Conference History

PGV 2024 Theme Winner

Congratulations to Dr. Ingrid Bradley, a faculty member in the School of Multidisciplinary and Professional Studies, for submitting the winning Purdue Global Village 2024 theme, Lifelong Learning: Inspiring a Culture of Inclusion, Wonder, and Relentless Curiosity.

When asked to explain more about the theme idea, Dr. Bradley shared, “I felt that we are at a place, in time, on this earth where it would inspire me, and perhaps others, to embody something essentially human: curiosity, wonder, and imagination and embrace the ultimately positive human sensitivity toward inclusion.”

Ingrid explained how the theme represents the conference by saying, “Higher education is about inspiring lifelong learning, thinking deeper, asking questions, and having answers fuel even more questions. A totally human quality is imagination and the curiosities that fuel it. PG's essence is about cultivating the human spirit, the human intellect, and imagining personal, professional, and academic possibilities. All of this takes imagination and I think PG is the most imaginative of institutions in this country. I like to think that PG “cultivates” lifelong learners among its faculty and students.”

We asked Dr. Bradley what she enjoys most about working at Purdue Global. She shared, “There’s a tenacity, boldness to everything PG does. There’s a certain point in one’s career where expanding on all the education and work experience is personally gratifying. PG encourages those spaces to develop serendipitously. 

Dr. Bradley also shared, “When I was suffering through Air Force officer field & survival training, our leader asked to meet all the women at the base playground at the end of the day. Lieutenant Colonel Abbott gathered us around her and pointed to the nearby parking lot. “See those trailers over there?” We saw two horse trailers. “Those horses over there, in those trailers, are my life. My work is my hobby. Keep your priorities straight.” Ever since that moment, my work has been a hobby, and my life is surfing around the world, sailing, swimming, hiking, exploring, and helping nature find its place in a world where it’s not always welcome. Work for me is play for pay.”

Learn more about Dr. Ingrid Bradley. We thank Ingrid for submitting this inspiring theme as the focus of this year’s conference! 

PGV 2023 Theme Winner

Congratulations to Dr. Sean Doyle, Professor of Strategy and Academic Innovations Lead for the School of Business and Information Technology, for submitting the winning Purdue Global Village 2023 theme, Academic Excellence: Empowering Educators, Inspiring Students. 

When asked to explain more about the theme idea, Sean shared, "I believe academic excellence is the cornerstone for innovation, collaboration, motivation, and continuous improvement in teaching and higher learning. With a focus on ensuring academic excellence, empowered educators can thrive in an academic community where their expertise, dedication, and innovative teaching methods inspire students to develop a growth mindset throughout their studies."

Dr. Doyle explained how the theme represents the conference, Purdue Global, and higher education by saying, "The theme Academic Excellence: Empowering Educators, Inspiring Students aligns well with Purdue Global and higher education as a whole. Purdue Global is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in their careers. By empowering educators, the conference theme reinforces the university's dedication to supporting faculty and promoting academic excellence. Additionally, the theme acknowledges the crucial role of higher education in inspiring and shaping the minds of our students, emphasizing the impact educators have on their educational journey."

He shared the following advice about professional development for higher education colleagues.

• Seek opportunities for growth: Stay updated with current research, trends, and advancements in your discipline. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars to expand your knowledge and skills.

• Collaborate and network: Engage with colleagues, both within and outside of PG, to exchange ideas, best practices, and experiences. Collaboration leads to new insights and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

• Reflect and innovate: Continuously reflect on your teaching methods, how you assess student outcomes, and explore new strategies and technologies. Embrace innovation and experimentation to enhance the learning experience for your students.

When Dr. Doyle is not teaching or working on projects to enrich the academic culture at Purdue Global, he is working with investors to buy and sell land throughout the state of Florida. As a self-proclaimed "workaholic," Sean assured us that he adores his family, and they spend a lot of time together cooking, hiking, learning (i.e., survival techniques), and dancing. 

Learn more about Dr. Sean Doyle here. We thank Sean for submitting this meaningful theme as the focus of this year’s conference! 

PGV 2022 Theme Winner

Congratulations to Nancy Szwydek, assistant dean in the School of Health Sciences, for submitting the winning Purdue Global Village 2022 theme, Unbounded Education: Embracing Emerging Trends and Opportunities.

Nancy shared in her theme submission, “I think of ‘unbounded’ as such a powerful word that implies there are no limits to the possibilities. Purdue Global is constantly embracing change and seeking opportunities to help students achieve their goals.” She also commented that embracing new opportunities; looking towards the future; and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are key components to success.

When she’s not working, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting prayer blankets and shawls to donate around the world, and relaxing on cruises. 

Learn more about Nancy here. We are thankful to Nancy for submitting this meaningful theme as the focus of this year’s conference! 

PGV 2021 Theme Winner

Congratulations to Patricia Hartman, faculty member from the Graduate Psychology Department in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, for submitting the winning Purdue Global Village 2021 theme: Reimagine the Future of Global Education!

Patricia’s inspiration for the theme came from a community board planning meeting where the group was encouraged to look to the future, beyond the pandemic, in new, innovative ways. She shares, “In response to the call for a theme for PGV, I thought of how together we might think differently and potentially ‘reimagine’ the future of the educational services we currently provide to our students at Purdue Global.”

Patricia understands the significance of professional development and conferences like Purdue Global Village. “As a public school administrator and a professor at PG, I believe in the importance of lifelong learning including professional development. I encourage and challenge you to step out of your comfort zone as we collectively learn and grow in our knowledge and skills in the supportive and encouraging environment of the PGV conference.”

In addition to her role as an instructor at Purdue Global, Patricia is Director of Special Education for a local school district in northern Indiana. She has been married for nearly 40 years, has three sons and one daughter-in-law, and has recently become a grandmother of a baby girl. In her spare time, she enjoys paddle boarding, bike riding, cooking, and baking.

We are thankful to Patricia for submitting such a meaningful theme to focus the conference activities!