Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Office & Phone

Hammond: Lawshe Hall (LAWS) 346
Westville: Schwarz Hall (SWRZ) 150
Phone: 219-989-2446
Email: cholford@pnw.edu

As PNW’s chief academic officer, Kenneth (Chris) Holford oversees PNW’s six colleges and the academic programs they offer, international recruitment, retention efforts, institutional effectiveness, grant and research programs, ensure educational excellence and further distinctive learning opportunities for students.

A professor of Biology, Holford has served the Purdue Northwest campuses for more than 18 years, previously as the dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences since the formation of PNW in 2016. He was also dean of the College of Sciences and chair of the Department of Biology and Chemistry for Purdue University North Central.

Holford earned a Ph.D. in Biology from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in Zoology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Augustana College.

Areas Overseen