Purdue Veterinary Medicine Alumnus Named AVP for Animal Resources and Attending Veterinarian

Dr. Patrick Sharp (Purdue University Photo)
Dr. Patrick Sharp (Purdue University Photo)

Purdue University’s Office of Research has announced the appointment of a Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumnus, Dr. Patrick Sharp, as assistant vice president for animal resources and attending veterinarian at Purdue, effective Jan. 6, 2025. Dr. Sharp also will serve as clinical professor of comparative pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Sharp, earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1991. He returns to campus after more than 30 years in diverse leadership positions at several prestigious institutions. Since 2020, he has been at the University of California, Merced, serving as executive director of the Department of Animal Research Services and attending veterinarian for the Office of Research and Economic Development.

At Purdue, Dr. Sharp will assume an AVP role that was created in 2021 to enhance the university’s veterinary medicine research and education programs and align with best practices. As AVP, Dr. Sharp will have direct oversight of animal resources and the Centrally Managed Laboratory Animal Facilities team.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Sharp back to Purdue and look forward to his leadership in advancing our animal care and research programs,” said Jamie Mohler, associate vice president for scientific integrity and research compliance and the research integrity officer within the Office of Research, who led the search. “His extensive experience will be invaluable in ensuring the humane care and use of animals, fostering collaboration within our research community, and maintaining regulatory excellence.”

Before accepting his appointment at the University of California, Merced, Dr. Sharp served as chief executive officer for the Animal Resources Centre (ARC) in Perth, Australia, from 2013 to 2020. He also has served as director of the Laboratory Animals Centre at the National University of Singapore (2006-10), associate director of Animal Care Services at the University of Florida (2004-06), and associate director of the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine at the UCLA Medical Center (1998–2003).

Dr. Sharp succeeds Dr. Amanda Darbyshire, who served for the past year as interim attending veterinarian.

Click here to view a complete news release about Dr. Sharp’s appointment.

Writer(s): Amy Raley | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

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

This week, we are glad to recognize Dr. Niwako Ogata, who is an associate professor of animal behavior, for her exceptional leadership skills and her ability to create a motivating learning environment.

Boiler Up, Basketball and a Dog Named Walter Put Purdue Veterinary Medicine in TV Spotlight

In the world of collegiate sports today, an image that appears even for a couple of seconds in the right video at the right time on the right telecast can generate countless priceless impressions. And that’s just what’s been happening for Purdue Veterinary Medicine thanks to a video clip recorded in the Brunner Small Animal Hospital last spring for a Purdue promotional spot that’s now airing during telecasts of Purdue Basketball games.

Annual PVM Equine Wellness Forum February 7 Features Enlightening Horse Health Presentations and Demonstrations

Even though the cold of winter has settled in, thoughts will turn to horses and horse health Saturday, February 7, as the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine once again hosts its ever-popular Equine Wellness Forum at Lynn Hall on the Purdue campus in West Lafayette.  The all-day continuing education program will feature insightful presentations and engaging demonstrations designed for horse owners and equine industry professionals.

AVMA Names Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Dr. Jim Weisman as Chief of Academic Affairs, Research & Accreditation

A longtime Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty member and administrator will apply his experience, expertise and dedication to the veterinary medical profession at the national level as he begins serving as chief of academic affairs, research and accreditation for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Dr. Jim Weisman’s appointment to the position was announced by the AVMA Wednesday, January 29.

Purdue University to Host Third Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance February 26-27

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health threat, with multi-drug-resistant infections expected to worsen over time (United Nations Foundation, 2021). As a complex challenge intersecting human, animal, and environmental health, AMR requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Purdue University’s upcoming Antimicrobial Resistance Conference, February 26-27 at Stewart Center, will explore key aspects of AMR through three thematic segments – Determinants, Dynamics, and Deterrence – each featuring an expert speaker who will share insights from a specialized area of research. Following each keynote presentation, additional speakers will contribute their findings to further advance the discussions.

In Memory – Dr. Timothy (Tim) Boosinger (PU DVM ’76, PhD ’83)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is deeply saddened by the passing of a distinguished alumnus and national leader in veterinary medicine, Dr. Timothy (Tim) Boosinger, of Auburn, Alabama, who died January 27, 2025, after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer and its complications. He was 74.

Healing Eyes, Changing Lives: Saving a White Tiger’s Vision

The Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s ophthalmology team recently conducted a life-changing surgery for Prince, a six-year-old white tiger residing at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary (BPAS) in Albion, Indiana. The procedure marked a significant step in restoring the tiger’s vision, which had been severely impaired due to poor breeding practices and inadequate care in his earlier years.

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

Today our gratitude goes to Cass Simmons, RVT, VTS who is a small animal surgery instructional technologist.