Dr. Wendy Townsend, professor of ophthalmology in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, has been appointed as the College of Veterinary Medicine’s new associate dean for academic success, as of July 1. “Dr. Townsend brings to the role a distinguished record of leadership, a deep commitment to veterinary education, and a steadfast dedication to clinical excellence,” said Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh.
Dr. Townsend succeeds Dr. Kathy Salisbury, who retired June 30, after a long and storied career at Purdue University. Dr. Townsend expressed her deep gratitude to Dr. Salisbury for her guidance and support during the transition. “Dr. Salisbury has made a profound impact on academic programs within the College, and her contributions to student success and curriculum development have left an enduring legacy.”
Dr. Townsend also shared her appreciation for Dean Marsh, for providing her with the opportunity to serve in this role and for his confidence in her leadership. In addition to her new appointment, Dr. Townsend will continue to serve as interim assistant dean for clinical education to ensure a seamless transition in academic leadership. She expressed sincere thanks to Dr. Jim Weisman for his mentorship and thoughtful guidance as she stepped into his former role, after he left this spring to serve in a national role with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). She also said she looks forward to working closely with Dr. Andrew Woolcock, assistant dean for curriculum and professional development; Dr. Melinda Anderson, interim director of the Veterinary Nursing Program; and the dedicated and talented members of the Academic Success team.
“I am honored to serve the college in this capacity and to continue working with such a passionate and capable team,” said Dr. Townsend. “Our students inspire me every day, and I remain deeply committed to supporting their academic and clinical growth.”
A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Dr. Townsend earned her DVM degree from Auburn University in 1995. She spent three years in mixed animal private practice in upstate New York before coming to Purdue in 1998 for a small animal rotating internship. She then completed a residency in comparative ophthalmology and a master’s degree at Purdue in 2003, the same year she achieved board certification by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Prior to returning to Purdue, Dr. Townsend served on the faculty at Michigan State University from 2003–2010.
Since joining the Purdue faculty in 2010, Dr. Townsend has played a key role in advancing the ophthalmology service, particularly in equine ophthalmology. With her arrival, the service began offering cataract surgery for horses, a significant enhancement to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s capabilities. She also leads research focused on pigmentary uveitis, an inherited ocular condition unique to Golden Retrievers.
In addition to her new administrative responsibilities, Dr. Townsend will continue to see patients as a clinician in the ophthalmology service, supported by the exceptional faculty and staff of the ophthalmology team. She said her continued involvement in clinical service reflects her enduring passion for teaching and mentoring future veterinarians while delivering high-quality patient care.
