Bo Beaulieu receives the NACDEP National Distinguished Career Award
“Dear Colleagues:
It’s my honor to inform you of yet another prestigious honor earned by Bo Beaulieu, Assistant Director of Purdue Extension and Community Development Program Leader.
Late last month in Burlington, Vermont, Bo received the National Distinguished Career Award from the National Association of Community Development Professionals (NACDEP) at the organization’s annual awards banquet. This is the higher honor bestowed upon a NACDEP member, along with the National Service Award.
For nearly four decades, Bo has been instrumental in developing, testing, implementing, and evaluating programs that align with the needs of community stakeholders. His impacts on Purdue Extension, and the State of Indiana, have been immediate and impressive – through the Hometown Collaboration Initiative (HCI), crucial partnerships with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the U.S. Department of Defense, and foundational work with the Stronger Economies Together (SET) program.
Bo’s big thinking for strategy and collaboration has helped leverage funding to the tune of $6 million over the past two years – up from $250,000 the year before his arrival with Purdue Extension. His shrewd use of big data helps us quickly identify assets and opportunities, orchestrate large-scale initiatives, and create a clear picture of the value of regional development for our stakeholders. His work also is raising our profile with Purdue’s Office of Engagement and the overall value we bring to the university. It’s an honor to work alongside someone whom I consider the gold standard for rural sociology. He epitomizes the fearlessness, leadership, and expertise you wish for when trying to reshape philosophies about successful community development.
Jason Henderson – Associate Dean, Director of Purdue Extension, and Professor
Thank you,
Jason Henderson
Director of Purdue Extension
