Nine Purdue University Northwest (PNW) faculty members received approval Friday (April 4) by the Purdue University Board of Trustees for academic promotions starting in the 2025-26 academic year. The faculty members’ promotions are effective Aug. 18.

Academic tenure is acquired on promotion to the rank of associate professor. Candidates promoted to this level have demonstrated a record of accomplishment as a faculty member and show promise of continued professional growth and recognition.

Faculty members promoted to the rank of professor have achieved a significant record in learning, discovery and engagement.

PNW faculty members promoted to the rank of professor:

  • Christopher Belous, professor of Couple and Family Therapy
  • Patti Ludwig-Beymer, professor of Nursing
  • Claudia Mich, professor of Marketing
  • Maged Mikhail, professor of Mechatronics Engineering Technology
  • Yu Ouyang, professor of Political Science
  • Shengyong Zhang, professor of Mechanical Engineering

PNW faculty members promoted to the rank of associate professor:

  • Patrick Keegan, associate professor of Education
  • Afshin Zahraee, associate professor of Construction Engineering and Management Technology

PNW faculty member promoted to the rank of clinical professor:

  • Shontrai Irving, clinical professor of Business Law