Dean Willie Reed Featured as part of AAVMC Black History Month Focus

February is Black History Month, and Purdue Veterinary Medicine joins the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) in emphasizing how this occasion presents a great opportunity to reflect upon the many contributions made in academic veterinary medicine by African Americans. In recognition of Black History Month, the AAVMC is spotlighting Episode 20 of its “Diversity & Inclusion on Air” podcast. During that episode, Dr. Lisa Greenhill, AAVMC senior director for institutional research and diversity, interviewed three prominent leaders in academic veterinary medicine, including Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed.  Joining Dean Reed on the program were Dr. Ruby Perry, dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Paige Carmichael, professor of pathology at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Click here to hear the podcast and learn more about their experiences, thoughts, and perspectives. 

Note: the recording includes a sound quality issue on some of Dr. Carmichael’s sections, due to technical difficulties with her microphone.

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

Recent Stories

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.

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

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.

Purdue Veterinary Alumni Meet up in Las Vegas at WVC Annual Conference

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni stood out from the large crowds of veterinary professionals attending the Viticus Group 2025 WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada as they gathered for the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Reception held in conjunction with the conference. The event Monday evening, March 3, attracted close to 70 alumni who met up at the Rhythm and Rifts lounge located just off the Mandalay Bay casino floor.

Purdue Veterinary Student and Small Animal Surgery Resident Achieve Recognition at Major Specialty Conference

A Purdue second-year veterinary student and a third-year small animal surgery resident helped put the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spotlight at the 52nd Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) this year.

PVM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Announces Plans to Retire

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).