Purdue Polytechnic Richmond has moved all of its classes, administrative offices and operations to a single location.
Purdue is operating in McDaniel Hall at Ivy Tech Community College, on a shared campus with Ivy Tech and Indiana University East in the 2300 block of Chester Boulevard in Richmond.
After departing Tom Raper Hall at IU East a few years ago, Purdue had been offering some classes at Ivy Tech. Others were at the Main Street Resource Center, formerly called Uptown Innovation Center, in the 800 block of East Main in Richmond.
Purdue and Ivy Tech Richmond are partnering to grow what they call the 2+2 program for engineering technology students.
Purdue officials say the program will allow students to receive two years of education from Ivy Tech and transfer to Purdue Polytechnic for an additional two years to complete their degree.
McDaniel Hall offers students access to manufacturing labs for programs such as advanced automation and robotics, automotive, and engineering technologies. Completion of a two-year degree from Ivy Tech will allow students to easily transfer to further their education, a news release said.
“By collaborating inside one campus location, we will be able to strengthen this long-standing 2+2 ET degree program by offering very strategic course outcomes and career opportunities for our students,” said Lorri Barnett, regional director of the Purdue Polytechnic campuses in Richmond and Anderson, in the release. “This partnership also allows both organizations to engage in new trends for higher education that prepares the region’s workforce for Industry 4.0 challenges. We realize the value and importance of an affordable education, and this pathway provides a unique solution for the Wayne County region.”
Purdue Polytechnic Richmond also offers bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering technology, multidisciplinary technology and industrial engineering technology as well as certificates in leadership, human resources management and industrial engineering technology.
Purdue staff have expressed gratitude to Main Street Richmond for hosting some of its courses and offices.
“When Purdue came to our building three years ago to start offering classes, it was with a term of only three years,” Beth Newton, executive director of Main Street Richmond, told Western Wayne News. “They had wanted at some point to get back to having all of their classes at the same location.”
Newton said with Purdue’s lease terminating in Main Street’s space, some additional spaces become available downtown for office rental, as well as some larger event spaces that can accommodate conferences or gatherings.
Various sizes can accommodate different needs. Newton said Main Street also offers coworking memberships that allow individuals to come between 9 and 5 and have access to any open areas, take advantage of Wi-Fi, or meet with clients.
“This is a great option for someone who is not needing a dedicated office space,” Newton said.
Those interested in learning more about Main Street facilities can email info@Mainstreetrichmond.org or call 765-962-8151.
For more information about Purdue programs, call 765-494-7455 or visit purdue.edu/richmond.
A version of this article appeared in the June 28 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.