Abigail Titus: Finding community through Industrial Engineering
For Abigail Titus, Purdue University stood out for more than its academic reputation. What ultimately drew the Lakeville, Minnesota, native to West Lafayette was a rare combination she felt from the start: abundant opportunity paired with a genuine sense of community.
“I wanted to be surrounded by other dedicated students in a place focused on teamwork and uplifting everyone to succeed,” Titus said. “Purdue really felt like home.”
That feeling didn’t happen by accident. Titus’ connection to Purdue began long before she officially became a Boilermaker. Her father’s graduate advisor, Professor Frank Dooley, introduced her to the university years earlier during trips to Indianapolis for AAU basketball tournaments. Those early visits led to conversations with students in the industrial engineering program and multiple campus tours — three in total.
“It was the only campus I could truly see myself at,” she said. “Every visit confirmed that Purdue would challenge me and help me grow.”
Now a senior in industrial engineering, with an expected graduation date of May 2026, Titus has embraced those challenges while building a Purdue experience defined by leadership, service and personal growth.
Choosing a major that puts people first
Titus was drawn to industrial engineering because it aligned perfectly with her interests.
“I’m passionate about problem solving, human-focused systems and making data-driven decisions,” she said. “I also like that industrial engineering brings a business perspective into engineering.”
That blend of analytical thinking and real-world impact has shaped both her coursework and her involvement outside the classroom.
From her first year on campus, Titus sought out mentorship and leadership opportunities. As a freshman, she participated in the Women in Engineering mentoring program as a mentee, gaining guidance as she navigated her transition to college. By her junior and senior years, she experienced the other side of mentorship as a FreshIE mentor — a program run by the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers that pairs first-year engineering students with upperclassmen in the majors they are considering. In that role, she met regularly with students interested in industrial engineering, offering advice and encouragement rooted in her own experience.
She has also served as a teaching assistant and mentor for IE 200, the industrial engineering seminar course required for all IE students. Supporting underclassmen as they
explore career pathways and professional development opportunities allowed her to give back directly to her department.
Over her time at Purdue, she has taken on leadership roles across a wide range of organizations, including serving as president, director of public relations and marketing, and community engagement chair for the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. She is also a College of Engineering Ambassador and an Office of Admissions tour guide, helping prospective students envision their own Purdue journeys.
This year, Titus was inducted into Mortar Board, a national senior honors society built on the pillars of service, scholarship and leadership. As a member of the chapter’s finance committee, she helps support planning efforts and contributes to writing the organization’s newsletter.
Her involvement extends beyond academics. Titus has served as vice president of philanthropy for her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta; interned with Purdue Athletics in marketing, promotions and fan experience; and explored the outdoors with the Purdue Outing Club.
“Getting involved made Purdue feel like home,” she said. “It helped me build a support network that carried me through college.”
Overcoming challenges with Purdue support
Like many students, Titus faced obstacles along the way, but connecting with Purdue resources made a lasting difference. Supplemental instruction sessions and office hours, especially during her freshman year, helped her navigate the rigor of the First-Year Engineering curriculum and build confidence in her abilities.
She also credits a variety of Purdue professors and staff who supported her along the way.
“Having professors and mentors who believed in me and encouraged me changed everything,” she said.
She’s also grateful for the support and mentorship provided by Purdue alumni.
After graduation, Titus will begin her career with Deloitte Government and Public Services as an analyst in the Tech Packages division. Long term, she plans to pursue a law degree, though she is also considering a master’s degree in public administration or business administration.
Wherever her path leads, Titus knows the foundation she built at Purdue will continue to guide her.
What advice does she have for future Boilermakers?
“Get involved,” she said. “Having a support system makes all the difference. Purdue has so many opportunities. Say yes, volunteer for the random requests. You never know where it might lead.”