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

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.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Bolin came to Purdue University to study animal sciences and earned her BS degree in 1978 from the College of Agriculture. She then continued on to earn her Purdue DVM degree in 1982, before pursuing graduate study in pathology at Iowa State University where she received her MS and PhD degrees.

Dr. Bolin dedicated her professional life to animal disease research and diagnostics. She worked for 18 years at the National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa where she served as a veterinary medical officer and research leader. She then accepted an appointment at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 as the head of the Bacteriology Section in what is now called the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Eight years later she was appointed as the laboratory director.

In a message from MSU College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Kim Dodd, Dr. Bolin was remembered for working tirelessly to enhance the laboratory’s expertise, elevate its reputation, and strengthen its services. “Her vision and dedication were instrumental in guiding the laboratory through a period of significant growth and transformation,” Dr. Dodd said, adding that Dr. Bolin was renowned as a bacteriologist, and made a lasting impact on both public and animal health. “She was widely recognized for her expertise in bacterial diseases, particularly leptospirosis and tuberculosis, and her contributions significantly advanced knowledge and improved diagnostic medicine worldwide.”

In addition to her commitment to her work, Dr. Bolin also was known as a dedicated mother to her four children and a devoted grandmother to her two grandchildren. Community service also was important in her life. During her time in Ames, Iowa, she served as an elected member of the School Board. After moving to the Lansing area, Dr. Bolin became a member of a local P.E.O. chapter. She also spent several years as a volunteer making baby hats and baby blankets for the Linus Foundation. She is remembered fondly for her intelligence, compassionate nature, and strength of will.

Dr. Bolin is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Steven Bolin, a classmate in the Purdue DVM Class of 1982, who also earned his MS and PhD degrees at Purdue. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Carole Bolin’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice, as per the family’s wishes.

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