Purdue University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Purdue University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, legal affairs, and student engagement.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Purdue University provides advanced science, technology, and agriculture education, shaping future leaders and driving research breakthroughs across critical sectors.

Leadership Roles at Purdue University

  • Chief Executive Officer & President - Marcus Lewis
  • Club President - Pauline Holden
  • President - Giovanni Arsini
  • President - Ian Chiu
  • President & Co-Founder - Samuel Forfang
  • President - Francesca Galanti
  • President - Sydney Truscott
  • President - Aamiya Hashim
  • Chief of Staff - Catharine Patrone
  • Chief Legal Officer & Secretary - Gerald Trepkowski
  • Marcus Lewis - Chief Executive Officer & President

    Marcus Lewis, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Purdue University, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the institution. Lewis guides the university's mission to deliver high-quality science, technology, and agriculture education, ensuring alignment with evolving industry demands and research frontiers. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence across all departments. Overseeing institutional development, Marcus Lewis ensures the university's continued growth and impact in higher education. The Chief Executive Officer & President's responsibilities extend to external relations, representing Purdue University to stakeholders, government bodies, and the broader community, thereby solidifying its position as a leading research institution.
    Marcus Lewis

    Pauline Holden - Club President

    Pauline Holden, the Club President at Purdue University, leads student-focused initiatives and organizational development for extracurricular activities. Holden champions student engagement, fostering a vibrant campus community through diverse club offerings. This role involves strategic planning for club operations and resource allocation to support student leadership. Overseeing club activities, Pauline Holden ensures alignment with university policies and student welfare objectives. The Club President's responsibilities include promoting student leadership development and facilitating collaborative opportunities among various student organizations. Holden's dedication enhances the student experience and contributes to a well-rounded educational journey at Purdue University.

    Giovanni Arsini - President

    Giovanni Arsini, the President at Purdue University, directs strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the institution's academic and research profile. Arsini drives innovation in educational programs, ensuring Purdue University remains at the forefront of science, technology, and agriculture. This leadership position involves fostering collaborations with industry partners and research institutions globally. Overseeing institutional growth, Giovanni Arsini champions initiatives that expand access to quality education and research opportunities. The President's role encompasses guiding the university's long-term vision and ensuring its continued contribution to societal advancement through rigorous academic pursuits and groundbreaking discoveries.

    Ian Chiu - President

    Ian Chiu, the President at Purdue University, spearheads efforts to advance the university's global research impact and technological innovation. Chiu focuses on strengthening Purdue University's position in critical STEM fields, driving advancements in science and engineering. This executive role involves cultivating strategic partnerships to accelerate research commercialization and knowledge transfer. Overseeing research infrastructure, Ian Chiu ensures state-of-the-art facilities are available to faculty and students. The President's mandate includes promoting interdisciplinary research and fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries that address complex global challenges.

    Samuel Forfang - President & Co-Founder

    Samuel Forfang, the President & Co-Founder at Purdue University, leads the strategic direction and entrepreneurial vision for innovative student ventures. Forfang cultivates an ecosystem that supports student startups, driving the development of new technologies and businesses. This role involves guiding the co-founding team and securing resources for nascent enterprises. Overseeing the incubation process, Samuel Forfang ensures that student-led projects receive the necessary mentorship and support to thrive. The President & Co-Founder's commitment is to translate academic knowledge into tangible economic and societal impact through entrepreneurial endeavors.

    Francesca Galanti - President

    Francesca Galanti, the President at Purdue University, directs initiatives aimed at enhancing student success and academic support services. Galanti focuses on creating robust learning environments that empower students to achieve their full potential in science, technology, and agriculture. This leadership position involves collaborating with faculty and staff to refine curricula and pedagogical approaches. Overseeing student development programs, Francesca Galanti ensures comprehensive support systems are in place. The President's responsibilities include advocating for student needs and fostering a campus culture that prioritizes academic achievement and personal growth.

    Sydney Truscott - President

    Sydney Truscott, the President at Purdue University, leads strategic planning for student engagement and campus life enrichment. Truscott champions initiatives that foster a dynamic and inclusive campus community, promoting student involvement in extracurricular and leadership activities. This role involves developing programs that enhance the overall student experience beyond academics. Overseeing student organizations, Sydney Truscott ensures a wide array of opportunities are available to meet diverse student interests. The President's focus is on building a supportive environment where students can develop leadership skills and form lasting connections.

    Aamiya Hashim - President

    Aamiya Hashim, the President at Purdue University, drives strategic efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the institution. Hashim champions initiatives that create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff, reflecting the university's commitment to broad representation. This leadership role involves developing policies and programs that foster cultural understanding and belonging. Overseeing diversity and inclusion efforts, Aamiya Hashim ensures that Purdue University's values are embedded in its operations and community interactions. Hashim's work is crucial in building a more equitable and representative academic community.

    Catharine Patrone - Chief of Staff

    Catharine Patrone, the Chief of Staff at Purdue University, manages critical administrative functions and supports the executive leadership team. Patrone facilitates strategic initiatives, ensuring seamless communication and coordination across various university departments. This role involves optimizing operational workflows and driving efficiency in administrative processes. Overseeing key projects, Catharine Patrone ensures timely execution and adherence to institutional goals. The Chief of Staff's purview includes advising on policy development and implementing strategic directives, thereby enhancing the university's overall effectiveness and operational integrity. Patrone's leadership ensures that the executive team's vision is translated into actionable plans.
    Gerald Trepkowski, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary at Purdue University, oversees all legal affairs and corporate governance matters. Trepkowski provides expert counsel on regulatory compliance, risk management, and contractual obligations, safeguarding the university's interests. This critical position involves advising the Board of Trustees and executive leadership on legal implications of institutional decisions. Overseeing the legal department, Gerald Trepkowski ensures adherence to all applicable laws and policies. The Chief Legal Officer & Secretary's responsibilities include managing litigation, intellectual property, and transactional legal work, thereby supporting Purdue University's academic and research endeavors. Trepkowski's guidance is essential for maintaining the university's ethical and legal standing.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Purdue University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Purdue University?
    Purdue University is led by Marcus Lewis (Chief Executive Officer & President), along with executives such as Pauline Holden (Club President) and Giovanni Arsini (President).
    Who is part of Purdue University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Purdue University includes leaders such as Marcus Lewis (Chief Executive Officer & President), Pauline Holden (Club President), Giovanni Arsini (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 Chief Executive Officer & President, Club President, President, President, President & Co-Founder.