Purdue Professor Emeritus Bill Blevins Wins Lifetime Achievement Award at ACVR Annual Meeting

Dr. Bill Blevins (center) with Ryan King (left), ACVR President, and Dr. Linda Homco, of the Purdue DVM Class of 1979, who nominated Dr. Blevins for the Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award, which requires support from two other members and the unanimous approval of the ACVR’s governing body.

The American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) gave its esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024 to a Purdue Professor Emeritus well known to countless Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni for the expertise he taught them about all things Diagnostic Imaging during his long Purdue career. Dr. William (Bill) Blevins, Professor Emeritus of Diagnostic Imaging and a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 1968, received the Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award at the ACVR’s annual meeting, which was held October 30 through November 2, 2024 in Norfolk, Virginia. The award is for outstanding contributions to the ACVR.

During the award presentation, Dr. Bevins was recognized as a specialist who is passionate about diagnostic imaging and radiates that passion to others. It was noted that one of his greatest attributes is teaching, with the consistent goal of helping people to understand. He also was praised as someone who gets the most enjoyment out of seeing others understand a new concept and use it to solve problems.
Board-certified by the ACVR in 1973, Dr. Blevins served on the Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty from 1970 until his retirement in 2009. In his current role as a consultant and editor of the Diagnostic Imaging folder for the Veterinary Information Network, he has the opportunity to continue teaching on a one-on-one basis. He is known for never being satisfied with just “recognizing” or “identifying” an appearance on an image – but rather insisting on understanding WHY it is there.

He also was recognized for being a learner. It was pointed out that in 1983, he obtained the college’s first ultrasound machine, at a time when there were no textbooks on veterinary ultrasound. So he had to discover the knowledge for himself. As a result of collaboration with human medicine, other veterinary radiologists, and his own discovery, ultrasound imaging became an integral part of the college’s diagnostic imaging service.

Dr. Blevins also formed collaborative groups with the University of Illinois, Michigan State University and Ohio State University that involved impromptu meetings, which included sharing of information and questions that helped everyone to learn.

As the award ceremony concluded, a quote was offered from painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” The award presentation then ended with the observation, “That would be Bill.”

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

Recent Stories

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.

In Memory – Dr. Raymond Backe (PU DVM ’66)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of Dr. Ray Backe, an alumnus who was a member of the college’s fourth graduating class – the Class of 1966. Dr. Backe, of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, formerly of Greendale, Wisconsin, passed away January 19, 2025. He was 84.

Purdue Veterinary Alumni Meet up in Las Vegas at WVC Annual Conference

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni stood out from the large crowds of veterinary professionals attending the Viticus Group 2025 WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada as they gathered for the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Reception held in conjunction with the conference. The event Monday evening, March 3, attracted close to 70 alumni who met up at the Rhythm and Rifts lounge located just off the Mandalay Bay casino floor.

Purdue Veterinary Student and Small Animal Surgery Resident Achieve Recognition at Major Specialty Conference

A Purdue second-year veterinary student and a third-year small animal surgery resident helped put the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spotlight at the 52nd Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) this year.

PVM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Announces Plans to Retire

An esteemed and dedicated Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member and administrator, Dr. S. Kathleen Salisbury, has announced that she will conclude her Purdue career of more than 40 years when she retires effective June 30, 2025. Her decision was shared with the college’s faculty, staff and students by Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, Wednesday (3/12).