Meet the Purdue ANSC Student Services Team: Barry Delks

Barry Delks is the Coordinator of Career Services on the Purdue Animal Sciences Department’s Student Services Team.

Barry grew up on a farm in Montgomery County, Indiana. He had cattle, poultry and dogs on his farm.

Barry is a Purdue alumnus. He has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a Master’s in College Student Services.

Barry has been with the Purdue Animal Sciences Department for almost 25 years! He will hit this milestone in January 2025.

As the Coordinator of Career Services, Barry works closely with students.

“My passion is helping others find their career passion by enhancing resumes, cover letters, interview skills and connecting students to amazing animal sciences alumni in diverse careers in the animal industry,” Barry explained.

Barry’s advising philosophy is focused on putting students first.

“I am here to serve, encourage, inspire and connect students to the animal sciences family to help them take their next best steps!” Barry said.

Barry is also the advisor for the Unhurried Club. The purpose of the Unhurried Club is to connect Purdue alumni with Purdue students. The club hosts alumni for networking dinners for students to connect and be encouraged.

According to Barry, he loves animal sciences, students, employers and his job.

Barry loves working with students.

“When I serve students, I feel the pleasure of God,” Barry explained.

According to Barry, he loves working in the Purdue Animal Sciences Department because the faculty, staff, students and alumni are like his family.

Barry shared advice he has for students.

“Students should work to grow and learn and determine their next best steps,” Barry said. “Slow down to enjoy community, friendships and healthy habits.”

Barry’s hobbies include biking, swimming, and working on his son’s farm. On the weekends, he spends time with his family working outdoors. 

Barry enjoys traveling. He and his wife love picking peaches on different farms in Michigan. They also loved visiting Franklin, Tennessee and Sanibel Island.

Barry’s favorite restaurants are City BBQ in Lafayette, Jefferson Street BBQ in Converse, and Angry Donkey in Michigantown.

Featured Stories

FNR alumni and career award winners: top line (left to right) - Dr. Ted Cable, Dr. Kristen Floress and Dr. Zach Feiner. Bottom row (left to right): Geriann Albers and Dean Zimmerman
FNR Names 2025 Alumni, Career Award Recipients

The Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources has named the recipients of its five...

Read More
Purdue College of Agriculture.
test post

test post summary

Read More
Ty Hoskins takes measurements from a mesocosm; an FNR alumnus fights a wildfire; a doe stands in snow
FNR Shares Most Read Stories of 2025

2025 was a productive year for Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources across the three land grant...

Read More
Hunter Foland works with chicks at Purdue ASREC
Why Spring Start was the right beginning

Raised in Greentown, Indiana, a town just east of Kokomo, Hunter Foland grew up surrounded by...

Read More
Mountain Bluebird taking wing, a migratory species that ranges widely across the western North America.
Research uses radar to expose sky’s organized, living habitat

When people think about habitats on Earth, they likely picture forests, oceans or grasslands. Few...

Read More
Natalie Nenneker poses with apples
Rooted in sustainability: Growing a future in food and farming

For Natalie Nenneker from Wadesville, Indiana, Purdue Agriculture offered the perfect place to...

Read More