Don Gentry, Director

Dr. Don K. Gentry is retired after twenty-six years of service as a faculty member and administrator for Purdue University. He was the first Director of the Purdue Statewide Technology Program; Professor of Industrial Technology; and Assistant and Associate Dean of the College of Technology. In 1987, he was appointed Dean of the College of Technology serving 14 years, growing the school to one of the largest of its kind in the nation. He was organizing Vice Provost for Engagement, creating the Office of Engagement to provide leadership for the university’s outreach and engagement functions. In partial retirement; he administered several grant projects as a Special Assistant to the Provost.

Prior to joining Purdue University, he was Indiana’s Executive Officer and State Director of Vocational and Technical Education; State Supervisor for Vocational Education Programs; and a recognized high school vocational education teacher.

Dr. Gentry has been recognized for over 50 years of service in the fields of education, economic, and workforce development. He was recognized by three Indiana Governors receiving two Sagamore of the Wabash Citations and the Distinguished Hoosier Award for his work in workforce education and economic development.

His real joy in life is his family; wife, Carol, his children, Alynn, Alan, and Andrew, their spouses, and his seven grandchildren. His hobbies are Purdue activities, traveling, genealogy, and volunteering.