Dean’s Column – A Message from Dean Marsh

It is hard to express how much it means to me to share my thoughts in this, my first Dean’s Column, since joining the College of Veterinary Medicine as Dean and Hospital CEO in November. Serving in this new role is both a tremendous blessing and a momentous responsibility, and I deeply appreciate the trust placed in me as the one selected for this remarkable opportunity.

As I begin this new challenge, I am thankful for my background as a first generation college student from rural Indiana, where I was blessed to grow up in a family that valued hard work, commitment and caring. I came to Purdue in the late 1970s to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian and then to 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 couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to pursue my dream of working as a veterinarian to positively serve people and animals in animal agriculture.

Today I think about how quickly 40 years have passed by. I feel tremendously blessed to already have experienced a rewarding and satisfying career, and I cannot think of a more meaningful opportunity at this stage of my professional life 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.

I appreciate the warm and gracious welcome I’ve received since arriving at the office on my first day November 4. Thank you to the many people who have stopped by to offer their help and congratulations.

I’m excited about the prospects for our college, our hospitals, our diagnostic lab, and our teaching opportunities for students. Our research has been phenomenal and I’m sure there are great opportunities for us in the future. I truly look forward to working with the college’s outstanding team of faculty, staff, students and alumni. 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 believe that, even with all that has been accomplished, the best days for Purdue Veterinary Medicine are 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.

Bret D. Marsh, DVM

Writer(s): Bret Marsh | 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.