A legacy of service: honoring Barry Delks and his commitment to student success

Thirty-five years ago, Barry Delks returned to his alma mater, Purdue University, with one goal in mind: to serve students.

"I believe everyone is born with different strengths, skills and interest. Some are gifted in math or science. Mine tend to be loving, serving, supporting and encouraging people. It has been my blessing and joy to say that is what I have been able to do during my career at Purdue as I have served students."

Delks retired earlier this year after working in student services in the animal sciences department. His retirement party included kind words and accolades from students, alumni and colleagues along with another gift for Delks, an endowed fund in his name to continue his legacy. What Delks set out to accomplish all those years ago in service to students will now continue for years to come in the animal sciences department.

A braille project began a love for student services

A self-proclaimed "farm boy from Ladoga, Indiana," Delks earned his undergraduate degree in agricultural economics from Purdue in 1982 and then pursued a master's degree in student services. He shares how he collaborated with Betty Nelson, then the dean of students and a mentor, to create braille maps for campus.

"That project and seeing the impact I could have on students gave me a real hunger to do more.”

While working on his master's degree, Delks began advising general and pre-veterinary students.  

"That was when I realized I could get paid to serve, encourage and help students” Delks said.

Delks and his wife soon moved to North Carolina to work at NC State. Then one night they went to see the movie “Hoosiers,” and Delks realized it was time to come home to the state of Indiana and Purdue.

Coming home with a purpose

Delks' initial role at Purdue was working for Extension, first as a county educator, and then for almost a decade as an extension specialist in the agricultural and biological engineering department, where he served with the farm safety program, now called AgrAbility.

"I was working with farmers after a disabling injury, and that was very rewarding," Delks said. Delks served as the director of that program for about five years before taking a role in animal sciences as the coordinator of career services and alumni relations in January 2000.

Delks remembers that at the time, all advisors in the College of Agriculture were faculty members. He credits leaders at the time, such as Jeff Armstrong, the animal science department head, for being willing to think outside the box and give him a chance.

"There were several leaders who stepped up to help me grow.  Thanks to people like Mark Russell and others for stepping in, I was able to do that," Delks said.

Along with his role in student services, Delks thrived in teaching, utilizing his time in the classroom to look for those students who might be struggling yet afraid to ask for help.

In my role in the classroom, I tried to give extra attention to the first-generation student, the one who was timid in the back and going through a hard time succeeding in classes. I wanted to help students through their tough times and to celebrate with them in the good times,” said Delks.

Alumnus Ryan Millet benefited both as a student and as an alumnus from Delks' service and encouragement. " Barry taught me to be a better person, husband, and father,” Millet said. “Even after 25 years, he still contacts me. He has never stopped, and he continues to be the true definition of a friend.”

As Delks continued to pursue ways to encourage his students, he started the Unhurried Club for students within the College of Agriculture.  

"I started the Unhurried Club because, as a student advisor, I knew I needed the help of becoming unhurried, and students' schedules and resumes just kept getting fuller. I wanted to provide an avenue for them to learn to slow down, have a healthy balanced lifestyle and learn ways to be unhurried before graduating," Delks said.

Students such as Harrison Clark, a rising second-year student in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, benefited from the Unhurried Club and his time with Delks.

“Barry has been an invaluable mentor and resource both during my undergraduate studies and now that I am in veterinary school,” Clark said. “He will tell you that his dream is to help others accomplish theirs, and that sums him up. He also does all of this from a place of gratitude and will work hard to help all of his students," Clark says.

Continuing the Delks’ legacy of service

After Delks' retirement plans were announced, colleagues began to look for ways to honor and continue his legacy for students at Purdue. James Krotz, new coordinator of career services and alumni relations in animal sciences, was a part of the planning team for this endeavor. They worked with Purdue for Life to establish the Barry Delks Animal Science Fund Endowment.

The endowment will support special events and industry tours, as well as help connect students with alumni mentors. "I was completely humbled and honored by the endowment that has been established in my name," Delks said.

Not only will the endowment serve as a reminder of Delks and his work, but there is now a "Barry Bell" that will be mounted in the student services offices in Animal Sciences.

"Barry's greatest joy - and almost everyone's greatest joy in a student services role - is when students accomplish their goals. Whether it's landing a dream job or internship, receiving a veterinary school or graduate school acceptance letter, or even passing a difficult course, Barry loves celebrating with them. Barry's Bell is a way for students to celebrate those accomplishments by spreading the joy they feel," Krotz said.

A new chapter with the same mission

As Delks starts this new chapter – one that offers more time with his family – he reflects on his career and says he's most proud of the relationships he has built along the way.