After a national search, Pennsylvania State University Donan Professor of Business Felisa Higgins has been selected to lead Purdue’s John Martinson Honors College (JMHC).
Higgins will serve as a clinical professor in the Mitch Daniels School of Business and professor of practice (by courtesy) of industrial engineering, in addition to her role as JMHC's Associate Vice Provost and Dean, with responsibilities spanning across the entirety of Purdue’s honors programs and students.
At Penn State, Higgins served as associate dean of undergraduate education at the university’s Smeal College of Business, where she led the Office of Undergraduate Education, supporting nearly 6,000 students.
Higgins earned her Ph.D. in industrial engineering from Purdue, a master’s in industrial engineering from Florida State University and a bachelor’s in industrial engineering from Florida A&M University.
A globally engaged scholar and expert in supply chain management, she brings to Purdue years of experience and impact spanning both academia and industry, including a long stint with
consumer products company Kimberly-Clark and its Latin American Operations. Her excellence in teaching has also been amply recognized through multiple Penn State awards, such as the George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Smeal College's Fred Brand Jr. Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.
At Smeal, Higgins led a strategic restructuring of the Undergraduate Education office, resulting in numerous initiatives to enhance student success. These initiatives included the First@Smeal program for first-generation students, student wellness programming, improved persistence outcomes, high-impact student engagement opportunities, the Smeal Ethical Leadership Challenge and the introduction of new majors and innovative experiential learning pathways. Under her leadership, the strengthening of undergraduate enrollment and recruitment efforts more than doubled the number of first-year applicants during her tenure.
In her new role, Higgins aims to foster a connected, engaged student body and drive innovative, interdisciplinary programs within the Honors College through strong partnerships with the disciplinary colleges. During her on-campus visit, Higgins shared her vision for making the Honors College a center for interdisciplinarity and a laboratory for innovation and academic excellence. She also aims to launch the college as a national leader in honors education.
“When we think about Purdue taking on big challenges, it’s the next giant leap that differentiates us,” she said. “A prospective student might think they can do research anywhere, but when they engage with us, they find out that here at Purdue, it's not just about doing research. It’s this focus on the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ that sets us apart. We’re committed to offering experiences that go beyond the surface, where students not only achieve academic success but also make a meaningful impact on the world.”
Higgins joins the JMHC at a pivotal moment in the college’s history. The JMHC recently was ranked as the Top 8th Honors College in the country. The college is also celebrating a transformative $750,000 gift from Jeannie and Jim Chaney to establish the Pharmacy and Nursing Scholars Endowment. This marquee investment has a goal of providing scholarships for all Pharmacy and Nursing students who are part of the JMHC, and will serve as a model for future scholarship endowments to support all honors students.
Higgins will report to Jenna Rickus, senior vice provost for Teaching and Learning and the JMHC. Rickus said she’s looking forward to launching the college’s next chapter with Higgins at the helm. Rickus also extended her thanks to the search advisory committee for helping to recruit an accomplished leader who embodies the values of Purdue.
“It’s an exciting time for the JMHC," Rickus shared. "We’re thrilled to have Dr. Higgins on board to help us us lead the college to a position of national prominence by enhancing academic excellence, expanding the reach and presence of the college across campus, playing to Purdue’s strengths and helping our exceptionally motivated students go on to become future leaders in the world at large."
