Holmes Scholars Program

The Holmes Scholars Program, part of the Office of Student Success and Global Engagement, supports doctoral students in Purdue University’s College of Education. This initiative fosters a leadership pipeline, preparing future practitioners to shape educational practices as faculty, administrators, and leaders.

The Purdue University clock tower shown on a summer evening

Benefits for Scholars

Scholar Commitments

  • Serve a 3-year term (doctoral/post‑doctoral).
  • Annual engagement:
    • Attend the AACTE Annual Meeting and Holmes Pre-conference.
      • Submit research proposals for national meeting presentations.
    • Engage in at least one additional academic conference (e.g., AERA).
      • Present at poster, job-talk, or dissertation funding events.
    • Develop and implement a research or advocacy project.

Program Highlights

Research & Dissertation Retreat

Focused support for dissertation milestones.

Career Fair

Matches scholars and alumni with institutions for faculty/leadership positions.

Online Webinars

Covering wellness, writing, interview prep, and job market strategies.

Alumni Engagement

Access to the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni & ongoing resource library.

How to Get Started as a Holmes Scholar at Purdue University

  1. Complete Purdue Holmes Scholars Program application (Holmes Scholars application go live in the spring semester i.e., applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be available Spring 2026)
  2. Submit a two-page cover letter outlining the following:
    • An outline of your professional goals
    • A brief description of your primary research interest
    • Examples of your commitment to scholarship and educational practice
    • Why you want to become a Purdue Holmes Scholar
  3. Current curriculum vitae or résumé
  4. One (1) letter of support/recommendation from a faculty member
  5. Interview with Holmes Scholars Interview Panel

Meet Purdue’s Holmes Scholars

2024 Holmes Scholars

Abigail Erskine

Abigail Erskine

PhD Candidate, Mathematics Education

Ty'Bresha Glass

Ty’Bresha Glass

Research Assistant, Gifted Education

Jessica Harris

Jessica Harris

PhD Student, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

Dallann Alexander Johnson

Dallann Johnson

PhD Student, Counseling Psychology

Tirtha Karki

Tirtha Karki

Teaching Assistant, Literacy & Language

Samuel King

Samuel King

Graduate Student, Counseling Psychology

Mahreen Mamoon

Mahreen Mamoon

PhD Student, Ross Fellow, Curriculum Studies

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