(Hammond, IN) - Purdue University Northwest has added an economic development expert to its staff.

Don Babcock was Director of Economic Development for NIPSCO for a long time before retiring last year.  Babcock is joining Purdue Northwest as Director of Economic Development and Community Relations.  During his time at NIPSCO, Babcock helped drive initiatives aimed at growing the economy of the region.

According to PNW officials, his part time role will be to expand the university’s efforts to bring more new jobs to Northwest Indiana.