Podcast Summary: Renee Thomas on Helping College Students Find Their Community at Purdue University
This summary encapsulates the insightful conversation between host Kate Young and Renee Thomas, Purdue University's Associate Vice Provost for Student Access and Community Engagement. The episode delves into Renee's 35-year journey at Purdue, her contributions to fostering a sense of community among students, and the recognition she has received for her impactful work.
1. Introduction to Renee Thomas
Timestamp: [00:00 - 01:26]
Renee Thomas joins Kate Young on This Is Purdue to discuss her extensive career dedicated to enhancing student life at Purdue University. As the former Director of the Black Cultural Center and now Associate Vice Provost, Renee has significantly influenced countless Boilermakers' lives through her commitment to community engagement and student access.
2. Renee's Journey to Purdue
Timestamp: [02:22 - 03:54]
Renee shares her initial steps into higher education. Beginning as a Resident Assistant (RA) during her undergraduate years, she discovered her passion for student affairs. After a stint at Ohio University in the affirmative action office, Renee was inspired by Purdue's Black Cultural Center—a leading example of multicultural student programming—which led her to join Purdue in 1990. Reflecting on her long tenure, she remarks:
"And 30 years later, I'm still here at Purdue University." [03:54]
3. Fostering a Sense of Belonging
Timestamp: [04:03 - 05:57]
Renee emphasizes the critical role of belonging in student retention and academic success. She highlights the importance of creating spaces where students can form connections and engage in culturally relevant programs. By offering diverse events and supportive environments, Purdue ensures that students cultivate lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community.
"Belonging is so important. We know that students who have a sense of belonging tend to have higher retention at the university, and they also tend to perform better academically." [04:03]
4. Expanding the Black Cultural Center
Timestamp: [05:08 - 06:26]
Renee discusses her pivotal role in transforming Purdue's Black Cultural Center (BCC) into a flagship institution. Through securing philanthropic support, she ensured the creation of a freestanding facility, emphasizing that the true value lies in the vibrant activities within. The BCC boasts a robust performing arts ensemble program that travels nationally and internationally, fostering a holistic student experience by balancing Purdue's STEM focus with the arts.
"We have a very robust performing arts ensemble program where they travel all over the country and world doing performance engagements. It's a way in which the students have that sense of balance." [05:26]
5. Role as Associate Vice Provost for Student Access and Community Engagement
Timestamp: [08:07 - 10:14]
With the establishment of Purdue University’s Indianapolis campus in 2024, Renee’s role expanded to include significant community engagement initiatives. She outlines her approach using a metaphor of a stool with three legs:
- Community Engagement: Building strong partnerships with Indianapolis organizations.
- K-12 Initiatives: Developing pipelines with local school systems to encourage Indiana residents to attend Purdue.
- Student Experience: Enhancing the overall student journey to ensure a supportive and inclusive environment.
"I like to look at it from a stool with three legs. One of the legs is community engagement. One of the legs is K through 12 initiatives, and the other leg is the student experience." [10:47]
6. Awards and Honors
Timestamp: [17:03 - 21:14]
Renee reflects on two significant awards she received in 2024:
-
Special Boilermaker Award: Recognizes her substantial contributions to improving student life and educational experiences at Purdue. She shares a heartfelt moment of surprise when her name was announced while she was emceeing an alumni dinner.
"That was one of the most humbling and emotional experiences I've had at Purdue." [18:29]
-
Indiana Civil Rights Commission's Achievement in Education Award: Acknowledges her innovative strategies in promoting student growth and achievement. Renee attributes this honor to collective community efforts and mentors who have supported her journey.
"I recognize that I stand on the shoulders of so many that come before me and have paved the way." [20:15]
7. Advice to Students
Timestamp: [14:46 - 16:12]
Renee offers practical advice to students seeking to build their community at Purdue:
- Stretch Beyond Comfort Zones: Encourage students to engage with diverse groups and participate in various university activities.
- Utilize Available Resources: Attend programs and events advertised across campus to meet new people and form connections.
"I would encourage them to be that rubber band and stretch outside of their boundaries and take advantage of everything that the university has to offer." [15:02]
8. Reflections on Career and Mentorship
Timestamp: [22:18 - 24:29]
Renee reminisces about key moments in her career, including the opening of the new BCC facility and leading research tours exploring the African American experience through the arts. She attributes her success to mentors who believed in her potential and role models who demonstrated integrity and authenticity.
"Some of the students have doubts and fears whenever they come. It's important to see them successful even before they see themselves as being successful." [23:53]
9. Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Timestamp: [24:39 - 25:47]
Renee underscores the importance of collaboration and seizing opportunities to foster community and personal growth. She expresses deep gratitude for Purdue’s supportive environment, which has allowed her to dedicate over three decades to enhancing the Boilermaker community.
"Community is a place in which you can come and explore all kinds of possibilities and not only explore those possibilities but to make them become reality." [24:54]
10. Final Thoughts
Renee encourages students to fully engage with campus life, emphasizing that collaboration and active participation are vital for personal and communal success.
"Take full advantage of the opportunities that exist here on campus and recognizing that collaboration is absolutely critical." [25:33]
Conclusion
Renee Thomas’s enduring dedication to Purdue University exemplifies the spirit of a Boilermaker committed to creating an inclusive and dynamic community. Her efforts in expanding cultural centers, fostering community engagement, and mentoring students have left an indelible mark on the university. This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the profound impact one individual can have in shaping the educational and personal experiences of countless students.