Initiatives addressing educational opportunities and student success were established at Purdue University and within the then-School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences in the 1970s. Richard “Dick” Weaver (BS 1970) was named the inaugural director of minority programs in 1972 with funding from a three-year special projects grant provided by Health and Human Services. A subsequent Special Health Opportunities Grant funded the program for an additional six years; however, when the grant ran out in 1981, the program was discontinued.

Early in his deanship tenure, former dean Charles “Chip” Rutledge integrated college-level programs to enhance the inclusion and cultural awareness of all students. Not only was he committed to ensuring everyone had a seat at the table, he also understood that many of the college’s students came from small, less diverse areas. Upon graduation, these alumni were working in more culturally rich environments and needed a deeper understanding of diversity.

“There were very few minorities in these small towns, and yet the patient population served by the newly licensed pharmacists included a large number of minorities,” he recalled. “I felt that it was very important to not only graduate more pharmacists from under-represented minority populations, but also to increase the cultural awareness of the majority students.”

Rutledge formed the Minority Advocacy Committee of faculty and staff, then established the Minority Advocacy Council of minority alumni, many of whom were participants in the earlier program under Weaver’s directorship. The Office of Minority Programs was established under the suggestion of the Minority Advocacy Committee and Council in 1992 with a goal to increase diversity and enhance the success and professional development of program participants.

The office sought to offer proactive counseling, uphold standards of and a commitment to excellence, and create supportive community. As awareness, understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity have evolved over the years, so has the office. Now the Office of Educational Opportunities and Student Success, the name reflects the college’s commitment to representation, retention, and respect for everyone within the College of Pharmacy community.

Weaver and Rutledge were pioneers within the inclusion, cultural awareness, and student success realms. Their commitment to making the College of Pharmacy a welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff, served as the foundation for Educational Opportunities and Student Success.

EOSS Initiatives

Several components, all optimized to support the specific needs of the target populations within the College of Pharmacy, have been implemented since the initial program’s inception.

Success Efforts and Resources

• Summer Enrichment
• Chocolate and Chat Sessions
• Math Electronic Review Sessions
• Academic Tutoring
• Rising Leaders in Pharmacy
• Volunteer Opportunities

Professional Development and Experience Opportunities

• Mentoring Initiatives
• Faculty and Corporate Events
• Professional Development Seminars
• Collaboration and Networking Events
• Dean’s Employment Council

Leadership Opportunities and experiences

• Community Service Outreach
• Social Activities
• Community Building Experiences and Activities
• Cultural Events and Activities
• Recruitment and Yield Events
• Peer Mentoring
• 20+ Pharmacy Organizations for Leadership Involvement

The planning, leadership, initiatives, and professional support of the Office of Educational Opportunities and Student Success fosters an inviting, nurturing, and productive environment. The program is successful because of a shared commitment to a community that values inclusivity.