Today, on behalf of the Wellness Committee and PVM Counseling and Wellness Services, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Susan Prieto-Welch, a valued licensed psychologist on our team. As Susan approaches her well-deserved retirement, we want to recognize her contributions to the wellbeing of our college community, her kindness, and the lasting positive impact she has made on so many PVM students, residents, interns, faculty, and staff. Susan’s steady support, especially in ensuring that students’ needs were met when we were short staffed recently, is just one example of her dedication and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all, and we wish her the very best as she embarks on the exciting new adventures that lie ahead in her retirement.
Fostering a healthy work environment involves expressing appreciation and gratitude. Is there someone at PVM you would like to acknowledge today? It’s easy to make a Paws Up submission – just follow this link. Submissions are published anonymously and may be edited for length. Any PVM staff, faculty, student, or team may be nominated by anyone in our college. For more information, visit the PVM Wellness Committee website.
Dr. Ellen Lowery (left) with Marsha Baker who presented her with the 2024 Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award.
When it was time for the noon Diversity Keynote at the Purdue Veterinary Conference in Stewart Center Thursday, September 19, the program began with a special presentation to a Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty member and associate dean. Dr. Ellen Lowery, associate dean for hospital operations and chief veterinary officer, received the Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, which was presented by Marsha Baker, assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Baker explained that each year, the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Diversity Action Committee honors faculty and staff for excellence in diversity and inclusion endeavors. “This year I am honored to award Dr. Lowery for her excellent work,” Baker said. “Dr. Lowery truly exemplifies the spirit of inclusive leadership and this award recognizes her for that. Her contributions and impact include internal and external contributions to diversity efforts at the college as well as developing a leadership culture that serves as an inspiration across PVM and beyond.”
Baker then presented Dr. Lowery with the award plaque that bears the following inscription: “In recognition and with great appreciation of your efforts aimed at promoting diversity, awareness, representation and inclusion within Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the broader community.”
For the fifth consecutive year, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has received the national Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. Presented by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education, the award recognizes U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. As an award recipient, the college will be featured, along with 70 other recipients, in the November/ December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
Purdue Veterinary Medicine assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, Marsha Baker, said the college has a strong record of advancing core values of DEI through evidence-based mentoring, teaching, research, hiring, promotion, recruitment, and retention. “As a result, our college has established a solid foundation for sustaining a welcoming environment and actively valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Baker said. “Receiving this award demonstrates that we have outstanding programmatic initiatives, and that our approach to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion is interwoven into all aspects of our missions of learning, discovery, and engagement.”
The college’s DEI programs include:
Ongoing efforts to implement and monitor DEI initiatives, including the work of the Diversity Action Committee to foster the college’s successful implementation of the DEI Strategic Plan.
Creative initiatives launched and sustained through the college’s Office of Engagement, including the League of VetaHumanz, which provides access and support for underserved children as they pursue their dreams of becoming veterinary professionals; and Global Engagement programming that expands study abroad opportunities for DVM and Veterinary Nursing students by attracting funding to support student travel overseas.
The Vet Up! program that provides opportunities and support for equity-minded individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter the veterinary profession and serve society by advancing public health, ensuring food safety, or serving rural areas.
Active partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
DEI training programs for faculty, staff, and students that include Learning Cafes and Mediation Training.
The Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine that involves a unique combination of distance learning, community service, and reflective assignments to equip participants with the skills and understanding needed to foster inclusivity within their respective institutions.
The Purdue Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) for Translational Biomedical Sciences that fosters diversity in the biomedical sciences through a one-year post-baccalaureate program that provides in-depth research experience, graduate coursework, professional development, and career planning.
Development of the new Animal Allies Veterinary Nursing Summer Program to recruit and advance a diverse community of faculty, staff and students involved in veterinary nursing education.
Recognition programs to celebrate faculty and staff who have contributed to diversity within the college as well as externally.
“The Health Professions HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
Purdue Veterinary Medicine is one of only nine colleges of veterinary medicine selected to receive the 2024 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award.
High school students from Indiana’s capitol city of Indianapolis visited the College of Veterinary Medicine this summer to participate the Animal Allies in Veterinary Nursing Summer Program.
With nearly 35 vendor booths, the Exhibit Hall in the Purdue Memorial Union proved to be a popular venue at the Purdue Veterinary Conference.
A festive atmosphere pervaded a week of learning and special events at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual conference for veterinarians and veterinary nurses. Held September 17-21 on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, the program attracted more than 850 registered participants. Attendees included veterinary professionals, Purdue students, staff and faculty, exhibitors and presenters.
Nancy Gee, PhD, (right) was introduced as the speaker for the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture by Purdue Assistant Professor of the Human-Animal Bond Leanne Nieforth, PhD.
The programming kicked-off Tuesday evening, September 17, with the Elanco Human-Animal Bond lecture that featured Nancy Gee, PhD, C-AISS, director of the Center for Human Animal Interaction at the VCU Medical College of Virginia. Her presentation entitled, “After 30,000 Years, What Do We Know About the Human-Animal Bond?” drew a roomful of attendees excited to hear from the leading researcher and key opinion leader in the field.
A full slate of continuing education sessions began the following day, Wednesday, September 18, with Kara Burns, founder and president of the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians, leading off by presenting the Dr. Roger L. Lukens Lecture on the topic, “Courageous Change: Embracing Career Opportunities.” A licensed veterinary technician, Burns is the director of Veterinary Nursing for NAVC and the editor in chief of Today’s Veterinary Nurse. The Wednesday conference line-up also included the Wellness Keynote featuring Susan Cohen, DSW, founder of Pet Decisions, who is considered a pioneer in the fields of pet loss, human-animal interaction, and the human side of veterinary practice. Earlier in the day Cohen spoke to Purdue veterinary students in Lynn Hall as part of the Dr. Jeffrey A. Sutarik Memorial Wellness Lecture Series. Her presentation was entitled, “Vet Life: How to Love What You Do Without Burning Out.”
Thursday’s line-up included the Diversity Keynote, which was given by Dr. Sandra San Miguel, PVM associate dean for engagement and professor of veterinary clinical sciences, who spoke on the topic, “The Influence of Diversity in Communication in Healthcare.” Her inspiring and well-received presentation focused on The League of VetaHumanz, a global, inclusive veterinary superhero league where VetaHumanz in academia, practice, research, government, and industry engage with community centers and schools across the globe to provide access and support for under-resourced children.
Dr. Regina Tan, of the DVM Class of 1999, gave the Stockton Lecture and was introduced by Interim Dean Salisbury.
Headlining the afternoon sessions was the Jack and Naomi Stockton / Class of 1971 Lecture, which featured Dr. Regina Tan, a Purdue alumna of the DVM Class of 1999 who is currently senior advisor for the Office of Research at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. Speaking on the topic, “One Health and the Future of Veterinary Medicine,” her talk included stories and advice from her own veterinary career journey.
Dr. F. Claire Hankenson, of the DVM Class of 1997, with Interim Dean Kathy Salisbury at the Distinguished Alumni Awards presentation.
Dr. Kelly G. Whitesel, of the DVM Class of 1972, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Interim Dean Kathy Salisbury.
The Purdue Veterinary Conference also included special events – most notably, the Alumni and Friends Reception that featured recognition of alumni reunion classes and the presentation of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards. This year’s recipients are Dr. F. Claire Hankenson, of the DVM Class of 1997, and Dr. Kelly G. Whitesel, of the DVM Class of 1972. Dr. Hankenson is the Associate Vice Provost for Research and Executive Director of University Laboratory Animal Resources at the University of Pennsylvania, where she holds a faculty appointment as professor of pathobiology in the School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Whitesel built a highly successful mixed animal practice in Delaware County, Indiana and is known for his dedication to animal health, not only at his clinic but also on the farms around his home for the last 51 years.
The recognition of reunion classes included a time of giving special honor to members of the DVM Class of 1999 on the occasion of their 25th Reunion and to the DVM Class of 1974, which celebrated its golden 50th Anniversary.
The conference week wrapped up with a longstanding Purdue Veterinary Conference tradition – the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog. Held Saturday morning, September 21 at Lynn Hall, the event attracted humans and some 50 canine companions who ran or walked together on the 5K course that started and ended at the veterinary college and followed a loop that included landmarks and scenic settings in Purdue’s south campus area.
In total, the Purdue Veterinary Conference offered more than 100 sessions and up to 25 Continuing Education credits as well as an Exhibit Hall with nearly 35 vendor booths. Continuing education tracks included Veterinary Nursing, Small Animal, Farm Animal-Ruminant, Farm Animal-Poultry, APHIS, Diagnostic Medicine, Equine, Exotics, Emergency Preparedness, and Shelter Medicine.
Dogs and joggers charged off at the start of the Dr. Skip Jackson 5K Dog Jog at Lynn Hall Saturday morning, September 21.
Jessica Joya, Student Success Director at Purdue Veterinary Medicine
Meet Jessica Joya who has joined the Purdue Veterinary Medicine team as the new director of Student Success (formerly Student Services). Jessica started in her new role on August 7, 2024.
A native of the West Lafayette area and a proud Purdue alumna, Jessica earned her Bachelor of Arts in Management with a minor in Organizational Leadership and Supervision and her Master of Science in Higher Education with a focus on student affairs from Purdue Global. Before returning to Purdue, she gained valuable experience in various social service roles within the non-profit and government sectors.
At Purdue, Jessica has served in several positions, including as the student engagement coordinator for the Honors College and most recently as a student success specialist within the Computer and Information Technology Department. As the new director of PVM Student Success, Jessica leads the Student Success team in delivering comprehensive support services to the college while fostering a positive and supportive environment. Her role includes providing mentorship, resources, and referrals for veterinary medical and nursing students, implementing student-centered recognition programs, and promoting scholarship opportunities.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her daughter and their two golden retrievers, Maggie and Finnley. In her free time, Jessica often can be found reading a good book, catching up with family and friends, or serving as her daughter’s personal chauffeur.
A veterinarian who came to Purdue for a small animal medicine and surgery internship in 1972, and went on to join the faculty and serve as head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Dr. Ralph C. Richardson, is the recipient of Kansas State University’s 2024 Alumni Recognition Award. The award was presented during an alumni reception held in Kansas City, Missouri August 24 in conjunction with the annual Fetch dvm360 Conference.
The Alumni Recognition award is given to veterinarians in grateful recognition for time and effort devoted to advancing veterinary medicine and for being an exemplary role model for future alumni in a professional and community setting. Dr. Richardson served on the Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty for 22 years before being appointed as dean of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, a position he held until his retirement in 2015.
“It is an honor and a privilege to recognize Dr. Richardson for his longtime leadership and dedication to both the veterinary college and the university,” said Dr. Bonnie Rush, the Hodes Family Dean of the K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dr. Richardson’s career demonstrates how his education at K-State led him to unique career paths as a veterinarian, instructor and administrator. We are proud to present this award in recognition of his enduring legacy and impact on the college and the veterinary profession.”
Raised in Manhattan, Kansas, Dr. Richardson earned his DVM degree from K-State in 1970. After serving two years as a captain in the United States Army Veterinary Corps and then completing his Purdue small animal medicine and surgery internship, he entered a small animal internal medicine residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia. After completing the residency in 1975, he spent a year in private practice in Miami, Florida, before returning to Purdue to join the clinical faculty.
A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and a charter diplomate on the ACVIM Specialty of Oncology, Dr. Richardson completed a training program in clinical oncology at the University of Kansas Medical School, and consulted in private practice in Chicago prior to his Purdue career. During his time as a Purdue faculty member and Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department head, Dr. Richardson helped establish its Comparative Oncology Program for pets with naturally occurring cancer that are animal models for humans with cancer. Dr. Richardson also provided leadership to grow the veterinary teaching, research and extension programs at Purdue.
“I’m thrilled to receive the alumni recognition award,” Dr. Richardson said. “Being an alumnus of K-State has provided me with a foundation upon which every step of my career has been built. Our veterinary college teachers instilled a ‘can do’ attitude and a sense of practicality in us that has helped me tremendously. Whether in the military, private practice, clinical teaching, research, administration or serving on committees and boards, my K-State roots have served me well.”
Dr. Richardson is past president of the Veterinary Cancer Society, the ACVIM Specialty of Oncology, and the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians. He also served in several roles in the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and holds membership in numerous professional veterinary medical associations and organizations including the AVMA and Kansas Veterinary Medical Association. After retiring, Dr. Richardson continued serving his alma mater as dean and CEO of the K-State Olathe campus from 2015 to 2019.
Today we are highlighting Katherine Tate, B.S., RVT, who is the Clinical Pathology Teaching Technologist for the Department of Comparative Pathobiology.
A staff member nominated Katherine stating, “Kat is always trying to improve the student learning experience in her class and in her rotation. The staff and students appreciate her enthusiasm for Clinical Pathology!”
Fostering a healthy work environment involves expressing appreciation and gratitude. Is there someone at PVM you would like to acknowledge today? It’s easy to make a Paws Up submission – just follow this link. Submissions are published anonymously and may be edited for length. Any PVM staff, faculty, student, or team may be nominated by anyone in our college. For more information, visit the PVM Wellness Committee website.
Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s signature annual conference for Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses kicks-off Tuesday, September 17 and continues through Saturday, September 21, with hours of engaging continuing education sessions, special events, keynote presentations, and the annual Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog. In total, the conference offers more than 100 sessions, an Exhibit Hall with vendors displaying the latest products, and up to 25 Continuing Education credits. If you missed out on registration, walk-in registration will be available on site.
The weeklong program begins Tuesday night with the Elanco Human Animal Bond Lecture, which is free and open to the public and features Nancy Gee, PhD, C-AISS, director of the Center for Human Animal Interaction at the VCU Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Gee, who serves as professor of psychiatry and the Bill Balaban Chair in Human-Animal Interaction, is a leading researcher and key opinion leader in the field. She will speak on the topic, “After 30,000 Years, What Do We Know About the Human-Animal Bond?” Her presentation starts at 5:00 p.m. in Stewart Center room 306, with a reception to follow at 6:00 in Stewart 302.
The schedule for Wednesday through Friday includes keynote lectures, with the Wellness Keynote headlining Wednesday’s continuing education program. Dr. Susan Cohen, DSW, who founded Pet Decisions and is regarded as a pioneer in the field of pet loss, will give the keynote during the noon hour on the topic, “What’s wrong with resilience? Transforming veterinary culture for better mental health.”
During the noon hour on Thursday, the Diversity Keynote will be given by Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s own Dr. Sandra F. San Miguel, associate dean for engagement and professor of veterinary clinical sciences. In her presentation entitled, “The Influence of Diversity in Communication in Healthcare,” Dr. San Miguel will share about The League of VetaHumanz, a global, inclusive veterinary superhero league where VetaHumanz in academia, practice, research, government, and industry engage with community centers and schools across the globe to provide access and support for under-resourced children.
Another annual highlight of the Purdue Veterinary Conference is the Jack and Naomi Stockton / Class of 1971 Lecture, which this year features Dr. Regina Tan, a Purdue alumna who serves as director of the Office of Research at the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Tan earned her Purdue DVM degree in 1999 and a Purdue Master of Science in Public Health and Molecular Epidemiology the following year. She will speak on the topic, “One Health and the Future of Veterinary Medicine” at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
The conference’s premier social event takes place Wednesday evening, when the college hosts the annual Alumni and Friends Celebration, which is open to all faculty, staff, and students and Purdue Veterinary Conference registrants. Held in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom, the event begins with a reception at 4:30 p.m., followed by the program at 5:00 that features presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Awards to Dr. F. Claire Hankenson, of the DVM Class of 1997, and Dr. Kelly G. Whitesel, of the DVM Class of 1972. The program also will include recognition of alumni classes celebrating milestone anniversaries, from five years to 60 years. In addition, the DVM Class of 1999 will be honored on the occasion of its 25th Reunion and the DVM Class of 1974 will be recognized as the 50th Anniversary class.
The conference week concludes, with the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog, which is open to the public and starts at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday in front of Lynn Hall. Click here to sign-up for the Dog Jog.
The Purdue Veterinary Conference is a highlight of the year for the college and will bring together more than 700 attendees, including alumni from across the country as well as faculty staff and students. Click here for more information.
