Skip to Content
Purdue Mitch Daniels School of Business logo
Purdue Mitch Daniels School of Business logo

Daniels School Faculty

Cara Putman

Cara Putman

Clinical Associate Professor
Director Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business

Education

MBA Purdue University - honor scholar
JD George Mason School of Law - honors
BA University of Nebraska Lincoln - honors

CV

At the Daniels School of Business, Cara serves as the Director of the Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business and is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Law, Communications and Ethics area. An award-winning member of the faculty, she teaches undergraduate and graduate core courses in business law, employment law, international law, business ethics, and corporate governance. In 2025 Cara received the highest undergraduate teaching award at Purdue University when she received the Charles B. Murphy Award, becoming the 8th faculty member to receive this at Daniels since the 1970s. She has also been selected as one of Poet & Quant's Top 50 Undergraduate Professors (2022) and received the Krannert Alumni Teaching Excellence Award in Course Delivery (2021). She has been nominated by Daniels for university-wide awards in recognition of her teaching excellence, and in 2023 was accepted into the University's Teaching Academy. She has taught the core graduate business law class since 2007 and journeyed to Germany to teach it in the summer of 2012. In addition she has led undergraduate study abroad experiences in Siena, Florence, Rome, and London. In summer 2025, she will take a group of undergraduate students to Prague.

Cara is an innovator in the classroom. In Spring 2024 she piloted MGMT 255, the new core ethics course that will be required of most undergraduate students in Daniels after developing it through the IMPACT grant process in Fall 2023. In Spring 2024 she also developed and co-taught an interdisciplinary course for the Honors College that explored healthcare issues in Indiana. She has also developed MGMT 331 the Development of EEOC Law as a cultural competency core class through the IMPACT grant process. With a focus on the landmark Supreme Court cases that have affected women in the workplace since the passage of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the class allows students to explore the law in a practical light. She also developed HONR 299, a leadership course, for the interdisciplinary students at the Honors College, and a three credit HONR 399 The Case for Ethics. 

Cara is a frequent recipient of Distinguished and Outstanding Teaching Awards from her students. She loves it when students follow her from class to class or ask to do an independent study with her. Becoming the inaugural School of Management Honors Director was a natural extension of the joy Cara finds in mentoring students. In this role, Cara built programs and networked across campus to smooth the Honors pathway for Daniels' top students. Students will often find her door open, an invitation to come in and talk about classes, grad school, or career plans. 

As the Director of the Brock-Wilson Center, Cara strategically focuses on recruiting young women to Daniels as well as their experience while they are at the school. That includes everything from designing the Women in Business Learning Community, developing and collaborating with the Brock-Wilson Center Ambassadors, advising the Women in Business and Graduate Women in Business student organizations, and creating programs like the Confident Transitions pathway for graduating women. She is an active partner with undergraduate and graduate recruiting and leads her team and ambassadors on numerous recruiting initiatives including a one-week summer course.

In August 2022, Cara was named an inaugural Scholarly Fellow at the John Martinson Honors College, and in January 2023, she was named a Service Learning Fellow. She also serves as a Faculty Affiliate with the Center for Working Well. Prior to this in June 2017, Cara was named the Senior Faculty Fellow for Hawkins Residence Hall. The Faculty Fellow program is Purdue's mentoring program that promotes a personalized experience for students through association with faculty on an informal basis outside the classroom and office.

Prior to teaching at Purdue, she also taught in the Legal Research and Writing program at George Mason University School of Law. She is also a frequent instructor at writing conferences around the country.

Cara is a honors graduate of Krannert School of Management's Weekend MBA, George Mason University School of Law, and the University of Nebraska Lincoln. After law school, she clerked for Judge Loren Smith at the Court of Federal Claims. She provided legal services as an attorney with Bennett Boehning & Clary until the summer of 2023 and is licensed to practice in Indiana and Virginia.

Conference Proceedings

  • Cara Putman (2025). "Imposter Phenomenon in Teaching Faculty: a proposed research path." MALSB/MBAA International
  • (2025). "Panel: Team Teaching a Business Law Course: The pros and cons." MALSB/MBAA International Chicago, IL.
  • Putman, Cara, Blanchard, Kelly, Chupp, Brian (2024). "Building a Model to More Effectively Teaching Ethics at the Undergraduate Level." International Society of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning French Lick, IN. | Related Website |
  • Cara Putman (2024). "More Effectively Teaching Ethics at the Undergraduate Level." MALSB/MBAA International | Download Download |
  • Putman, Cara Panelist (2024). "Towards a typology of teaching focused roles: similarities, differences and prospects." International Society of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning French Lick, IN. | Related Website |
  • Cara Putman (2024). "Turning Lectures to Active Learning." MALSB/MBAA International | Download Download |
  • Cara Putman (2023). "Business Simulation created for Business Law." Presented at Lilly SOTL in Asheville, NC, August 2023 | Download Download Download |
  • Cara Putman (2023). "Connecting: Your Story Matters (a Workbook for a 2 hour keynote presentation)." | Download |
  • Cara Putman (2023). "Leading by Example: Communication and Customer Service." Trial Court and Clerk Employee Conference, Indiana Supreme Court Indiana.
  • Cara Putman (2023). "More Effectively Teaching Ethics at the Undergraduate Level." International Society of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning | Download Download |
  • Cara Putman, Kelly Blanchard (2022). "More Effectively Teaching Ethics at the Undergraduate Level." Presented at Lilly Original SOTL conference Miami, Ohio. | Related Website | Download |

Book (edited)

  • Cara Putman (2026). "The Targeted." Kregel 350.
  • Cara Putman (2025). "The Accused." Kregel 350.
  • Cara Putman (2024). "The Vanished." Kregel | Related Website |
  • Cara Putman (2023). "Beauty Bright in We Three King, a 3 volume Novella Collection." Kregel Publishing Michigan. | Related Website |
  • Cara Putman (2023). "Love Along the Shores in Across the Shores: a 4 Novella Collection." Barbour Publishing Ohio. | Related Website |
  • Cara Putman (2021). "Lethal Intent." Harper Collins Christian Publishing Nashville, TN. 330. | Related Website |
  • Cara Putman (2020). "Flight Risk." HCCP
  • Putman, C. (2019). "Till We Meet Again." Guidepost
  • Putman, C. (2018). "Delayed Justice." Harper Collins Christian Publishing | Related Website |
  • Goyer, T. & Putman. C. (2018). "In the Fullness of Time: novella in collection." Guidepost
  • Putman, C. (2018). "MMV #21." Guidepost
  • Putman, C. (2018). "Shark Bait." Guidepost
  • Cara C Putman (2017). "Beyond Justice." Harper Collins Christian Publishing | Related Website |
  • Putman, C. (2017). "Imperfect Justice, best-selling." Harper Collins Christian Publishing | Related Website |
  • Goyer, T. & Putman. C. (2017). "Making Waves." Guidepost
  • Goyer, T. & Putman. C. (2017). "To Have & To Hold." Guidepost
  • Goyer, T. & Putman. C. (2016). "Blessed are the Cheesemakers." Guidepost
  • Goyer, T. & Putman. C. (2016). "Mason Jar Mayhem." Guidepost | Related Website |
  • Cara C Putman (2014). "Mixed Motives." Guideposts
  • Cara C Putman (2014). "Shadowed by Grace, award-winning." B&H | Related Website |
  • Cara C Putman (2014). "Where Treetops Glisten: White Christmas." Waterbrook/Random House
  • Cara C Putman (2013). "Waterfront Weddings (repackage)." Barbour
  • Cara C Putman (2013). "Work In Progress." Guideposts
  • Cara C Putman (2012). "A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island." Barbour
  • Cara C Putman (2012). "Cherry Blossom Capers: Dying for Love." Barbour
  • Cara C Putman (2011). "Ohio Brides (repackaged)." Barbour
  • Cara C Putman (2011). "Squared Away." Guideposts
  • Cara C Putman (2010). "A Promise Forged." Heartsong Presents
  • Cara C Putman (2010). "Stars in the Night." Summerside Press
  • Cara C Putman (2010). "Timeless Treasures." Guideposts
  • Cara C Putman (2009). "A Promise Born." Heartsong Presents
  • Cara C Putman (2009). "A Promise Kept." Heartsong Presents
  • Putman, Cara C. (2009). "Complete Idiots Guide to Business Law." Alpha Books Indiana.
  • Cara C Putman (2009). "Cornhusker Dreams (repackaged)." Barbour
  • Cara C Putman (2009). "Trial by Fire." Love Inspired Suspense (Harlequin)
  • Cara C Putman (2008). "Captive Dreams." Heartsong Presents
  • Cara C Putman (2008). "Deadly Exposure." Love Inspired Suspense (Harlequin)
  • Cara C Putman (2008). "Sandhill Dreams." Heartsong Presents
  • Cara C Putman (2007). "Canteen Dreams." Heartsong Presents
  • Kelly Blanchard teaching

    Ethics in the Classroom

    At some business schools, research and teaching can be mutually exclusive, with certain faculty focusing on the former while others focus on the latter. At Purdue's business school, however, research and teaching are often intertwined, thanks in part to the efforts of Kelly Blanchard, Brian Chupp and Cara Putman.

    Full story: Ethics in the Classroom

Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award

The Charles B. Murphy Award, Purdue's highest undergraduate teaching honor, recognizes up to five recipients (nominated through individual colleges) each year as models in excellent undergraduate education. Faculty with the rank of associate or full professor are eligible.

Dr. Gerald Krockover Outstanding Favorite Faculty Award

This award is given to a faculty member who impacts students across all three of the Purdue University Residential Academic Initiatives' award categories, academic, research, and campus/community involvement, and is the roadmap for what a faculty member at Purdue should be. It is the highest honor that Purdue Residential Academic Initiatives bestows at the annual Favorite Faculty reception. It is a student-nominated award.

HELEN B. SCHLEMAN GOLD MEDALLION

Honors the legacy of Dean Helen B. Schleman, who served as Dean of Women from 1947-68. The award is presented to a faculty member or administrator for their contributions to Purdue, especially in the promotion and advancement of women students and women’s issues. The winner receives a monetary award and a medallion in addition to having their name engraved on a plaque.

Krannert Alumni Teaching Excellence in Course Delivery

Selected based on my work to unify and develop MGMT 254, the undergraduate business law course, while also mentoring up to six adjuncts per semester.

Krannert Oustanding Undergraduate Teacher, honorable mention

An award received by a vote of the graduating seniors. One faculty member is selected, and three are recognized as Honorable Mentions.

Krannert Oustanding Undergraduate Teacher, honorable mention

An award received by a vote of the graduating seniors. One faculty member is selected, and three are recognized as Honorable Mentions.

Nominated: Excellence in Instruction Award for Lecturers

The nominee from the School of Managment for this university award. Up to two are awarded per year.

Poets & Quants Top 50 Undergraduate Professors of 2021

You can learn more here: https://poetsandquantsforundergrads.com/news/2021-best-undergraduate-professors-cara-putman-krannert-school-of-management-purdue-university/

Teaching Academy Fellow

Fellows are tenure-track faculty, clinical/professional faculty, lecturers, and senior lecturers who have distinguished themselves in teaching and were nominated by the Schools/Colleges and selected by the Executive Council of the Academy.

YWCA Woman of Distinction

Salute to Women is an annual event that celebrates and honors women making significant contributions in our community. It recognizes leaders who demonstrate outstanding service, advocacy, and dedication in various fields, showcasing their impact on improving and inspiring the lives of others. This event highlights their achievements and fosters a spirit of empowerment and recognition within the community.

Promotion Committee Chair (2024-2025)

Chaired the promotion committee for a Clinical Assistant in the area.

Transition TaskForce B Committee (2024)

Served at the appointment of the Dean on Committee B of the Transition TaskForce Committee as the Management Department transformed into eight departments.

Purdue Grievance Committee (2023-current)

Elected by my peers to serve the university on this committee. My term ends in 2026.

Daniels Grade Appeals Committee (2022-present)

Scholarly Fellow and Senior Scholarly Fellow (2022-present)

Serve as the Scholarly Fellow for one of the houses at the Honors College.

Clinical & Lecturer Committee (2022-2023, 2024)

Elected to serve on this committee which is evaluating the processes for promotion and retention.

Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (2021-2025)

Serve as the Law, Communications and Ethics Area representative on the committee.

Daniels Faculty Relations Committee (2021-2024)

Elected by peers to serve on this committee.

Managment Restructuring Committee (2021-2022)

Appointed to this committee that was tasked with making recommendations to the Department Head and Dean on the future of the Managment Department. Participated in interviews with Assistant and Associate Deans Business Schools across the Big Ten and other peer schools.

MBA redesign sprint (2021)

Part of a two-day sprint designed to strategize outside the box on what the MBA could become.

Assistant Area Head (2020-2025)

Assist the Law, Communications and Ethics area head.

Honors College Faculty Governance Committee (2018-2021)

Appointed by the Dean to represent the school on this committee.

Advisor to student organizations (2018 - present)

Serve as the advisor to multiple student organizations including Beta Gamma Sigma (2018-2021), Graduate Women in Business (2018-current), Women in Business (2021-current) and more.

Truman Scholarship Committee (2012 - present)

Serve on the committee that selects and prepares Purdue's nominees for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, a highly selective, national scholarship.

  • MGMT 254 (multiple)
  • MGMT 331 (Spring)
  • MGMT 536 (Spring)
  • MGMT 590 (Spring)
  • MGMT 634 (Fall)
  • MGMT 690 (Fall)
  • MGMT 63410 (Fall)
  • HONR 299 (multiple)
  • HONR 399 (Fall)

Contact

cputman@purdue.edu
Phone: (765) 494-2593
Office: KRAN 357

Quick links

Personal website
This is Purdue Podcast Episode
Poets & Quants Top 50 Undergraduate Professors
Learn more about our ethics model here.
Daniels Alumni Spotlight

Area(s) of Expertise

Business Law, Contract Law, Corporate Governance, Employment Law, Ethics, Intellectual Property, Leadership, Nonprofit Management