Purdue Fort Wayne opens newly renovated Doermer School of Business Building

Purdue University Fort Wayne is celebrating a new chapter for its Doermer School of Business following the completion of nearly $2 million in renovations designed to bring students, faculty, and staff together under one roof.

The renovations transformed the second floor of the Doermer School of Business Building on Purdue Fort Wayne's South Campus, adding 10 classrooms and office space for approximately 50 faculty and staff members. The newly renovated spaces opened to students, faculty, and staff at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

Previously spread across multiple locations on campus, the school's academic departments, faculty offices, classrooms, advising and other resources are now centralized within the Doermer School of Business Building. The move creates a more connected experience for students, making it easier to access faculty and resources while strengthening collaboration across the school.

"Previously, business programs were divided between the first floor of the Doermer Building and the third floor of Neff Hall. Now, all academic departments, faculty offices, classrooms, and advising services share a single home. The renovated space creates a more connected environment for students, with faculty, advising and professional development resources just steps away," said Nodir Adilov, dean of the Doermer School of Business.

The project also builds on recent improvements to the building's first floor, including the Finance Lab powered by PNC and the Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Engineering Nexus. The Nexus brings business and engineering students together to develop ideas and gain experience working across disciplines.

Funding was spearheaded by $1.32 million in lead commitments from the Doermer Family Foundation ($800,000), the English-Bonter-Mitchell Foundation ($300,000), along with Max and Janet Laudeman ($150,000). Adilov also commended the broad coalition of partners who made the transformation possible, celebrating several named space sponsors along with dedicated support from the DSB Advisory Council, alumni, and the community.

The renovated space strengthens Purdue Fort Wayne's role as a hub for knowledge, talent, and innovation in northeast Indiana. It also creates more opportunities for the university and regional business community to learn from one another and help shape the region's future.

"This investment positions the Doermer School of Business for its next chapter," Adilov said. "As our programs continue to evolve, this space gives us the foundation to expand opportunities, strengthen industry relationships, and serve the changing needs of northeast Indiana."

The Richard T. Doermer School of Business Building is located on Purdue Fort Wayne's South Campus at 3000 E. Coliseum Blvd.