Purdue University and its Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) Detachment 220 have been named recipients of the Secretary of Defense’s Educational and Institution Partner Excellence Award for the 2022-2023 academic year. This recognition highlights Purdue’s longstanding commitment to military education, training, and its status as a leading institution for fostering future Air Force leaders.
The award, which is determined by the Department of Defense (DoD), celebrates ROTC units and their host institutions for excellence across three categories: performance, institutional support, and noteworthy achievements. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin praised Purdue and AFROTC Detachment 220 for their exceptional collaboration, stating that the university “stands as a premier institution for military education and training.”
Purdue’s support for AFROTC cadets extends to cutting-edge facilities like the Purdue Applied Military Research Institute and the Hypersonics and Applied Research Facility. Through initiatives like these, cadets engage in advanced research and leadership development, blending academic rigor with military preparedness.
Purdue is among the first 14 academic institutions selected for the U.S. Space Force University Partnership Program. This partnership is designed to play a central role in preparing a skilled workforce for national defense initiatives in air and space.
Collaborative efforts like the U.S. Space Force Summer Academy and the Giant Leaps Summit: National Defense in Space have provided AFROTC cadets and Purdue students with unique opportunities to engage with top experts in aerospace and defense. These programs further cement Purdue’s reputation as a leader in military education and aerospace research.
In recognition of the Secretary of Defense’s honor, a special certificate will be displayed in the Armory, celebrating Purdue and AFROTC Detachment 220’s achievement. A commemorative photo with Purdue President Mung Chiang and the National Defense and Security Council members will also mark the occasion.