Melissa Casner, an assistant professor of practice at Purdue Polytechnic in Columbus, has spent her career fostering connections—not just between her students and coursework but across the Purdue community. Her efforts to create a sense of belonging resonate deeply in a college environment that spans multiple statewide locations. As Casner puts it, “There shouldn’t really ever be some dividing line that you can’t cross.”
At the heart of her work is the goal of uniting Purdue’s statewide locations under one shared identity. “I don’t like the ‘It’s them. It’s us.’ mentality,” she explains. “I’ve been working to bring more connectivity, more of a sense of belonging to Purdue as a whole.” Her recent initiatives, including outreach to alumni and participation in community events, underscore this mission.
Creating shared experiences
One standout example of Casner’s efforts was organizing participation in Columbus’ Oktoberfest parade with the Purdue Alumni Club of Jackson County. For Casner, it was more than just a local event—it was an opportunity to bring together students and alumni from across Purdue’s campuses. “We didn’t just say, ‘Hey, we’re West Lafayette’ or ‘Hey, we’re Columbus.’ It was, ‘We’re Purdue.’”
The parade included participants ranging from eight-year-olds to alumni from decades past, all unified by their Purdue pride. Casner recalls the excitement, saying, “The energy from that was incredible. People on the sidelines stopped me and said, ‘I didn’t realize Purdue was so big and had a presence here.’”
The event also showcased the power of collaboration. Casner facilitated a map that highlighted all Purdue campuses, not just Polytechnic locations, to help educate attendees. She also handed out flyers, ensuring Purdue’s statewide footprint was understood. “It’s just about education,” she says. “Some people still have blinders on, thinking Purdue is only in West Lafayette.”
Empowering students to lead
While Casner often spearheads initiatives, she’s also quick to let students take ownership. After leading efforts for two local parades, she encouraged students to organize participation in the Columbus Festival of Lights parade. “I motivated them, but they ran with it,” she says proudly.
Casner’s dedication extends beyond events. She’s deeply invested in her students’ success, often helping them navigate challenges. Whether it’s finding scholarships, filling out FAFSA forms, or connecting them to industry professionals, she’s there to support them. “My goal is to make sure every student, no matter where they attend, feels like they’re part of Purdue,” she emphasizes.
This year, she also hosted students for Thanksgiving at her own home, a gesture that reflects her commitment to fostering a sense of belonging. “We had students who couldn’t go home for the holiday, so my husband and I invited them over,” she shares. “It was important to make sure they felt cared for and connected, even if they were far from their families.”
Building bridges
Casner’s commitment to unity isn’t limited to Columbus. She’s actively sought opportunities to connect students across campuses, such as sponsoring cross-campus teams for the Data for Good competition hosted by Purdue’s Daniels School of Business. “Last year, I sponsored a team of students from Columbus and Kokomo. This year, we had students from West Lafayette, Indianapolis, and Anderson working together. They didn’t just participate—they excelled,” she shares.
Her philosophy is simple: boundaries shouldn’t limit opportunities. “One of my students once told me, ‘Now I see what you’re trying to do.’ That meant everything,” she says.
The future
As an alumna of Purdue herself, Casner’s passion for the campus and its students is personal. “When I was a student, we had more get-togethers and a stronger sense of community,” she reflects. “I’m trying to bring that back.”
Her efforts extend to smaller, everyday gestures that build community. From providing snacks in the breakroom to creating a welcoming office filled with tactile tools and games for students, she’s always thinking of ways to make Purdue a home away from home. “I’ve got a ton of hands-on things in my office because I know our Polytechnic students sometimes just need something to do while they’re sitting there,” she says.
Looking ahead, Casner is preparing to pursue a PhD in instructional leadership, driven by her desire to better serve students and influence curriculum development. “It’s about lifelong learning,” she says. “I want to ensure every student feels supported and connected.”
One Polytechnic
For Casner, Purdue Polytechnic is more than a collection of campuses—it’s a unified community. Her tireless efforts to bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and celebrate Purdue’s shared identity are a testament to her belief in the power of connection. “We all bleed black and gold,” she says. “That’s what I want every student to feel.”
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