In Memory – Dr. Thomas A. Bryan, Retired Purdue Avian Diagnostician

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of a dedicated poultry veterinarian and esteemed avian diagnostician, Dr. Thomas A. Bryan, who passed away Feb. 21, 2025 in Carmel, Indiana, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 81.

A native of Scott City, Kansas, Dr. Bryan devoted his career to veterinary medicine, specializing in poultry health. He worked as a Purdue avian diagnostician for the Heeke Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center (SIPAC) in Dubois County, and served Indiana and the poultry industry with dedication for 30 years before retiring in 2011.

Dr. Bryan is remembered for the great joy he derived from driving his truck through the hills of southern Indiana to visit his poultry “patients.” Through his work at Purdue, he made significant contributions to his field, particularly in avian disease prevention.

In 1994, working with the turkey industry, Dr. Bryan and colleague Tom Hooper helped recognize turkey coronavirus and developed diagnostic tests that assisted in the disease being eradicated from Indiana. Dr. Bryan received the Indiana State Poultry Association’s prestigious Golden Egg Award in recognition of his groundbreaking avian coronavirus research and his impact on poultry health and disease control.

Dr. Bryan also was known as a quiet and thoughtful man who cherished his family and was deeply dedicated to his work, faith, and values. He taught Sunday school at Huntingburg United Methodist Church in Huntingburg, Indiana, for more than 35 years, and devoted many Saturdays to the church’s work at Maple Grove Campground.

A service to celebrate Dr. Bryan’s life was held at Huntingburg United Methodist Church Thursday, Feb. 27. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Maple Grove Campground and Foundation at historicmaplegrovehuntingburg.org or the Carmel United Methodist Food Pantry at CarmelUMC.org, in honor of his lifelong dedication to faith and service. Bussell Family Funerals is handling arrangements. Click here to view a complete obituary.

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

Recent Stories

PVM Closes out 2025 with Recognition of Staff Members’ Loyalty and Exceptional Service

A time-honored Purdue Veterinary Medicine tradition continued at the conclusion of 2025 as the college hosted its Staff Service Recognition Ceremony in Lynn Hall room 1136. Held December 19, the program honored staff members for years of service to Purdue University, and also featured the presentation of Bravo+ Awards. In all, more than 40 PVM personnel were recognized, including employees of the college’s departments, Veterinary Hospital and Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL).

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

Today, we are pleased to highlight Purdue University Veterinary Hospital staff members Lisa Hunter, facilities supervisor; Kevin Draper, facilities manager; and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s Large Animal Facilities team for their exceptional support.

Interim Leadership Announced for Comparative Pathobiology Department

Two faculty members in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology have been named as new interim leaders for the department. Clinical Professor and Associate Dean for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, Dr. Kenitra Hendrix, will serve as interim department head, and Dr. Abigail Cox, the Dr. William O. Iverson Associate Professor of Comparative Pathology, will work alongside her as assistant department head and will take the lead on the department’s graduate student affairs. Announced December 18, the appointments took effect immediately.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Seeks Distinguished Alumni Award Nominations by February 2

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is now accepting nominations for its Distinguished Alumni Awards that honor exceptional graduates whose careers as veterinarians and veterinary technicians and technologists exemplify leadership, service, and impact in veterinary medicine and animal health.

Purdue Veterinary Technology Program Distance Learners Celebrate Graduation at Lynn Hall Ceremony

December marked a major milestone in the lives of Purdue Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program (VTDL) students who graduated as members of the Class of 2025. In conjunction with Purdue University’s Winter Commencement ceremonies, the College of Veterinary Medicine held its traditional Veterinary Technology Graduation Celebration in Lynn Hall December 21, when the new Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology Degree recipients were honored and recited the Veterinary Technician Oath.

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

Today we are giving a big “high-five” to Kendra Dostaler, RVT, a large animal veterinary technician serving in the Equine and Farm Animal Hospitals.

Three PVM Faculty Receive 2025 Purdue AgSEED Grants

Known by the acronym AgSEED, the Agricultural Science and Extension for Economic Development program is an internal competitive grants system of the Purdue University College of Agriculture that focuses on advancing Indiana’s leadership in plant and animal agriculture and rural growth, especially through entrepreneurial initiatives. This year, three Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members are among 17 recipients of 2025 AgSEED grants.

In Memory – Dr. Baron Brocksmith (PU DVM ’94)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of an alumnus, Dr. Baron Brocksmith of Sullivan, Indiana, who died Monday, January 6, 2025. He was 57.

December Graduation Celebration Honors Purdue Veterinary Nursing Graduates

The Sunday after Purdue University’s final exam week in December marked a special occasion for a group of students celebrating as the newest graduates of the Purdue Veterinary Nursing Programs. That day, December 15, the College of Veterinary Medicine hosted the 2024 Purdue Veterinary Nursing Graduation Celebration in Lynn Hall – an event that drew graduates and their families from across the country and beyond.