A career dedicated to veterinary and human medical education came to a close this summer for Dr. Regina Kreisle, professor in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology and former associate dean and director of the Indiana University School of Medicine – West Lafayette. Dr. Kreisle retired from Purdue effective at the end of June following a faculty tenure that spanned 33 years. She was recognized during a special ceremony and reception Monday, July 25 in the Veterinary Medical Library in Lynn Hall.
Attended by staff and faculty colleagues, the program and reception celebrated Dr. Kreisle’s accomplishments during her Purdue career and provided the attendees with an opportunity to wish her future success and happiness in retirement.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree at Kalamazoo College in 1977, Dr. Kreisle came to Purdue University to accept a research position in what is now the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. In 1985 and 1986, respectively, she earned her Doctor of Medicine and PhD degrees at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and then completed an internship in internal medicine and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin.
During her Purdue tenure, Dr. Kreisle progressed through the academic ranks, receiving promotions to associate professor in 1996 and full professor in 2004. In 2014, Dr. Kreisle was asked to serve as interim director of the IU School of Medicine – West Lafayette. Then, in 2016 she was named the new permanent director and remained in the position until retiring from it in 2021.
At her Purdue retirement reception this week, Dr. Kreisle was recognized by several of her colleagues who gave remarks. The speakers included Head of the Department of Comparative Pathobiology Sanjeev Narayanan, who praised Dr. Kreisle for her contributions to the college and her notable tenure as a mentor and educator. Additionally, Dr. Matthew Tews, the current associate dean and director of the Indiana University School of Medicine – West Lafayette, commended Dr. Kreisle for her successful tenure as his predecessor, and credited her for having a superior reputation as a lecturer.
Then Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed commented on Dr. Kreisle’s many years of service to the College in various roles. He also noted how her reputation as an outstanding instructor made her the envy of the IU School of Medicine – West Lafayette, and figured prominently in her selection to head the program once Dr. Gordon Coppoc, now professor emeritus, retired from the role. Dean Reed also highlighted the multiple awards that Dr. Kreisle received for her instruction, pointing out in particular that she was presented with the Indiana University Trustee Teaching Award in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014.
Dean Reed concluded by saying, “On behalf of Purdue and the Indiana University School of Medicine, Thank you! We will miss you and wish you well.” He also read a letter from Purdue Provost Jay Akridge announcing Dr. Kreisle’s designation as Professor Emerita of Pathobiology. The program concluded with the presentation of a recognition gift in honor of her retirement by Dr. Narayanan.