Purdue University. Span Plan
Historical Information
In 1968 Helen Schleman and Cecilia Zissis of the Purdue University, Dean of Women office founded Span Plan, which was originally started to encourage the wives of male students at Purdue to obtain a degree in higher education. Schleman served Purdue as the director of the first women's residence hall in 1934 and, after serving in World War II, as dean of women from 1947-68. Zissis served as assistant and associate dean of women at Purdue from 1950-74 and served as the program's first director from 1970-87. Peggy Sullivan served as director of Span Plan from 1987-2001.
Over the years, the program has continued to evolve and provide additional services to the adult learner population. Along with a fall orientation program, Span Plan offers academic, career and personal counseling; free tutoring; grants and scholarships to qualified adult learners; Lunch 'N Learn Programs; an adult student support group; and career and job search services. Span Plan is currently a program within the Division of Student Success.