PVM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Receives AAVMC Presidential Award

March 13, 2020

AAVMC Presidential Award for Meritorious Service recipients join together for a group photo — Dr. Kathy Salisbury (2nd from right), PVM associate dean for academic affairs, was honored at the 2020 AAVMC Annual Conference as one of several recipients of the AAVMC Presidential Award for Meritorious Service.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s own Dr. Kathy Salisbury, associate dean for academic affairs, was honored as a recipient of the Association of American Veterinary Medical College’s (AAVMC) Presidential Award for Meritorious Service at the organization’s 2020 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The award is presented periodically by the AAVMC to recognize distinguished service and professional achievement. Several individuals who have made special contributions to the AAVMC received the award during a conference session held on Friday, March 6.

Dr. Salisbury was one of 12 members of the Competency Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) Working Group to receive the award. The CBVE has developed a framework that is currently serving as a model of instructional excellence in veterinary medical colleges and schools across the country and around the world. The award was presented to each member of the CBVE Group in recognition of the historic work they have accomplished in the field of academic veterinary medicine.

Karen and Darcy stand holding their award plaques alongside Tony and Martin on the stage at AAVMC — Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumna Karen Cornell (far left) and Professor Emeritus Darcy Shaw, of the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island (2nd from left), who each received the AAVMC Presidential Award for Meritorious Service as co-directors of the AAVMC Leadership Academy, are pictured with Dr. Tony Rumschlag (PU DVM ’85), representing Leadership Academy sponsor Elanco, and AAVMC President Martin Lairmore.

In addition to her role as associate dean for academic affairs, Dr. Salisbury is a professor of small animal surgery and in 2018 was named as a Purdue University 150^th Anniversary Professor in conjunction with the University’s Sesquicentennial. Dr. Salisbury earned her DVM degree at Michigan State University and completed her specialty training as a surgery resident at Purdue before joining the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences faculty. In 2010, she was appointed to the position of associate dean for academic affairs after serving five years as assistant dean.

Joining Dr. Salisbury as an AAVMC Presidential Award for Meritorious Service recipient at the 2020 AAVMC Conference was another veterinary medical specialist with Purdue University ties. Dr. Karen Cornell (PU DVM ’88, PhD ‘93) received the award for her work as a co-director of the AAVMC Leadership Academy, which offers a unique growth opportunity for emerging leaders in academic veterinary medicine. After earning her DVM degree at Purdue, Dr. Cornell worked in private practice for two years before returning to the College to complete an internship and small animal surgery residency and earn her PhD. Since 2016, Dr. Cornell has served on the faculty of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where she is currently associate dean for professional programs and the Earline and A.P. Wiley Endowed Veterinary Chair. Dr. Cornell returned to her alma mater last year to serve as keynote speaker for PVM’s 60^th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration, which was held March 1, 2019.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern, and 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.