Jennie Sanders named Purdue Global’s chief academic officer and senior vice president

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Jennie M. Sanders has been appointed Purdue Global’s chief academic officer and senior vice president, effective July 13.

As chief academic officer, Sanders will oversee all academic schools and student success units, student affairs and support services, faculty support areas, and drive the development of curriculum and AI-integrated learning models. She will report to Purdue Global CEO Eva Nodine and was selected as the top candidate in a highly competitive national search. At Purdue Global, the chief academic officer role combines the current chancellor and provost roles.

Sanders is a first-generation college graduate, earning her PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from Cornell University and her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Utah. She has served in numerous faculty and university leadership roles at Western Governors University from 2013-26, most recently as vice president of experiential product management and interim vice president of product and technology. Other roles held at Western Governors include vice president of instruction, vice president of faculty experience and academic services, director of faculty experience, faculty manager, and senior manager of instructional faculty.

“Jennie is a forward-thinking leader and accomplished academic whose extensive experience and history of collaboration on large-scale projects will be instrumental in moving Purdue Global forward,” Nodine said. “Her demonstrated passion and drive align perfectly with our students and culture, making her an ideal fit within Purdue Global.”

Sanders is passionate about creating flexible, personalized experiences for working adults enrolling in online institutions that enhance their skills and professional connections as they make their comeback. She is particularly interested in the science of learning and in finding ways to provide tools, technology and support for students that improve their academic and professional outcomes.

“Purdue Global was created to provide access to high-quality education to working adult students for whom online learning is the best modality. I am delighted to start working with Purdue Global leadership, faculty and staff in expanding educational opportunities to more students,” Sanders said. “The future of education is full of exciting possibilities, especially as we look at AI and other emerging technologies in the classroom. We can leverage a masterful mix of technology and human connection as we work with students to prepare them for the changing workforce and help them achieve their goals.”