New Dean Takes Helm of Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine

November 8, 2024

Purdue Veterinary Medicine's New Dean Dr. Bret Marsh

With the start of the new work week on Monday, November 4, Dr. Bret Marsh began serving as the new leader for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. His appointment as Dean and Veterinary Hospital CEO was announced October 24, on the eve of his retirement as Indiana State Veterinarian and head of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, which concluded a career in public service that spanned 40 years. With just a weekend break between roles, Dr. Marsh wasted no time assuming his new responsibilities Monday morning.

As he concludes his first week as dean, Dr. Marsh shares the following message with the PVM community:

It is an honor for me to serve as the next dean of Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine. I truly cherish the opportunity this position affords to advance the college, university and veterinary profession that I love.

As a first generation college student from rural Indiana, I came to Purdue in the late 70s to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian and then embark on a career involving animal agriculture. Purdue equipped and enabled me to take on that challenge, and prepared me to assume the role of Indiana State Veterinarian just a few years later.

I feel blessed to already have experienced a rewarding and satisfying career in that role. Now, as I step away from that responsibility, I cannot think of a more meaningful opportunity than to come back to Purdue and lead the College of Veterinary Medicine – the very college that some 40 years ago opened the door for me to begin a career in veterinary medicine.

Serving as dean and working alongside the college’s outstanding team of faculty, staff and students is especially meaningful for me. I know that together we will uphold the legacy of excellence we’ve received from those who’ve gone before us and served with dedication and distinction as educators, scholars and alumni, including and especially Dean Emeritus Willie Reed. I also want to express appreciation for all that Dr. Kathy Salisbury has done to serve and support the college as interim dean over the last several months, in addition to continuing in her role of associate dean for academic affairs.

As we move forward and pursue the next giant leap for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, I look forward to meeting each member of our PVM community. I believe that even with all that has been accomplished, the best days for Purdue Veterinary Medicine are yet ahead. I have every confidence that, working together, we will forge an even brighter future for our college, the veterinary medical profession, and the people, animals and relationships we serve and support.

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