Meet the Chancellor

Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford, Ph.D.

Chris Holford has served as Chancellor of Purdue University Northwest since January 2024. Under his leadership, PNW has advanced a student-centered vision focused on enhancing the student experience, strengthening faculty excellence and research, and expanding the university’s impact across Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Holford’s leadership is grounded in PNW’s mission of preparing students to become tomorrow’s leaders. The university is nationally recognized for advancing social mobility and supporting first-generation college students, becoming the first Indiana institution to earn the FirstGen Forward Network Champion designation.

PNW has also continued to invest in student life and engagement through the expansion of athletics to 23 teams and more than 500 student-athletes, as well as the addition of Calumet Hall, the university’s newest on-campus housing facility opening in fall 2026.

At the same time, Holford has championed investments in faculty and research that are elevating PNW’s academic profile and community impact. PNW ranks among Indiana’s leading institutions in research expenditures and continues to grow its applied research enterprise and doctoral offerings aligned with regional workforce and industry needs. The university is redeveloping a downtown Hammond site into the Roberts Impact Lab at Purdue Northwest, a hub for innovation, workforce development and quantum commercialization that will help establish Northwest Indiana as a leader in emerging technologies, innovation, and economic development.

As a member of the PNW community for more than 25 years, Chancellor Holford began his career as a professor of Biology, serving in academic leadership roles including dean and provost. He is actively engaged in the Northwest Indiana community, currently serving on the boards of the United Way, Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Northwest Indiana Forum, One Region, Shirley Heinz Land Trust, the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra, and Purdue Federal Credit Union.

Holford earned a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Illinois State University, with a primary research specialization in crustacean endocrinology. He holds a master’s degree in Zoology (Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory) from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with specialization in avian reproductive physiology and eggshell production. Prior to these, Holford earned his baccalaureate degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois with a major in Biology.

He and his wife Christy are residents of Valparaiso, Indiana. He is an avid fisherman and outdoor enthusiast with a lifelong passion for wildlife biology and conservation.

Leadership in Action

Among Chancellor Holford's favorite duties is congratulating each PNW graduate at commencement, honoring their commitment and sharing excitement for a bright future ahead.

Chancellor Holford (center) poses with PNW Alumni Hall of Fame inductees at the university's 10th Anniversary Gala. The honorees present include, from left, Alfredo Sori (BS’89); Mitchell “Mason” Macenski (BA’86); Deno Yiankes (BS’88); Stewart McMillan (BS’77); The Honorable Diane Kavadias Schneider (BS’71; MA’23); Robert Johnson III (AAS’89; BS’91; MS’96); and Jeff Strack (MBA’00).

Under Chancellor Holford’s leadership, PNW is advancing a student-centered vision focused on preparing students to become tomorrow’s leaders.

The PNW community works hard to make a difference for our students--and the community at large! Here Chancellor Holford poses with years of service honorees at Purdue University Northwest's annual Founders Day.

Chancellor Holford celebrates the impact of PNW alumni across Northwest Indiana and beyond. Graduates at any stage in their careers are encouraged to stay connected to campus—and support the next generation of PNW students.

Chancellor Holford enjoys the action alongside students at the 2025 PNW Mane Event. The annual celebration brings together brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters to cheer on PNW student-athletes.

PNW’s robust research was in the spotlight as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Representative Frank J. Mrvan visited the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) to observe research and impacts for federally-funded steel decarbonization initiatives. Chancellor Holford (second from left) discussed PNW’s impact with (left-to-right) DOE Under Secretary for Science and Innovation Geri Richmond, CIVS founding director and NIPSCO Distinguished Professor of Engineering Simulation Chenn Zhou, and Representative Mrvan.

Chancellor Holford showed his spirit for PNW Athletics by offering the ceremonial puck drop at a hockey game between Purdue Northwest and the University of Illinois.