Founders & Visionary Leaders

The Center for Families was launched in 1994 through the vision and leadership of Purdue alumna Lorene Burkhart and a group of advocates and academic leaders who sought a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and supporting family life. Their early commitment laid the groundwork for a community of collaborators dedicated to advancing research, nurturing partnerships, and fostering lasting contributions to the study and well‑being of families.

face of Lorene Burkhart in black and white

Lorene BUrkhart

Founding donor of the Center for Families in 1994

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face of Cheryl Altinkemer, black and white

Cheryl Altinkemer

Making Ideas a Reality

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face of Donald Felker, black and white

Donald Felker

Dean of the School of Consumer and Family Sciences, 1987 to 1992

face of Douglas Powell

DOUGLAS POWELL

Head of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, 1991 to 2002

face of Ann Hancook, black and white

Ann C Hancook

Connecting Academia to Hoosier Families

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face of Susan Kontos

Susan J Kontos

Founding director of the Center for Families in 1994

Read About Susan

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