
The oldest of 12 children, Córdova is a graduate of Stanford University. She earned a Ph.D. in physics at the California Institute of Technology. In 2008, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels praised Córdova’s tenure at Purdue by stating, “President Córdova has done just those things Purdue and all of Indiana hoped she would: raised the standards, reputation and research profile of the university.”


