I began working for Purdue University in June 1996 for Housing and Food Services ~ Cary Quadrangle and Tarkington Halls.

In August 2004 I moved to become an Academic Advisor in ECET in the College of Technology (currently Purdue Polytechnic Institute).

In October 2010 I moved to Senior Academic Advisor in CGT in the College of Technology (currently Purdue Polytechnic Institute).

In January 2022 I moved to Assistant Director of Academic Advising in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute.

I met my wife, Cindy, at Purdue and she continues here as well.  We have one adult daughter, Jocelyn.

I am a First Generation Student (even though I'm the 7th of 8 children).

I have always gone by T.R.  My official name is Thomas Ronald.  I was born during the Vietnam War, and I had a cousin on my father's side of the family named Thomas Parker and a cousin on my mother's side of the family named Ronald Cooley.  They were both killed in action.  My parents honored their memory by giving me their names and using the initials so they are both remembered.  Both have their names on "The Wall" in Washington, D.C.