The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has named an alumna and longtime Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), who also holds a PharmD degree and serves on the college’s faculty, as the new assistant dean for the Purdue Veterinary Technology Program. Dr. Melinda (Mindy) Anderson, clinical associate professor of basic medical sciences, was appointed to the position effective August 1.
In her new role, Dr. Anderson will serve as a member of the Dean’s leadership cabinet and will oversee operations for both the on campus and distance learning veterinary technology degree programs. “Dr. Anderson brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this position, given her long and accomplished record of service as a veterinary technician, educator, and veterinary pharmacist,” said Dean Bret Marsh. “She will be able to view the needs and opportunities facing our Veterinary Technology Program from multiple perspectives, having succeeded across the board, as a veterinary technician student, a member of the Veterinary Hospital’s RVT staff, a veterinary pharmacy resident in the hospital, and an award winning educator on our faculty. I am so thankful to have her join the college’s leadership team in this vital role, and to lead our renowned Veterinary Technology Program to new heights of success.”
Dr. Anderson earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Purdue in 2018 and then completed the one-year Wasson Veterinary Pharmacy Residency program in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital before joining the Department of Basic Medical Sciences faculty. In addition, Dr. Anderson recently received a significant honor as a new Diplomate of the International College of Veterinary Pharmacy. Prior to making the career switch to pharmacy, Dr. Anderson served as chief instructional technologist in the Veterinary Hospital after earning her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and her associate’s degree in veterinary technology at Purdue.
“Being a 2003 graduate from Purdue’s Veterinary Technology program, I can speak firsthand about both the opportunities and the challenges of our profession,” Dr. Anderson said. “I have a unique perspective, not only because I have gone through this program, but also because I have worked in our teaching hospital and have taught both on campus and online for our veterinary technology program.” Dr. Anderson adds that, in considering this new role, “I was most attracted to the opportunity to give back to the profession at the college that has molded me into the person I am today.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Anderson says she most looks forward to leveraging her experiences as both a student and an instructor, as well as her strong connections with the Purdue Veterinary Medicine team, to help advance the education and training of future veterinary technicians. “With demand for technicians at an all-time high and nearly 250 accredited programs across the country, I see this role as an opportunity to support both didactic and clinical instructors in developing innovative approaches to teaching,” Dr. Anderson said. “My goal is to ensure that we are preparing veterinary technicians who are practice-ready, confident in their skills, successful on their national exam, and proud of the institution where they received their education and training.”