In the News

In Memory – Dr. Raymond Backe (PU DVM ’66)

March 14, 2025

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of Dr. Ray Backe, an alumnus who was a member of the college’s fourth graduating class – the Class of 1966. Dr. Backe, of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, formerly of Greendale, Wisconsin, passed away January 19, 2025. He was 84.


PVM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Announces Plans to Retire

March 14, 2025

An esteemed and dedicated Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member and administrator, Dr. S. Kathleen Salisbury, has announced that she will conclude her Purdue career of more than 40 years when she retires effective June 30, 2025. Her decision was shared with the college’s faculty, staff and students by Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, Wednesday (3/12).


Accomplished Basic Medical Sciences Scholar Appointed as PVM Associate Dean for Research

March 7, 2025

Dr. Susan Mendrysa, professor and interim head of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, has been selected as the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s new associate dean for research and graduate programs, effective March 1.


In Memory – Dr. Janet Weiss (PU DVM ’91)

March 7, 2025

The Purdue Veterinary community is saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Janet Weiss, an alumna who served as a dedicated veterinarian in Northwest Indiana. A resident of La Porte, Indiana, Dr. Weiss passed away February 20, 2025. She was 61.


Zebra Foal Gets Lifesaving Help at Purdue University Equine Hospital

March 7, 2025

It’s not surprising to see a foal receiving emergency care at the Purdue University Equine Hospital during foaling season. The hospital’s team of expert clinicians and veterinary nurses are used to coming to the rescue when foals need special help to survive. But it was a surprise to see a foal named Marty arrive at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in February, because Marty is a zebra, and the hospital is in Indiana.


Experienced agricultural leader joins Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine to strengthen constituent relationships

February 24, 2025

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has appointed Julia Wickard, a longtime agricultural leader in Indiana, as the college’s new constituent liaison and executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, effective February 24. Wickard, of Greenfield, Indiana, most recently served as the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Her new position at Purdue represents a homecoming for the Purdue alumna, who earned her BA degree in agricultural communications and political science at Purdue.


In Memory – Dr. Carole Ann Bolin (PU DVM ’82)

February 21, 2025

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn that a dedicated alumna, Dr. Carole Bolin, passed away Wednesday, February 12, in Lansing, Michigan, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 67.


PVM Alumnus Kyle Shipman Named as New State Veterinarian

February 21, 2025

It’s official – Dr. Kyle Shipman (PU DVM 2015) is the new Indiana State Veterinarian. The decision to select Dr. Shipman to fill the vacancy was made by the 11 members of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health during their regular January meeting, which was followed by formal approval from the governor.


Dr. Darryl Ragland Named as Purdue Veterinary Medicine Extension Director

February 14, 2025

Purdue Professor of Food Animal Production Medicine Darryl Ragland has been selected as the director of extension for the College of Veterinary Medicine. In that role, he will oversee the activities of the college’s extension service, which shares practical applications of Purdue research with livestock producers in Indiana and around the world, and enables Hoosier farmers to raise animals using healthy and sustainable livestock production practices.


Strong turnout for Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Wellness Forum Demonstrates Value of Equine Health Education

February 14, 2025

The 2025 Equine Wellness Forum attracted an enthusiastic audience that included additional attendees who participated virtually. The day-long continuing education event hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine on Saturday, February 8, highlighted the value of the equine health education provided by the college to equine enthusiasts.