2023 IEP Designee – Purdue University Northwest

Purdue Northwest: Driving Economic Revitalization in Northwest Indiana

As one of the most dynamic public metropolitan universities in the U.S., Purdue University Northwest (PNW) stands tall as a scion of transformational change, leading the charge in the economic rejuvenation of Northwest Indiana. PNW’s recent designation as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) university is not merely an honor; it is a testament to our relentless dedication to instigating positive change in a region that has weathered economic storms since the decline of the domestic steel industry labor force began in the latter half of the 20th century.

At the core of our institutional narrative lies the active collaboration between PNW and the Calumet Region. Strategically positioned as a catalyst for change, PNW has evolved into an invaluable asset, breathing life into an area that has long endured economic adversity. This partnership transcends the traditional realms of education; it is a commitment to architecting growth, driving innovation, and fostering inclusivity beyond the boundaries of our campuses.

Our journey since PNW’s founding in 2016, evolving from a more than 75-year history of two campuses in our region, has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge commercialization, community impact, and generational change in the lives of our students. Through intentional collaborations with private industry, PNW does not merely pioneer cutting-edge technologies; it assumes a crucial role in fostering job creation with new and established companies. This concerted effort plays a pivotal role in rekindling the economic heartbeat of our region, promising a trajectory of growth and diversification in the decades ahead.

PNW takes immense pride in being the sole emerging Hispanic-serving institution in the state with a school of engineering. This unique positioning is reflective of PNW’s integration into the fabric of our surrounding community. Our focus on inclusion and belonging resonates deeply with the diverse demographics of Northwest Indiana, as does PNW’s emphasis on offering high quality, high value academic programs to a largely first-generation demographic. We are truly in the business of changing lives and the generations that will follow.

Integral to our success is the synergy between PNW and the local public and private sectors in shaping Northwest Indiana’s long-term regional economic development plan. As a metropolitan anchor institution, PNW has become the nexus of numerous critical initiatives, providing essential inputs to major breakthroughs such as the expansion of the South Shore commuter rail line, a successful $50m regional economic accelerator grant, and the revitalization of downtown Hammond, just a few miles from our main campus.

As co-chairs of the IEP initiative, we have been privileged to work alongside the broader PNW community to undertake a rigorous self-study and review of best practices from other IEP designated universities. Comprehensive measures, including surveys, focus groups, and community listening sessions, have been integral to ensuring that our impact is not just qualitative but also quantifiable; this was validated by a third-party economic impact analysis commissioned to further evaluate the profound effect PNW has on the region.

In conclusion, Purdue University Northwest remains unwavering in its commitment to driving positive change in our region. As we celebrate our IEP designation, we extend our gratitude to the APLU community for recognizing the transformative impact of engaged public universities. Together, we eagerly anticipate a future where the seeds of innovation and economic prosperity continue to flourish in Northwest Indiana.