Organizers accused the school's board of trustees of skipping over more qualified candidates to recruit Daniels, who is set to take office when his term ends at the end of the year.

"We are very offended at what seems to us sort of an inbred choice of a candidate who has a long history of hostility toward teachers and public education," said protester Aaron Hoover.

Marilyn Haring, a former Purdue education dean, feels so strongly against Daniels' appointment that she's rewriting her will to leave Purdue out.

"Upon my retirement, I put a provision in my will for $1 million to come to Purdue. I feel so strongly about this I am withdrawing that provision," Haring said.

Fellow protesters said they're afraid Daniels' appointment sends the wrong message about Purdue.

"I feel very fortunate to be associated with such a great university, but I'm just afraid it is going to take a nosedive," one protester said.

"The best possible outcome would be for either Daniels or the trustees to realize that this is not a good fit for Purdue and make it end," another protester said.

While organizers aren't holding out hope the university or Daniels will change course now, some students plan to establish a nonprofit watchdog group to increase the transparency of future university decisions.

For his part, Daniels has said he respects those who disagree with his appointment, but said he will work to make Purdue great.