PVM Faculty Member Sarah Waxman, leader of Purdue’s Equestrian Team, honored as Outstanding Advisor of the Year

Purdue Senior Associate Vice Provost & Dean of Students Katie Sermersheim (left) presented the Outstanding Advisor of the Year Award to Dr. Sarah Waxman at the Student Life Honors Awards ceremony.

People in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine know Dr. Sarah Waxman as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, boarded large animal surgeon and clinician with the Veterinary Hospital’s Equine Field Service. They may not realize she also has played a key role in the success of the Purdue Equestrian Team, for which she serves as advisor.

Her notoriety for that role increased significantly this month when she was recognized as one of the award recipients at the Purdue Student Life Honors ceremony April 6. The awards program honored recipients for their commitment to leadership within the Purdue community through involvement in student activities, student employment, community service and learning. Dr. Waxman was presented with the Outstanding Advisor of the Year award for her pivotal role in leading Purdue’s Equestrian Team. The award honors an advisor “…who demonstrated initiative in working with student organization members, effectively facilitated the organization’s efforts to accomplish its mission, provided dedicated support to the development of student learning and served as a role model for organization members.”

Dr. Waxman’s involvement with equestrian teams began when she was an undergraduate student at Kansas State University. There, her passion for the sport flourished. She later came to Purdue for a large animal surgery residency, which she completed in 2014. After working in private practice, she returned to Purdue in 2017, initially as a visiting assistant professor before being appointed as clinical assistant professor in 2021. Then, when the Purdue Equestrian Team advisor left to move on to new opportunities, it was clear that Dr. Waxman had the drive, knowledge, and attention-to-detail required to take over and continue the success of the program.

“This is not just a horse-riding club,” Dr. Waxman explained, noting that the team recently received club sport status. The members of Purdue’s Equestrian Team are responsible for the care and oversight of 13 horses, with Dr. Waxman assisting them in horse management operations.

“The amount of time and effort I put into this team is all on a voluntary basis, and while I have received much thanks and appreciation from the students, it felt amazing to be recognized publicly across the university for my efforts,” Dr. Waxman said. “This also provides major recognition for the team, as many people do not know about its existence or importance. This award, as well as the team’s recent elevation to club sport status, will help bring them greater recognition.”

Hailey Hurst, co-captain of the team, praised Dr. Waxman for stepping in as their advisor during a chaotic time for the organization. “Her support has truly transformed our path forward,” Hurst explained. “With her help, we navigated challenges, gained stability, and even achieved club sport status this year. She’s made sure both our team and our horses are well cared for, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything she’s done behind the scenes to help us grow.”

Next weekend, May 2-4, the Purdue Equestrian Team will be competing at the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Nationals hosted at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina. Come fall of 2026, the team will need to relocate to a new facility to hold them over until Purdue is able to move forward with a proposed on-campus equestrian facility. Click here to learn more about the Purdue Equestrian Team here.

Congratulations to Dr. Waxman on receiving this outstanding recognition, along with a big thank you for all she has done to aid in the success of Purdue’s Equestrian Team!

Writer(s): Caroline Keim | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

PVM Faculty Member is among 11 Purdue University Teaching Academy inductees for 2026

Mindy Anderson, PharmD, BS, RVT, assistant dean for Veterinary Technology Programs and clinical associate professor of basic medical sciences, is one of the newest Purdue faculty members to be announced as an inductee into the Purdue University Teaching Academy. The university just announced this week a total of 11 Teaching Academy inductees for 2026, in recognition of their outstanding and scholarly teaching in graduate, undergraduate or engagement programs.

Distinguished Professor of Cytometry Paul Robinson Highlighted as National Academy of Inventors Fellow at Purdue

The Purdue Research Foundation is spotlighting National Academy of Inventors fellows at Purdue whose collaborative, multidisciplinary research is translated into real-world technologies that benefit society. And this week the highlighted faculty member is J. Paul Robinson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Cytometry and SVM Professor of Cytomics in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Basic Medical Sciences, who holds a joint appointment as professor of biomedical engineering in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and serves as director of the Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories.

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

This week, we extend our gratitude to Priscilla Paradise, RVT, who is an instructional technologist for our Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program.

In Memory – Jessie Farrington (PU AS-VT ’87)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of an alumna and retiree, Jessie Farrington, of Rochester, New York, on February 14, 2026, due to a difficult recovery from a broken hip. She was just one month shy of her 97th birthday.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Celebrates Indiana Agriculture at Farm to Capitol Event

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well represented at the second annual Farm to Capitol celebration last week in downtown Indianapolis. Hosted by Indiana’s Family of Farmers (IFOF), the event on Thursday, May 7, was held at the Bicentennial Plaza and brought together agricultural organizations, industry leaders, state employees, legislators, and members of the public.

PVM’s Senior Send Off Showcases New Graduates’ Next Giant Leaps

Regardless of the weather, spirits were bright during two special events that heralded the arrival of graduation day for veterinary technician and DVM students in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2026. The College of Veterinary Medicine hosted two Senior Send-off events in the past week to give the new graduates a chance to celebrate their post-graduation plans in the company of classmates, faculty and staff.

Asthmatic Horses Can Breathe Easier Thanks to Purdue Health and Human Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine

A collaboration between the Purdue University School of Health Sciences and the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine will enable horses to breathe easier. In turn, their human owners will too.

“Paws Up” for the Fortin Drug Discovery Lab Students and Trainees – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week a group of Purdue students and trainees in the Fortin Drug Discovery Lab are being appreciated for their clear dedication to their research.

Awards and Presentations Highlight Scholarship of PVM Researchers

The importance of scientific discovery and the research contributions of veterinary students, graduate students, residents, and faculty alike, were recognized during the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual PVM Research Day this spring. During a day long program in Lynn Hall on April 15, PVM scholars shared research findings during lectures and poster presentations, and were honored with awards.