Office of the Chancellor

Introducing the New Division of Campus and Community Wellbeing 

March 19, 2025

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Here at Purdue Fort Wayne, we want to reiterate our commitment to fostering a healthy, connected, equitable, and compassionate campus culture. As part of that commitment, we are pleased to formally announce the new Division of Campus and Community Wellbeing, which is a small unit dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing for our students, employees, and surrounding communities.

Building on the success of existing services like the Center for Student Counseling and the FRIENDS of the University Pantry, the new division will collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and implement a vision that enhances institutional support for holistic wellbeing. Led by Kerrie Fineran, chief, and Eric Manor, associate chief, who report directly to me, this new division reflects our ongoing dedication to nurturing a balanced and thriving environment for everyone connected to our university family. 

As part of this initiative, we invite you to join us at our annual Wellbeing Summit on March 27 in the International Ballroom at Walb Student Union, where we will celebrate the launch of our new division. The summit will bring together campus and community partners for a day of engaging activities, interactive wellness services, and health education.

Additionally, I am honored to announce that during the summit, I will be signing the Okanagan Charter. That brief ceremony will take place at noon. Through adoption of this charter, Purdue Fort Wayne will become one of just 37 universities and colleges in the United States—and the first in Indiana—to join the top tier of the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network. This commitment aligns us with a global movement to embed health into all aspects of campus culture and operations, reinforcing our dedication to success and wellbeing of our entire university community. 

The new Division of Campus and Community Wellbeing will be at the forefront of developing innovative programs, services, and initiatives that will have a lasting impact on our university and surrounding community. Be on the lookout for additional details in the coming months as we continue to build a healthier, more connected Purdue Fort Wayne.

Thank you for your continued support in making Purdue Fort Wayne a leader in this exciting and important work.

Sincerely,

Ron Elsenbaumer
Chancellor