Time. We know it’s a precious commodity and we seek to steward and redeem it wisely. Yet, the way time passes so steadily is daunting. I can remember as if it were yesterday my first day on the job as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 — the excitement, optimism, and sense of adventure that came with stepping into such an amazing opportunity. Today, it is hard to imagine that 17 years have passed since then. The emotions now involve a mix of enthusiasm and satisfaction over all that our college’s outstanding faculty, staff, and students have accomplished in that time, and the feeling of anticipation related to challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Purdue Veterinary Medicine.
One of my favorite tasks as dean involves sharing updates on the college at alumni receptions held in conjunction with major veterinary meetings, including national conventions such as the annual AVMA meeting. I treasure these opportunities to gather with colleagues and friends and celebrate the wonderful successes achieved by our community of alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students.
This annual issue of our PVM Report publication is a blending of those times of sharing and celebrating into a story of the growth, advancement, and accomplishments of our college in the years since 2007. I hope you will enjoy reading these stories as much as I have enjoyed sharing reports on these accomplishments with our alumni and supporters over the years.
As we reflect on these accomplishments, I want to thank all of you who have played a part in this success. At the same time, I also ask that you continue to help our college through your own philanthropy, advocacy, and connections. It takes a massive team effort to sustain the quality and excellence that has characterized our college since its founding nearly 65 years ago.
Though it is hard for me to believe how time has passed since I began serving as dean, what stands out to me most is the incredible blessing of the unique camaraderie we share as Purdue Boilermakers and the opportunity to meet and interact with so many outstanding students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Recalling those occasions fills my heart with joy and gratitude. With that in mind, I look forward with great enthusiasm to the future that lies ahead for our college, which is a wonderful place to call home. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have led a truly outstanding college of veterinary medicine.
Willie M. Reed, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACPV
Dean, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine