Renee Thomas on Helping College Students Find Their Community at Purdue University

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Renee Thomas, Purdue University’s associate vice provost for student access and community engagement. 

For more than 35 years, Renee has increased educational opportunities for thousands of Boilermakers. 

In this episode, you will: 

• Learn how Renee has impacted students’ lives by helping them find their community at Purdue.  
• Explore her profound impact on Purdue’s Black Cultural Center as the former director and learn more about the importance of all five university cultural centers. 
• Get to know how her role as associate vice provost is expanding into Indianapolis and the three pillars her team uses to ensure students feel a sense of belonging at Purdue. 
• Discover how she creates connections between students and alumni and the rich historical significance of the Black community in Indianapolis, including places like Indiana Avenue, the Madam Walker Legacy Center and more. 
• Gain valuable advice and insights on how students can find community and belonging on campus. 
• Find out what it meant to her to receive both the Special Boilermaker Award and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s Achievement in Education Award in 2024 for the recognition of her life-changing work. 

You don’t want to miss this episode with a Boilermaker who has spent her career making sure Purdue feels like home to every one of its students.  

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