The College of Agriculture has long been a campus leader in Purdue's international efforts through its office of International Programs in Agriculture (IPIA). IPIA was originally organized within the Dean's office in the early 1960s to provide a strong presence and focal point for international activities in the School.
With the recent campus wide commitment to international activities, IPIA has taken on new and important responsibilities as a model for the rest of the University in efforts to develop and engage in global activities. The continuing School and campus commitment to internationalization will ensure that Purdue University remains a world leader positioned to lead the global community into the 21st Century.
Why IPIA?
We live in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, one in which international boundaries have diminished meaning. Agriculture is a core human activity everywhere on earth, and is dependent on sound management of global resources. Our students deserve the best we can provide to prepare them for responsible citizenship and professional employment. This clearly mandates commitment to a global vision for the entire Purdue community, including a curriculum with a strong international content. To provide this perspective, our students and faculty must have opportunities for substantive international experience. The commitment of the School of Agriculture to international activities is necessary for the continued excellence of all that we do. Engagement in international activities is essential for our students, it is requisite for our faculty, and it is good for Purdue University. There is no other responsible alternative for the late 20th Century.
International Programs in Agriculture Staff List
Services Provided by International Programs in Agriculture
- James Lowenberg-DeBoer (494-6876)
Associate Dean/Director- K. Raghothama (496-1317)
Associate Director- Kevin McNamara (494-4236)
Assistant Director- Lowell S. Hardin (494-8460)
Assistant Director- Kira Everhart-Valentin (494-9831)
International Extension- Jody M. Geller (494-5843)
Secretary - Gates Foundation- Kara Hartman (494-8458)
International Academic Programs Assistant- Katy G. Ibrahim (494-8462)
Administrative Assistant - Gates Foundation- Lonni Kucik (494-8461)
Administrative Assistant to Associate Dean &
Director- Corey Kujawa (494-6876)
Secretary to Associate Dean & Director- Linda L. Vallade (494-9690)
Program Leader for Agriculture Study AbroadSome of the types of assistance frequently requested are identified below, but this list is by no means complete. All inquiries are welcome.
For Activities Involving Faculty and Staff
- Assist in securing funding for international teaching, research, and Extension activities;
- Administer a small grants program through which support may be obtained on a competitive basis for international research projects;
- Provide professional contacts with local, national, and international agencies and organizations;
- Assist faculty in development of plans for international sabbaticals;
- Assist with efforts to internationalize the undergraduate sabbaticals;
- Help locate opportunities for faculty and staff involvement in international teaching, research and Extension.
For International Visitors
- Assist faculty who wish to host short and long-term international visitors (protocol, required forms, housing, medical insurance, settling-in procedures, etc.);
- Provide opportunities for faculty and student interaction;
- Assist in arranging schedules and accommodations.
For Activities Involving Undergraduate and Graduate Students
- Administer agriculturally based student exchange and study abroad programs. (Note: limited scholarship support is available from IPIA for student participants);
- Advise students on the International Studies Minor in agriculture as well as on opportunities and careers in the international arena;
- Assist graduate students in locating funding sources for international research;
- Provide guidance and assistance on issues relative to international students/scholars;
- Help provide funding support to bring distinguished visitors to campus to discuss international topics in undergraduate classes and graduate seminars.
In the Area of Administrative Support
IPIA Highlights in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf ) format
- Co-sponsor the international seminar series on issues relating to international agriculture;
- Assist and advise faculty and staff in preparation for international travel; provide country-specific background information, advice on passports and visas, university forms, medical precautions and insurance, inoculations, shipping and storage of personal belongings, etc. [Click here for links that provide information on these and other topics.];
- Provide names of translators/interpreters for international visitors;
- Assist with preparation of grant proposals that are international in focus including the provision of "boilerplate" material and guidance on budgets, required federal forms, travel, etc.;
- Provide administrative backstopping for faculty on international assignments;
- Disseminate current information regarding international opportunities for grants, fellowships, internships, and exchange opportunities.
