Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. S. Kathleen Salisbury, who is also a Purdue 150th Anniversary Professor and professor of small animal surgery, has been appointed interim dean of the college, effective July 1. She succeeds Dr. Willie Reed, who is stepping down June 30 after serving more than 17 years as dean.
Dr. Salisbury, whose research areas include veterinary medical education and soft-tissue surgery, joined the college’s faculty in 1984. She was appointed chief of small animal surgery in 1988 and named assistant dean for academic affairs in 2005. A recognized leader in the field who is passionate about veterinary medical education, Dr. Salisbury has been involved in every major curriculum revision in the college and has been recognized for developing a national and international veterinary education model and specialist training.
In 2018, Dr. Salisbury was named a 150th Anniversary Professor by the Office of the Provost. She is a member of Purdue’s Book of Great Teachers, a charter member of the Teaching Academy and an honored mentor of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Foundation. In 2007 she was named the recipient of the national Carl J. Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award, considered the most prestigious teaching award in veterinary medicine. Dr. Salisbury also has received numerous college-level awards, including Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Career Teaching Award, Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award and Weedon Faculty Recognition Award.
“Associate Dean Salisbury has exactly the right mix of expertise and experience to accelerate the college’s progress in this interim role as we launch our One Health initiative,” said Patrick Wolfe, Purdue provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity.
“I look forward to leading our outstanding faculty, staff and students through this transition,” Dr. Salisbury said. “I will follow Dean Reed’s example of excellence and dedication in serving the college.”
Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dr. Salisbury earned her DVM degree at Michigan State University in 1979 and went on to complete her residency and earn her Master of Science in veterinary medicine at Purdue in 1984.
Lucy Flesch, Purdue’s Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science and professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences, is chairing an advisory committee to assist in the search for Dr. Reed’s permanent successor, with finalists expected to visit campus at the start of the fall semester.