This Is Purdue

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Beth McCuskey, Purdue’s vice provost for student life.  

Beth is a national thought leader on student mental health and has worked in higher education for over 30 years. She co-authored the upcoming book titled “The Oxford Handbook of Well-Being in Higher Education,” which explores why wellness is critical in higher education. During her time at Purdue, she’s prioritized advocating for Boilermakers’ well-being journeys with key university investment and participation from faculty and staff.  

In this episode, you will: 

Learn more about the state of well-being for younger generations and why it’s important to meet students where they are to help them flourish inside and outside of the classroom.  

Discover how adults — like parents, coaches and mentors — can normalize failure and nurture well-being for Gen Z and Gen Alpha students and why that can help build vital life skills, like resilience, and prepare students to be successful in college.  

Hear more about how well-being and mental health have evolved from millennials to Gen Z to Gen Alpha and how technology, like smartphones and now AI, is playing a vital role in shaping student needs.  

Find out more about learning loss during the pandemic and Purdue Student Life’s innovative Steps to Leaps framework, which increased access to campus mental health resources and institutionalized well-being and was recognized by Forbes in 2025.  

You don’t want to miss this episode with a campus leader who's transforming student mental health and well-being advocacy at Purdue and beyond.  
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In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Mike Bobinski, executive vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Purdue University. 

Mike has been at Purdue for the last 10 years and has worked in college athletics for more than 40 years, with previous stops at Georgia Tech, Xavier University, the University of Akron and the U.S. Naval Academy. So it’s no surprise that during his tenure, he’s seen massive changes within the NCAA. He also has extensive knowledge of how Purdue is adapting in this modern era of name, image and likeness — or NIL — and licensing. And he dives into all things Purdue Athletics, including recent wins, future growth, innovation and so much more! 

In this episode, you will:  


Learn more about Purdue’s journey with NIL, the House v. NCAA settlement from 2025, and what development programs and recruitment strategies the athletics department is utilizing to recruit and cultivate well-rounded student-athletes and become nationally competitive  


Discover more about Purdue’s Student-Athlete Development program and how it’s setting up Boilermakers to navigate the branding and financial considerations of NIL and grow personally and professionally 


Hear about Purdue’s recent sports successes, including men’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, softball, volleyball, and diving, as well as how various coaches’ leadership styles exemplify the university’s ethos  


Gain knowledge about how Purdue uses cutting-edge health and wellness technology and AI to help its student-athletes perform more efficiently  


Learn why passionate Boilermaker fans inspire and motivate Mike in his role every day 

Boilermaker fans — this episode is for you! Get a special sneak peek into all the exciting things going on with Purdue Athletics from the foremost leader and expert.  
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In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Kasie Roberson, clinical associate professor in the Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Department in Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business and head of the Leadership Coaching Institute in the Center for Working Well.  

As a nationally recognized educator and communication and AI expert, Kasie guides undergraduate and graduate students and professionals in topics like critical thinking, emotional intelligence and best practices for using AI as an effective communication tool.  

In this episode, you will: 

 Learn more about Kasie’s people-first approach to effective communication and using AI as a tool, including five skills that will set you up for success in the real world  

Gain insights into recent data on the realities of Gen Z’s use of and relationship with generative AI and how it’s informed Kasie’s research and teaching  

Hear about Kasie’s exciting and inspiring fireside chat at the inaugural Sunniefest in Dallas and her three-tiered approach for Gen Z and Gen Alpha to navigate AI while maintaining their authenticity and voice  

Discover how adults, including parents and educators, can positively shape younger generations’ experiences with AI, from playing with fun brainstorming prompts to navigating important ethical issues   

Find out about Kasie’s innovative work at the Center for Working Well and the Leadership Coaching Institute as well as upcoming programs for students and professionals seeking to improve their communication skills, based on Purdue principles like grit, persistence and resilience  

You don’t want to miss this insightful episode with a Boilermaker and communication expert who’s helping students and professionals become more effective, empathetic communicators and AI users. 
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In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Anthony Cawdron, Westwood event coordinator and estate manager, and adjunct hospitality and tourism management faculty member.  

Westwood has been home to four Purdue University presidents and their families since it was donated to the university in 1971, and for the last 25 years, Anthony has been instrumental in the operations of what he calls the “front door to Purdue University.” He’s also an expert in all things etiquette.  

This incredible conversation first aired last November, and since it’s one of our most popular episodes, we wanted to share it again as the holiday season approaches. Get ready to entertain your guests, crush that big job interview or impress at your next networking event after listening to this one! 

In this episode, you will: 

Discover his path from working in several castles in Europe to his time in America and following former President Martin Jischke from Iowa State to Purdue  

Explore behind-the-scenes stories of Westwood from its interesting history to what it takes to host events for guests ranging from Boilermaker students and faculty to U.S. secretaries of state  

Gain insight into what Anthony teaches his students about networking, job interviews and standing out at professional events through his business etiquette course in Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management 

Learn more of Anthony’s expert etiquette tips for both hosting and attending holiday parties 

You don’t want to miss this episode, which is jam-packed with expert etiquette tips and historical details about Westwood — one of the landmarks of the Purdue community. 
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In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to P.J. Thompson, assistant coach for Purdue men’s basketball. 

During his time at Purdue, P.J. (BS organizational leadership ’18), was a three-year starter on the team and helped the Boilermakers win the 2017 Big Ten Championship. Since then, he has been part of the coaching staff — helping lead the team to Purdue’s first No. 1 ranking and the 2024 NCAA Division I men’s basketball national championship game. 

In this episode you will: 

Hear P.J.’s lessons in leadership from his first five years coaching at Purdue, especially what he has learned from head coach Matt Painter and the legendary former head coach Gene Keady 

Learn about the unique culture of education, loyalty and family that brought the team to play in a national championship game — and helps recruit and retain some of the best players in the country 

Discover P.J.’s focus as offensive coordinator when coaching Purdue-turned-NBA players like Zach Edey and Jaden Ivey, and current stars Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn 

Find out what qualities Purdue looks for when it comes to recruiting young talent 

Hear how Purdue navigates name, image, likeness in today’s modern college basketball landscape 

Get excited for the 2025-26 men’s basketball season as P.J. shares what he is looking forward to most this season and beyond 

Learn what P.J. wants people to know about Coach Painter and this legendary era of Purdue men’s basketball 

Don’t miss this episode celebrating the successes of Purdue basketball on and off the court! 
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