Nine Purdue University Northwest (PNW) faculty members received approval today (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

About Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as the largest Hispanic-Serving Institution in Indiana, a First Scholars institution and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.