Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Names New Assistant Dean for Administration

Portrait of Leslie Martin

A key administrator in the College of Veterinary Medicine has been appointed to a new leadership role. Leslie Martin, who previously served as director of financial affairs, became the assistant dean for administration, effective June 1. The newly created position is responsible for directly overseeing administrative processes, financial management and business operations while managing a team of staff.

“In this new role, Leslie will be a key member of the college’s leadership cabinet and will serve as a resource and strategic problem solver within PVM and a proactive partner and connector to a range of stakeholders across Purdue,” said PVM Dean Bret Marsh.

Martin has been with Purdue since 2012, and served in various capacities before joining the college last year. She says she was attracted to the position of director of financial affairs because of the professional growth opportunities it provided. “Over the past year in this role, I’ve learned a great deal about the College of Veterinary Medicine,” Martin said. “When the assistant dean of administration position was posted, I realized I could continue my commitment to my current role while having a more hands-on impact, both financially and operationally, on the college.”

Martin says she is excited to broaden her knowledge about the college even further in her new position, especially beyond just the financial aspects. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with new colleagues and contributing to PVM’s growth as a top-tier veterinary medical college with an advanced veterinary medical complex consisting of Small Animal, Equine and Farm Animal hospitals and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory that provides crucial diagnostic testing services.”

Born in Alaska and raised in Carroll County, Indiana, Martin enrolled at Purdue and later finished her undergraduate studies at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas. She then began her finance career in the banking industry, working her way up to branch manager before moving back to Indiana.

After a brief stint at the Industrial Federal Credit Union (IFCU), Martin accepted a research administration position at Purdue in Sponsored Programs – Post Award Services, where she managed Department of Energy and NASA grants. Two years later, she transitioned to the business office for Purdue’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, and then was promoted to business manager for the Chemistry Department. In 2018, Martin played a key role in creating and launching the Science/Pharmacy Procurement team. She also continued her education, earning her MBA degree from Purdue Global in 2020.

In addition to her job responsibilities, Martin is concluding the second year of a three-year service commitment to Purdue’s Management and Professional Staff Advisory Committee (MaPSAC) and currently is the chair of the compensation and benefits subcommittee and attends faculty compensation and benefits meetings as a MaPSAC representative.

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

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative. 

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference 

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session.  The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

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

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference.  The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

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

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.