HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Eight Purdue University Northwest (PNW) faculty members received approval today (April 10) by the Purdue University Board of Trustees for academic promotions starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The faculty members’ promotions are effective Aug. 17, 2026.

Academic tenure is acquired on promotion to the rank of associate professor. Candidates promoted to this level have demonstrated a record of accomplishment as a faculty member and show promise of continued professional growth and recognition.

Faculty members promoted to the rank of professor have achieved a significant record in learning, discovery and engagement.

PNW faculty members promoted to the rank of professor:

• Jesse Cohn, professor of English
• Grethe Hystad, professor of Statistics

PNW faculty members promoted to the rank of associate professor:

• Jodi Allen, associate professor of Nursing
• Manisa Baker, associate professor of Nursing
• Matthew Bauman, associate professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Farai Gombedza, associate professor of Biochemistry
• Omeed Ilchi, associate professor of Criminal Justice
• Aref Yadollahi, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering

Arash Asrari, an untenured associate professor of Electrical Engineering, was also awarded tenure.

About Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as a First Gen Forward Network Leader and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.