Beelke, Ralph (-1983) | Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections

Dr. Ralph G. Beelke was appointed head of Purdue's Department of Art and Design in 1962. He succeeded Dr. Carleton I. Calkin, who asked to be relieved of administrative responsibilities to devote full time to teaching.

Dr. Beelke was a graduate of the Albright Art School and receied a B.A. degree from the University of Buffalo. After additional graduate work at Teachers College, Columbia University, he earned an M.A. degree in 1947 and an Ed.D Degree in 1951.

He was the first executive secretary of the National Art Education Association, a department of the National Education Association.