Purdue Polytechnic Richmond currently isn’t accepting applications from prospective students.
University officials say they’re working diligently to revamp its programs and say that “the best is yet to come.”
According to the campus’ website, Purdue Polytechnic’s Richmond and South Bend locations are “actively engaging in introspection and transformation.” Identical messages about those evaluations were posted for both cities.
In addition to West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses, Purdue Polytechnic offers programs in Anderson, Columbus, Indianapolis International Airport, Kokomo, Lafayette, New Albany and Vincennes. Those sites appear to be offering campus tours and upcoming courses.
The Richmond campus has offered four undergraduate majors and two certificate programs.
During its 58th commencement on May 13, nine bachelor of science degrees were awarded in computer graphics technology, industrial engineering technology and mechanical engineering technology.
Valerie Shaffer, president of Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County, told WWN that Purdue Polytechnic has been “a great partner over the years in helping to develop our talent pipeline in Wayne County.”
Engineering students have been a particularly great asset to local manufacturers, Shaffer said. EDC has helped connect those graduates with local employers.
And, a few employers have included Purdue Polytechnic engineering students as part of their apprenticeship training program, Shaffer noted.
In 2025, the Richmond campus celebrated several successes. For instance, three of its students, Aiden Crowe, Micah Belcher and Mac Kress, took first place in the Society of Plastics Engineers’ Student RC Car Competition at the conference in Atlanta. They designed and thermoformed a custom remote control car body, showcasing creativity, engineering skills and teamwork with support from faculty sponsor Rex Kanu.
In addition, 64% of graduates in the local Class of 2025 were the first in their families to complete college.
Purdue University’s media relations department in West Lafayette was contacted for additional comment but did not respond by press time.
A version of this article will appear in the May 27 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.