Purdue Veterinary Medicine was well represented this week at the 2024 Iverson Bell Midwest Regional Diversity Summit in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where special recognition was given to Dr. Marxa Figueiredo, Purdue associate professor of Basic Medical Sciences. Dr. Figueiredo received the Zoetis Diversity and Inclusion Award, which recognizes and honors veterinary medical faculty and/or staff, at veterinary schools and colleges in the Midwest Region, who have shown exemplary dedication to the advancement of diversity and inclusion, thereby supporting an academic environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and conducive to the success of all faculty, staff and students.
The award was presented at the Iverson Bell Midwest Regional Diversity Summit Awards Reception Wednesday, May 22. Dr. Figueiredo was nominated for the award as a faculty member who has demonstrated dedication to the advancement of diversity and inclusion at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, as evidenced by working towards creating and maintaining an inclusive environment; having a positive impact on students; and helping other faculty and/or staff to become allies to issues around diversity/inclusion.
Also attending the Iverson Bell Midwest Regional Diversity Summit from Purdue were Dr. Kathy Salisbury, associate dean for academic affairs; Dr. Darryl Ragland, professor of food animal production medicine; Marsha Baker, assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion; Joy Nix, administrative assistant in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences; Adrianne Fisch, program manager with the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and veterinary student Kyle Barron of the DVM Class of 2026. All of the Purdue attendees are members of the college’s Diversity Action Committee (DAC), as is another summit attendee, Ms. Pat Lowrie, Director Emerita from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and PVM Dean’s consultant.
Though PVM Dean Willie Reed was unable to attend the summit, he was recognized during the conference for his diversity work in the veterinary medical profession. Both he and Ms. Lowrie were pioneers in the founding of the conference. The Iverson Bell Midwest Regional Diversity Summit now involves a partnership of veterinary colleges at Iowa State University, Michigan State University, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, the University of Illinois, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Minnesota, with vital corporate sponsorship by Zoetis. Held May 21-23, this year’s program was organized by a planning committee with representation from all of the partner schools and colleges and support from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). Marsha Baker participated as Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s member on the planning committee, and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine served as the host college for the conference.