Catalina Rodriguez named to lead Educational Opportunity Programs

Catalina Rodriguez has been named interim assistant vice chancellor for Educational Opportunity Programs at Purdue University Northwest (PNW). An Illinois native, Catalina holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a master’s degree in Education and Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Catalina has been with PNW as director of TRIO Student Support Services since 2013. In 2020, she was awarded the LaVerta L. Terry Outstanding Service Award for her contributions as a professional to TRIO programs. She has been active in TRIO at the state and national levels, serving on numerous boards and committees, including as president of Indiana TRIO. She currently serves as finance chair for the state organization.

“I am tremendously excited at the opportunities Catalina’s appointment will create to build new partnerships with units across campus that are involved in the critical work of access and retention,” said Colin Fewer, interim associate vice chancellor of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “Approximately 57 percent of PNW students are eligible for support from the TRIO college programs.”

These federally-funded programs are open to all students who are low-income, first-generation, or from under-represented populations. The McNair Achievement Program prepares students for graduate study with summer internships, seminars, and support for graduate applications. TRIO Student Support Services offers tutoring, academic coaching, and other leadership and enrichment programs.

The pre-college programs, Educational Talent Search – Hammond, Educational Talent Search – Westville, and Upward Bound, prepare eligible middle-school and high-school students for college with academic and financial counseling, college visitations, tutoring, earning college credits, and other enrichment programs. The 21st Century Scholars program is a state scholarship that pays full tuition for students who sign up by 8th grade and complete milestones throughout high school.

More information about Educational Opportunity Programs at PNW can be found online. If you know of a student who may benefit from TRIO support, please contact Catalina (rodrigce@pnw.edu) or the EOP main line at 219-989-2779.