At the intersection of liberal arts and STEM, Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts (CLA) pushes students intellectually and challenges them to be independent thinkers who drive decision-making as bold, visionary leaders. With 11 departments and schools, CLA empowers students to question the status quo, spark progress and shape a more just, informed world — proving that a liberal arts education is not only essential, but unstoppable.
STUDENTS
Providing competitive financial awards allows the college to attract the best and brightest students while ensuring that a Purdue education remains accessible regardless of financial circumstances. Student investment also expands opportunities beyond the classroom, such as study abroad, internships and other high-impact experiences that prepare students to lead and thrive.
FACULTY
Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts expands its impact by attracting and retaining exceptional faculty. There is a desire to offer Rising Star Professorships, a prestigious, limited-term, endowed positions that support and accelerate the work of outstanding early-career scholars fueling innovation in research, teaching, and student mentorship.
PROGRAMS
From groundbreaking research on optimal aging and the Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts curriculum to student productions like Our Town, program support provides the resources that bring ideas to life. These investments strengthen academic offerings, expand experiential learning, and solve real-world problems.
FACILITIES
State-of-the-art facilities unlock the full potential of students and faculty. A new home for the Brian Lamb School of Communication’s Digital Media Production Center will foster innovation, hands-on learning, and collaboration. Modern spaces ensure students have the tools to tell impactful stories, master emerging media, and prepare for a rapidly evolving communications landscape.
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Unrestricted gifts are among the most powerful investments a donor can make. They give the Dean the flexibility to act quickly and seize opportunities, address emerging needs, and advance the college where support is needed most.
Reach out to the College of Liberal Arts development team with questions or to start a conversation.