About Us
Our Mission
The Purdue Institute for Family Business (PIFB) is an integrated research, outreach, and teaching program. It offers educational programs that address the major competencies needed for effective family business ownership and management. The goal of the initiative is to prepare family business stakeholders—strategically, financially, and emotionally—for the significant and sometimes unpredictable transitions and decisions that must be made, which determine the success and continuity of the family business.
The Purdue Institute for Family Business (PIFB) provides multi-generational family businesses with research-based business management resources aimed at improving personal leadership performance and driving operational growth. Our ambition is to prepare family business owners, managers, and stakeholders (including non-owner spouses and future owners) to be effective stewards of their family enterprises.
Our People

Maria Marshall
PIFB Director & Professor of Agricultural Economics

Renee Wiatt
Family Business Management Specialist

Michael S Delgado
Assistant Professor of Ag Economics & PIFB Affiliate

Ariana Torres
Assistant Professor of HLA/Ag Econ & PIFB Affiliate

Craig L Dobbins
Professor of Agricultural Economics & PIFB Affiliate

Nicole J Olynk Widmar
Associate Professor of Ag Economics & PIFB Affiliate

Sandra Sydnor
Associate Professor of Hospitality & Tourism Management & PIFB Affiliate

Michael Langemeier
Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics

Gerald Harrison
Professor of Agricultural Economics
Holly L. Schrank
Professor Emeritus, Consumer Sciences & Retailing