Dean Willie Reed Receives College of Agriculture Distinguished Service Award

February 16, 2024

Danica, Dean Reed, and Dean Engel smile together on stage against a black background as the dean holds up his honorary plaque
Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed, recipient of the College of Agriculture Distinguished Service Award, with Ag Alumni Association Executive Director Danica Kirkpatrick and College of Agriculture Dean Bernie Engel at the Ag Alumni Fish Fry where the award was presented.

The annual Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry provided the setting recently for the presentation of a special award to Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed. Held at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds Saturday, February 3, the event was hosted by the Purdue Ag Alumni Association and featured special speakers, exhibits, networking opportunities, and announcement of the 2024 recipients of the Ag Alumni Association’s Certificates of Distinction. In addition, the program this year included the awarding of a special honor only given in special instances.

Attended by Boilermaker alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends, the Ag Alumni Fish Fry program was kicked-off by Purdue President Mung Chiang, who described recent university successes and expressed his gratitude for the many advancements made by the College of Agriculture. Then Dr. Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of the College of Agriculture, thanked attendees, special guests, and sponsors for their support, and provided a college update before pausing to make a special presentation that was a surprise to Dean Reed.

After inviting Dean Reed to come forward along with Ag Alumni Association Executive Director Danica Kirkpatrick, Dean Engel explained that as the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Reed has been a terrific partner of the College of Agriculture for 17 years. “Ag and Vet Med often go hand-in-hand in many ways,” Dean Engel said. He noted that many students in the Department of Animal Sciences go on to enroll in the veterinary college and tremendous collaborative research is conducted across college of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine programs. Dean Engel also emphasized that cooperative extension touches both colleges, and noted that Dr. Reed also serves on the Ag Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“We greatly appreciate the leadership and support that he has provided over the years,” Dr. Engel said as he presented the College of Agriculture Distinguished Service Award to Dean Reed, who was recognized with a rousing round of applause. 

The program then continued with well-known retired agriculture broadcaster Max Armstrong serving as host as selected College of Agriculture faculty members shared comments and answered questions regarding advancements and the future potential in digital agriculture. The 2024 Ag Alumni Association Certificate of Distinction recipients also were announced. They are Ben Carter, Bud G. Harmon, Don Lehe, Freddie Bernard, Steve Nichols, and Tom Bechman. The Certificates of Distinction recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to agriculture, forestry, or natural resources through career accomplishments, involvement in professional organizations, community service, and other impactful activities in their fields.

Click here for more information and photos from the event. 

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative. 

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference 

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session.  The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference.  The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.