As of Monday, July 1, Dr. Kathy Salisbury started serving as interim dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, a role she is filling while the university conducts a search for the permanent successor to Dr. Willie Reed, who stepped down as dean June 30, after 17-and-a-half years of service in that role. Dr. Salisbury has served as associate dean for academic affairs since 2010 and before that was the assistant dean for five years. In 2018, she was named a 150th Anniversary Professor by the Office of the Provost. A DVM graduate of Michigan State University, Dr. Salisbury came to Purdue for a small animal surgery residency which she completed in 1984 when she joined the college’s faculty.
Just a few days into her time as interim dean, Dr. Salisbury shares the following message with faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the college.
“First, I want to reiterate how thankful we are for Dr. Willie Reed’s staunch commitment to and strong advocacy for the College of Veterinary Medicine throughout all the years he served as dean. It is most fitting that the Purdue Board of Trustees took action last month to honor Dr. Reed’s loyalty and service to Purdue University, the profession of veterinary medicine, and the state of Indiana, by renaming the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory building as the Willie M. Reed Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. He also was recognized by being given the title of Dean Emeritus.
“As I assume my responsibilities as interim dean, I will follow Dr. Reed’s example of excellence and dedication in serving the college. I appreciate everyone’s support while taking on this new role. I will continue to advance the missions of the College by following our Strategic Plan and collaborating on university initiatives. I look forward to working with all of you in this capacity.
“During this time I also will continue my role as associate dean for academic affairs and will enlist the help of others to take on some of those responsibilities while I am serving in the capacity of interim dean. I am truly honored and excited to have this opportunity to serve the college.”
Dr. Salisbury advises that, for issues regarding her position as interim dean, people should contact Angela (angela@purdue.edu). For any Associate Dean for Academic Affairs issues, the appropriate contact is Carlene (linnc@purdue.edu).
Purdue’s Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science and professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences, Lucy Flesch, is chairing an advisory committee to assist in the search for Dr. Reed’s permanent successor. Finalists are expected to visit campus at the start of the fall semester.