quantum technology into the university curriculum, ensuring that students receive cutting-edge education. By leading the Quantum Science and Engineering Institute, the Special Advisor To the President and Provost Bill and Dee O'Brien Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Engineering. Director of Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute. S positions the university as a global leader in this critical field. This leadership position requires a blend of scientific expertise and administrative vision to advance the university research agenda.

    Catharine Olsen - Chief of Staff To the Chancellor

    Catharine Olsen, the Chief of Staff To the Chancellor at Purdue University, manages high-level administrative operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the campus. Olsen facilitates communication between the Chancellor and various academic departments to ensure alignment with institutional goals. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff To the Chancellor optimizes resource allocation for research and educational programs. This role involves overseeing complex projects that support the university mission in science and technology. Catharine Olsen maintains rigorous standards for operational efficiency while fostering collaboration among faculty and staff. Through careful planning and execution, the Chief of Staff To the Chancellor drives progress on key university objectives. This leadership position requires constant engagement with diverse stakeholders to maintain the academic excellence associated with the institution. Ultimately, Olsen secures the administrative stability necessary for long-term growth and success within the competitive landscape of public research universities.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Purdue University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Purdue University?
    Purdue University is led by Patsy Mellott (President's Council Advisory Board), along with executives such as Samarth Rastogi (Club President) and Francesca Galanti (President).
    Who is part of Purdue University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Purdue University includes leaders such as Patsy Mellott (President's Council Advisory Board), Samarth Rastogi (Club President), Francesca Galanti (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Purdue University have?
    Purdue University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Purdue University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Purdue University includes roles such as President's Council Advisory Board, Club President, President, President, Purdue Arab Society President.