In Memory – Dr. Craig Hunt (PU DVM 2002)

April 5, 2024

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine Community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Craig Alan Hunt, of Fishers, Indiana, who died Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at his home. He was 54 years old.

Dr. Hunt had an awareness from a young age that he was destined to work in the medical field. However it wasn’t until he was a teenager that he realized he had a passion for animal welfare and wanted to go into veterinary medicine.

Dr. Hunt enrolled at Purdue University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in food science in the College of Agriculture in 1993. He then worked for five years in sales for Johnsonville before applying successfully for admission to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his DVM degree in 2002 and went into private practice, becoming a well-loved, much respected, and truly valued member of the Indianapolis veterinary community. He sought to connect and network with many colleagues throughout his career and particularly appreciated and greatly respected the hard-working and very talented technicians that crossed his path.

After getting married in 2010 and starting a family, Dr. Hunt opted to step away from small animal practice and took a position in the corporate world. However he never lost his love for veterinary practice, and he was always happy to talk friends and family through a health scare or pet crisis.

Dr. Hunt is remembered for the way he made people laugh and for how he was most happy when he knew that those he loved were truly happy. Though he and his wife Stephanie were known for being opposites, they were equally dedicated to one other and faithfully supported and encouraged each other throughout their life together.

A Celebration of Life will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The PourHouse (https://www.pourhouse.org/), a non-profit run by one of Dr. Hunt’s most beloved clients.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary. To view a complete obituary or leave a memory or message of condolence, visit the Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary website.

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

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we’re extending a huge Paws Up to Dr. Ana Aghili, clinical assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care.

Two Purdue Veterinary Medicine Graduates Honored at WVC Annual Conference for Commitment to Food Animal Practice

At this year’s WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, two Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni who graduated within the last five years received national recognition as recipients of the Dr. W. Bruce Wren Food Animal Incentive Awards (FAIA). Dr. Kayla Baird and Dr. Kallie Knott, of the Purdue DVM Classes of 2021 and 2025, respectively, were among just five total FAIA award recipients honored during the annual veterinary conference hosted by Viticus Group (formerly WVC). The event is considered one of the largest and longest-running veterinary education conferences in the U.S.

Equine Wellness Once Again Proves Popular as Topic of Annual Forum for Horse Enthusiasts

More than 150 people turned out in person and virtually for the perennially popular Equine Wellness Forum hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine recently at Lynn Hall, as the latter days of winter started to give way to thoughts of spring rides on horseback. The all-day continuing education program for horse owners and equine industry professionals on Saturday, February 7, featured insightful presentations as well as engaging demonstrations.

New Intern Joins PVM Communications Team

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine communications team is pleased to welcome a new intern, Caroline Keim, who started February 14. Caroline is a senior studying media and mass communications, as well as professional writing, through the Brian Lamb School of Communications in the College of Liberal Arts.

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.

PVM Alumnus Kyle Shipman Named as New State Veterinarian

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.

New Faculty Member Joins Comparative Pathobiology Department and Reed ADDL

The College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology recently welcomed Dr. Rachel Soltys as clinical assistant professor of diagnostic microbiology. Dr. Soltys, who started January 20, also serves as section head of Bacteriology in the Willie M. Reed Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL).

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are happy to highlight Brittany Laflen, RVT, VTS (Neurology), who is a veterinary technician in Neurology / Small Animal Surgery.

College Appoints Experienced Agricultural Leader to Strengthen Constituent Relationships

Julia Wickard, a longtime agricultural leader in Indiana, was appointed as the college’s new constituent liaison and executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, effective Feb. 24. Wickard, of Greenfield, Indiana, previously served as the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency . Her new position represents a homecoming for the Purdue alumna, who earned her BA degree in agricultural communications and political science.