In 1978, Charlene Sullivan began her career as the first female finance professor at Krannert. She eventually rose to the position of associate dean of undergraduate programs, and 44 years after her start at Krannert, Dean Sullivan retired in June 2022. I have the honor of following in her footsteps as Krannert’s next Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, although it’s been observed more than once that she has left some pretty big shoes to fill!  

As many of you will recall, Dean Sullivan was passionate about student engagement and success. Her courses were never easy A’s, but she was always available to provide encouragement, advice, and redirection when needed. Her dedication to students across the years spurred the development of a number of programs, scholarships, and teaching practices that continue to benefit Krannert students. The Larsen Leaders Academy, the Stock Pickers Award, new majors like Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) and Business Analytics and Information Management (BAIM), and the Krannert Award for Teaching Excellence (KATE) exist today at least in part because of Dean Sullivan. One of these initiatives I’m especially excited to promote is Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD), a program that matches current Krannert undergraduates with alumni mentors. Your willingness to share your journeys, perspectives, and lessons learned is so valuable. Alumni reflection offers insights that professors and classmates alone can’t provide. For more information about how to become involved in the GOLD program, visit and fill out the Krannert GOLD Survey.

If you missed your chance to send Dean Sullivan a congratulatory message about her retirement during our celebration of her in April, she can still be reached at sullivaa@purdue.edu. I’m excited for the opportunity to carry on Dean Sullivan’s legacy of service to the Krannert community, and I hope you will consider this message as an invitation to keep in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.