Staff

Nathaniel Utz

Vice President

Nathan Utz is the Vice President of the Office of Industry Partnerships. Nathan provides leadership and strategic direction to OIP and supports a holistic and integrated approach to relationships with industry partners.
Nathan brings a results-oriented approach to his work and has a long-history of building relationships with industry.  Previously, Nathan was at the University of Notre Dame, where he served as the senior director for corporate relations and helped build a best-in-class industry engagement team. The team’s model was geared toward increasing corporate partnerships and overall financial support for the university and under Nathan’s leadership they achieved several record years of production. Nathan was also the academic advancement program director for the university’s College of Engineering, where he redefined academic fundraising and assisted in securing more than $150 million towards engineering priorities.
Nathan was a partial owner of a Chicago-based private engineering/architectural consulting firm responsible for business development, client relations, public presentations, strategic marketing and project management. In his 15 years in industry, Nathan gained significant experience in managing all aspects of multi-million dollar engineering projects, including team management, written proposals, funding agreements, personnel decisions, engineering alternatives, financial analysis, budget projections, project coordination and final project delivery.

Education
Nathan holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Notre Dame

Contact Info
Office: 765-588-5252
Mobile: 773-844-9392
nkutz@purdueforlife.org

Diana Hancock

Associate Vice President Educational Partnerships

Diana serves as the Associate Vice President for Educational Partnerships in the Office of Industry Partnerships. She is charged with all B2B sales and coordination for both Purdue Global and Purdue Online. She will be managing both an internal team focused on business development as well as managing our external third-party partnerships with both Kaplan North America, Guild, and others. Diana comes from Purdue Online where she served as Executive Director of Business Partnerships, Quality and Communications.  Prior to joining Purdue, she worked in the automotive industry in a variety of engineering, manufacturing, and marketing capacities.
She and her husband, Rob, reside in Lafayette, Indiana, love to vacation in Traverse City, Michigan, and have two children who both graduated from Purdue in Industrial Engineering and are gainfully employed, Abigail as a Corporate Engineer at Conagra Foods and Ryan as a Data Scientist at Proctor & Gamble.

Education
BS Industrial Engineering, University of Michigan
MBA, University of Michigan

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-412-0995
dlhancock@purdueforlife.org

Kelvin Gumbs

Executive Director Educational Partnerships

Kelvin manages the online education military strategy for Purdue University.  With a strong focus on Purdue Global and Purdue Online, he is deeply motivated and driven to position Purdue’s brand as the leading online university provider of credentials that advances career readiness and professional development of military servicemembers, veterans, and eligible dependents.
 
Kelvin is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico and was raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  He graduated from Stillwater High School May 2000, entered Enlisted Naval Service August 2000, and was commissioned as a Chief Warrant Officer in June 2016.  During his time in the U.S. Navy Kelvin has supported and led at various levels and served onboard:  Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, an amphibious command ship, strike fighter and reconnaissance squadrons, the Pentagon, headquarters units across the Pacific theater, National Capital Region, and a Geographic Combatant Command in Europe.  Kelvin retired from the U.S. Navy in the fall of 2022 from Naval Education and Training Command as the Staff Executive Officer and Director of Administration.
 
He is also a Leadership, Performance, and Safety Coach with CAVU International.  Kelvin is married, he is a proud father of two teenagers, and currently resides in Pensacola, FL.  Kelvin is an avid runner and enjoys visiting U.S. National Parks.
EDUCATION:
BS Professional Studies, Purdue University Global
AAS Small Group Management, Purdue University Global
Navy Limited Duty/Chief Warrant Officer Academy, Officer Training Command
Joint Professional Military Education (Senior Non-Commissioned),
Naval Education and Training Command (Distance)
Professional Military Education (Primary), U.S. Naval War College (Distance)
Joint Professional Military Education (Senior Enlisted),
National Defense University – Joint Forces Staff College (Distance)
Mobile: 208-206-9347
kegumbs@purdueforlife.org

Joseph Krok

Executive Director Aerospace and Defense Portfolio

Joseph (Joe) Krok serves as Executive Director for the Office of Industry Partnerships. In his role, Joe leads a team of individuals focusing on holistic engagement and partnerships with companies in the high-tech/STEM industry sectors. More specifically, the team is responsible for engagement with the aerospace and defense, telecommunications and semiconductor, chemical and energy, and construction, transportation, and environment sectors.
Prior to coming to Purdue, Joe worked at Rolls-Royce Corporation for 21 years with his most recent role being Program Lead, University Research Partnerships. He was responsible for linking university research capability with Rolls-Royce technology needs and for building university research partnerships across the United States. He also was tasked with building the vision and strategy for the research & technology arm for the organization, started a corporate ventures function, led innovation activities, and initiated an academic alliance in cyber security technology. He also started a minority recruiting program, leading the relationship with several key diversity organizations, including SHPE, SWE, and NSBE.
Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan in 1994.  During his time at Michigan, he earned a varsity letter, recognition on the Dean’s list, and 1^st Prize for his senior design project.  He also assisted on genetic research for cystic fibrosis and met his wife. He earned his master’s degree from Purdue University in 2013.
Joe is married to Dr. Windi Krok, has two sons and a daughter, and lives in Whitestown, Indiana.

Education
BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1994
MS Purdue University, 2013

Contact Info
Mobile: 317-696-3173
jdkrok@purdueforlife.org

Eric Woods

Executive Director Agriculture/Plant; Food Science & Veterinary Medicine Portfolio

Eric Woods serves as Executive Director for the Office of Industry Partnerships, Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine Portfolio. This group provides a gateway to the University, making connections between external partners and Purdue within the areas of recruiting, research, philanthropy, campus presence/investment, and student/classroom engagement. These responsibilities support university-level priorities and help to build long-term strategic relationships. Woods is also responsible for a portfolio that includes some of Purdue’s largest corporate partners.
Woods has been with Purdue since 2013, serving as the first Director of Corporate Relations for the College of Health and Human Sciences. In 2015, as Senior Director, he was asked to lead a cross-campus collaboration effort for the Office of Corporate Relations — part of the University Development Office — a role that has grown to his current position.
Prior to joining Purdue, Woods spent 25 years leading sales and business development teams with various companies.

Education
BS Behavioral Science ’89, Indiana University Kokomo

Contact Info
Office: 765-494-2733
Mobile: 765-637-8000
pewoods@purdueforlife.org

Bradford Beach

Senior Director Pharma and Biotech Portfolio

Bradford Beach will serve as one of the Senior Directors for the Office of Industry Partnerships. In this role, Brad will support Purdue’s efforts to transform the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
Brad joins us from Evonik Healthcare where he developed and delivered improvement programs for contract manufacturing operations in their Lafayette, Indiana location. Prior to joining Evonik, Brad spent over 10 years with SLB, an oilfield technology and services company, where he learned to understand technology from its first principles, how to operate a high-tech service business in a complex environment, and how to function with a “dual perspective” to keep the business running today and improve for tomorrow.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University 

Contact Info
Mobile: 317-529-8503
bwbeach@purdueforlife.org

Fabiola Clayton

Senior Director, SoftTech/FinTech

 Fabiola is a seasoned corporate and education professional with over two decades of experience, and she will be working with the Softech/FinTech portfolio of companies. Fabiola joins us from Autodesk Education where she worked as a strategic account manager, creating and nurturing thought leadership and research opportunities with top-tier engineering schools. She also facilitated engagement between industry executives and top academic leadership, including deans, provosts, and chancellors.

Fabiola has received numerous awards for her work at Autodesk, including the Top-Rated Speaker award at the Autodesk University Conference in New Orleans for her workshop on Industry and Academia Partnerships. She graduated with honors from University of São Paulo with a Master of Architecture and Urban Design. Additionally, she holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and urban design from the same institution and completed a one-year specialization in Pedagogy for Higher Education at Mackenzie University. Currently, Fabiola is a Ph.D. student in Engineering Education at Purdue University.
 
In her free time, Fab enjoys reading and watching movies, going to concerts, and biking. She is also a huge science fiction fan.

Contact Info
Mobile: 317-965-7978
FFClayton@purdueforlife.org
 

Matthew Wagner

Senior Director Educational Partnerships

Matthew (Matt) Wagner serves as the Senior Director for Educational Partnerships in the Office of Industry Partnerships.  He joins Purdue for Life Foundation from Purdue University where he has been a leader in the growth of Purdue’s Online Programs since 2015, including the development of educational partnerships with: Cummins, General Motors, Lilly, and others.  Matt is thrilled about joining the Office of Industry Partnerships to further bridge industry with their next “Giant Leap” through innovative learning and upskilling partnerships.
Prior to Purdue, Matt worked in business development and engagement roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Duquesne University.  He is originally from Indianapolis and was a collegiate athlete.  In his free time, he enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Miriam, two daughters, Annalise and Brea, and dog, Rizzo.

Education
BS, Sport Management, Niagara University
MS, University of Louisville

Contact Info
Mobile: 317-258-4670
mlwagner@purdueforlife.org

Andrew Antonio

Director Chemical and Energy Industry Portfolio

Andrew Antonio serves as the Director of Industry Partnerships in the STEM/Hi Tech Group, working mainly to expand collaboration within the chemical and energy industry sector. This team provides a path for top university corporate and corporate foundation prospects to engage with Purdue through faculty research projects, student recruitment and classroom presence, campus investment, and local development. 
Prior to coming to Purdue, Andrew developed a long history of partnerships with the university through his leadership roles at Ivy Tech Community College as the Executive Director of Diversity, Engagement, and International Programs and then at Greater Lafayette Commerce as the Vice President of Chamber and Quality of Life. 
Andrew has been recognized for his community and engagement efforts through the Tippy Connect Young Professionals Top 10 Under 40 Award, Outstanding Community Service Director Award by Indiana Campus Compact, and Workforce Diversity Best Practices Award by the Supplier Diversity Coalition of Tippecanoe County. 
Andrew is married to Sarah Antonio and they have eight children: five daughters and three sons. They enjoy farming the homestead, riding off-road, and traveling as a family.

Education
BS, Economics, Christendom College
MBA, Applied Management, Indiana Wesleyan University

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-586-1501
alantonio@purdueforlife.org

MJ Bassett

Director Educational Partnerships

Maria Jose, who goes by MJ, is one of the new Directors for Educational Partnerships joining us from Purdue Global. She focuses on developing new relationships and partnerships in the Midwest region to help promote and grow Purdue’s programs and offerings.
MJ speaks 3 languages: Spanish, English and French. Joining the Office of Industry Partnerships fulfills her desire to learn more about the various segments of the university, academic verticals, and Purdue’s nationwide alliances.  MJ has been in academia since 2002 when she held a position as a member of the field team with DeVry University supporting the recruitment of high school students. Several of her professional roles provided her the opportunity to build a career that empowered the lives of students. MJ worked closely with healthcare and educational partners, including IU Health and Ivy Tech Community College System. She established partnerships with Morton College, College of Lake County, and Oakton Community College. Additionally, she assisted in the growth of partnerships with Advocate Aurora Health, Loyola Medicine, and built new alliances with RML Specialty and West Suburban Medical Center.
MJ was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador and achieved her goal to attend college in the USA by graduating with her undergraduate degree in Business from Campbell University in North Carolina. MJ has also earned her MBA at Keller Graduate School of Management, with a focus in Project Management from DeVry University. She now resides in River Forest, Illinois with her husband Rob, daughter Emma Maria, and enjoys playing golf, paddle tennis, and running. They also love to entertain, cook, and travel.

Contact Info
Mobile: 708-334-2561
mjbassett@purdueforlife.org

Tina Burton, DM

Director, Partnership Solutions, Educational Partnerships

Tina joins Purdue for Life Foundation from Purdue Global where she was the Associate Dean for the School of Business and Information Technology since 2011. Tina led a team of department chairs and faculty to create several new graduate and undergraduate programs in a wide variety of IT-related discipline areas. She enabled the university to be recognized by the National Security Agency as a Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity, with both undergraduate and graduate programs of study, as well as ABET accreditation for the undergraduate IT and Cyber programs. Leveraging her experience and background, Tina hopes to generate enhanced educational partnership opportunities for Purdue as a part of her new role.
Prior to Purdue Global, Tina worked at a variety of other colleges and universities in leadership and faculty roles, as well as positions in industry prior to joining academia. Tina has been a California resident since the age of 10 when her dad was transferred by the Navy to San Diego. She now resides in Murrieta, CA and spends any spare time she has walking her best friend, Diego, or poolside at her sister’s house nearby.

Education
Bachelors, Psychology
Masters, Computer Information Systems
Doctoral, Management

Contact Info
Mobile: 916-897-7141
TMBurton@purdueforlife.org

Michelle Carlson

Director Educational Partnerships

Michelle Carlson will serve as one of our Directors for Educational Partnerships. She began her career as a Vice President for National Consulting at a private company serving social services agencies throughout the nation before moving to the American Heart Association as the ‘Jump Rope for Heart’ lady.
Michelle began working for Purdue University Global’s School of Nursing in February 2020 developing healthcare relationships throughout Nebraska and Iowa.  In 2022, she received the ROSE Award (Recognizing Outstanding Service Excellence).  Prior to beginning her career at Purdue Global 3 years ago, she worked as a business development manager at both Grand Canyon University and Chamberlain University.  She has served as an Affirmative Action Officer and adjunct faculty at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Michelle is a board member of the Lincoln/Southeast Nebraska American Red Cross, sits on the library committee for St Mark’s United Methodist Church, and is a member of the NOVA Business & Professional Women in Lincoln. 
Michelle is a native Nebraskan; she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Education and her Master of Arts in Sports Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is also certified in the Stephen Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Michelle resides in Lincoln with her husband, Bruce.  Together they love to golf and officiate high school volleyball in Nebraska. Some of her favorite things to do are reading, attending concerts, and watching just about any sport. They have one daughter, Liz, who is married and lives in Lincoln as well.

Contact Info
Mobile: 308-293-1899
mjcarlson@purdueforlife.org

Soukaina Lamrani

Director Educational Partnerships

Soukaina (Souki) Lamrani serves as Director of Educational Partnerships within the Office of Industry Partnerships. Souki joins us from University of Michigan Ann Arbor where she has been a leader in the growth of Online and Hybrid Programs including the development of educational partnerships with global entities.

Prior to U-M, Souki has worked at Arizona State University where she was responsible for developing and managing key relationships with industry partners, university leadership, faculty, staff, researchers, and administrators as well as planning new programs in alignment with industry needs. 
Souki is excited about joining the Office of Industry Partnerships to help make a societal impact through lifelong learning and upskilling/ reskilling partnerships. Souki has a diverse set of skills as she worked in finance, data analytics and business consultancy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s in global affairs and management.

In her free time, Souki enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, and caring for her cat and dog.

Education:

MA Global Affairs and Management, Thunderbird School of Global Management
Graduate Certificate in Global Finance, Thunderbird School of Global Management
BS Computer Science, Jacksonville State University

Contact Info
Mobile: 256-225-6718
slamrani@purdueforlife.org

Russell McKee

Director Educational Partnerships

Russell McKee will serve as one of our Directors of Educational Partnerships also joining us from Purdue Global.  In this role Russell will seek out and maintain clinical and educational partnerships with healthcare organizations and systems throughout Maine for the Purdue system.  His goal is to solve the partners training and educational needs while also insuring their employees are receiving the highest quality training at the most affordable cost. Russell has previously been recognized by former White House Chief of Staff, Andrew Card, for excellence in educational commitment.
Russell McKee received his bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in Economics from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Additionally, he has earned his master’s degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. In his free time, he enjoys coaching his children’s soccer and lacrosse teams and is an avid outdoorsman. 

Contact Info
Mobile: 603-732-8086
ramckee@purdueforlife.org

Matthew Merzdorf

Director Semiconductor and Telecommunications Portfolio

Matthew Merzdorf serves as Director for the Purdue Office of Industry Partnerships within the STEM/Hi-Tech team. This team of professionals provides industry connections with a unique gateway to Purdue University’s technological and academic sectors, facilitating interactions and conversations within the areas of recruiting/career programs, research, philanthropy, campus presence/investment, and student/classroom engagement. Merzdorf’s focus is primarily on the intersection between the semiconductor and telecommunications industries.
Merzdorf is a dual-degree holder from Purdue University who has served the Purdue Research Foundation and the Purdue For Life Foundation through his knowledge of the extensive programs offered through Purdue’s College of Engineering. In 2019 Matthew Merzdorf was appointed to serve as Director for Corporate Partnerships within the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He filled this position for well over two years, during which time the program grew to encompass 36 distinct partners and saw the launch of three planned industry-centered events. Matthew has served the Purdue For Life Foundation as Associate Director of Donor Relations, representing and providing technical/professional services to the School of ECE as well as the School of Industrial Engineering. He is also a serving member of the Purdue Gateway Project’s action team.

Education
MA International Relations; Comparative Politics, Purdue University
BS Agricultural Economics; Sales and Marketing, Purdue University
AAS Accounting, Ivy Tech Community College

Contact Info
Office: 765-494-3441
mrmerzdorf@purdueforlife.org

Andrew Rachmell

Director Educational Partnerships

Andrew Rachmell is one of the new Directors for Education Partnerships joining us from Purdue Global.  He is a former flight instructor and regional airline pilot with 25 years of experience in business development, many of which spent in higher education.
As a Director of Education Partnerships for the Purdue for Life Foundation, Andrew will primarily be developing channel partnerships with organizations in the aerospace and aviation industries as well as the military.  In addition, he will spearhead business development for the Professional Flight and Aviation Management programs at Purdue University Global including the expansion of its flight training affiliates across the U.S. and globally.
Andrew also meets with educators, administrators and career counselors associated with high schools and community colleges offering aviation and aerospace studies.  Andrew is passionate about inspiring individuals to pursue their dreams, especially a career in flying.  He enjoys speaking at conferences and career events as well as consulting with individuals considering a career change. 

Contact Info
Mobile: 561-703-0480
ajrachmell@purdueforlife.org

Michael Reckowsky

Director, Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine Portfolio

Since 1997, Michael Reckowsky has worked for Purdue University and our company stakeholders in some capacity.  He joined the Office of Industry Partnerships in 2023 and serves as Director.  Michael’s portfolio focuses on Agriculture-related companies.  His career has come full circle as he spent nearly 10 years in the Department of Food Science at Purdue, managing their corporate interactions.  He looks forward to renewing acquaintances and meeting new friends.
Mike’s philosophy is first and foremost asking companies what they need as the first step to partnering with them.  Being responsive, meeting corporate needs, and providing companies solid ROI is what makes lasting partnerships.  “I’ve worked for companies as they have engaged with Purdue for over 20 years and I look forward to continuing that by expanding and representing all that Purdue has to offer.”
Mike has been married for 27 years, has two sons including a second-generation Purdue Graduate!  When not working for Purdue, he enjoys coaching the Purdue Rifle Team and doing woodworking.  He is also the caretaker of a rare pre-World War II mahogany speedboat.

Education
BA, Foreign Policy in Political Science, Purdue University

Contact Info
Office: 765-412-3253
MJReckowsky@purdueforlife.org

Keith Corbin

Data Analyst

I started at Purdue in December 1994 as a third shift worker in the now-demolished Frehafer Hall (I still have a brick!), handling the printing and breakdown of the daily reports for student services.  Since then, I worked my way through programming for the Bursar’s Office, working as a data analyst for the Registrar’s Office, and into my current position as a data analyst, now under University Development, splitting support between the Office of Industry Partnerships and the Development Office.
I love bowling, Hold ‘Em poker, board and card games of all kinds, practically any RPG, and telling a good joke on occasion (the more groans the better!).  I have 5 children altogether including a stepson, with the youngest getting ready for her first year of high school next year at Lafayette Jefferson – our last one to leave the nest! 
The achievements in my life that mean the most to me are being a part of the worship team at church, bringing couples closer together by leading a communication class, leading a men’s group in Lafayette, and bowling 819 pins in a three-game series.  My wife and I are also hoping to start our own stroke support group, as she suffered a stroke back in 2017 and we want to bring stroke survivors and caregivers closer together.

Education
BS Mathematics Education ’11, Purdue University

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-637-1174
kbcorbin@purdueforlife.org

Kristi Reynolds

Director of Operations

Kristi Reynolds serves as the Director of Operations in the Office of Industry Partnerships.
Prior to coming to Purdue, Kristi served as a non-profit professional in Boone and Marion counties for the past 20 years, working as a counselor, case manager, federal grant coordinator, and development and marketing director. Kristi is also the President and CEO of both the Community Foundation of Boone County and Elevate Nonprofit Solutions, LLC. She has been nominated for multiple awards for work and service including Mentor of the Year with College Mentors for Kids and IBJ’s 40 under 40. Furthermore, Kristi was awarded the Witham YMCA’s Cause Driven Leader in Youth Development and presented as Paul Harris Fellow for Service from the Lebanon Rotary Club.
Kristi started her undergraduate studies at Purdue University but completed her degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Indiana University. Additionally, she earned her Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and has also held the CFRE International credential since 2017.
Kristi is a former Delphi native who now resides in Lebanon with her husband, whom she met during her time at Purdue. They stay busy with multiple volunteer and board positions and two active kids in baseball, softball, mountain biking, and gymnastics. Kristi loves to kayak, run, read, and travel. 

Contact Info
Mobile: 317-431-0301
kmreynolds@purdueforlife.org

Emily Metheny

Executive Assistant

Emily Metheny serves as the Executive Assistant for the Office of Industry Partnerships, bringing forth two decades of expertise in Social Work, Administration, and Customer Service. Before assuming her current role at Purdue, she served as the Social Work/Discharge Planner at Witham Hospital.
Graduating from Franklin College, Emily has cultivated a robust foundation in her field. Hailing from Logansport, IN, she now calls Lebanon home where she resides with her husband, Aaron, alongside their three teenage daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
Emily finds joy in witnessing her daughters’ academic and athletic achievements, always supporting them at Cross-Country events, track meets, and volleyball matches. During her leisure moments, she enjoys in reading and spending quality time with friends, especially around the pool.

Education
BA, Sociology, Franklin College

Contact Info
Mobile: 765-401-1100
EKMetheny@purdueforlife.org

Jacqueline Richeson

Administrative Assistant

Contact Info
Office: 765-496-6788
Mobile: 765-714-7347
jsricheson@purdueforlife.org