University Residences’ Executive in Residence (EiR) program was recognized with a 2024-25 NASPA Excellence Award, presented by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
EiR received a bronze award in the category of Contracted Services, Housing, Residence Life, and related category. Excellence Awards recognize the contributions of members who are transforming higher education through outstanding programs, innovative services and effective administration. NASPA’s Excellence Awards cover 12 categories crucial to the success of students.
“Students and executives alike have embraced this program,” says Beth McCuskey, vice provost for Student Life. “Our on-campus residents have been enthusiastic participants in small group and one-on-one activities. Our visiting executives have extended their impact on students beyond the one week they spend here, whether it’s staying in touch through calls, texts or LinkedIn or now hosting students in their homes and at their workplaces during trips. We’re proud to see EiR achieve recognition and excited to continue its growth.”
EiR was born out of the idea to connect alumni and students in University Residences in a new way. The program brings successful alumni back to campus where they live among students for one week. Each executive’s visit provides students with opportunities to interact with executives around their areas of expertise and interests in formal and informal settings – from lecture halls to residence halls and dining courts to basketball courts. The hallmarks of the program are small group and one-on-one interactions.
“Connections are the heart of EiR,” says John Eckman, assistant vice provost for Student Life. “Each executive has their own unique journey and often one that hasn’t been straightforward. As alumni, they can relate to where our students are at in their journeys and offer them meaningful advice to navigate their experience here at Purdue. These connections help students find mentors, find the courage to explore new opportunities and in some cases have even led directly to students obtaining internships.”
From its beginnings in the fall of 2014, EiR has grown tremendously. Five executives participated in the program during fall 2024, with an additional five participants scheduled for the spring semester. EiR also now includes a learning community, student ambassador program, live-in Executive in Residence and spring break trip, where students travel to visit executives in their homes and workplaces.
The creation of a newly named endowment for EiR ensures a strong future for the program and honors the work of Barb Frazee, recently retired assistant vice provost for Student Life, who spearheaded the founding of EiR. The Barbara Jean Frazee Endowment for Executive in Residence was made possible through the generous contributions of David and Joan Clifton, and Emily and David Liggett. The funds contributed to the endowment will support all aspects of the program including the learning community, annual spring break trip and other EiR events and programs.
About University Residences
University Residences is the official Purdue University department that is responsible for assigning and managing all university-owned housing facilities on the West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses, including traditional residence halls, apartments and master-leased properties. More than just a place to sleep, University Residences offers numerous employment opportunities, clubs, programs, learning communities, cocurricular educational opportunities and retreats that serve as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. University Residences programming provides opportunities for students to build treasured relationships as well as leadership and professional skills that will last a lifetime.