Since assuming his new role as dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in November 2024, Dr. Bret Marsh, the former Indiana State Veterinarian, has moved steadfastly to find talent within the college as well as amongst alumni and stakeholders, for open leadership positions. In so doing, Dr. Marsh has assembled a leadership cabinet that includes new appointees with fresh perspective as well as extensive Purdue and College of Veterinary Medicine knowledge and experience, and strong ties to veterinary industry, alumni, animal agriculture and broader constituencies.
“The individuals who are assuming these vital positions bring a wealth of expertise along with enthusiasm and a sincere appreciation for the opportunity to play a leadership role in our college,” said Dean Marsh. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the people who have stepped up to put their hands on the plow and help lead the college forward.”
The names, positions, biographical sketches, experiences and outlooks of each of these individuals are detailed in the articles that follow.
New Purdue Veterinary Medicine Associate Dean for Academic Success
Dr. Wendy Townsend, professor of ophthalmology in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, has been appointed as the College of Veterinary Medicine’s new associate dean for academic success, as of July 1. “Dr. Townsend brings to the role a distinguished record of leadership, a deep commitment to veterinary education, and a steadfast dedication to clinical excellence,” said Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh.
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Faculty Success is Focus of New Associate Dean
For Dr. Christina Wilson-Frank, clinical professor of toxicology, the month of July started with new responsibilities as she began serving as Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s associate dean for faculty success. She now is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for faculty onboarding, orientation and faculty development, while also offering promotion and tenure support for the College.
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Accomplished Basic Medical Sciences Scholar Named as Associate Dean for Research
Dr. Susan Mendrysa, professor and interim head of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, was selected as the college’s new associate dean for research and graduate programs, effective March 1. “Dr. Mendrysa will work closely with me to further our college’s research mission and vision,” PVM Dean Bret Marsh said. “She is excited to assume this important leadership opportunity, and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”
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New Title for ADDL Leadership Role Matches Growing Stature of Indiana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
An essential state resource and integral component of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL), consisting of two laboratory facilities – the Willie M. Reed Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory located on the Purdue campus in West Lafayette, and the Dennis R. Heeke ADDL at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center (SIPAC) in Dubois, Indiana. Fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), the ADDL helps protect animal and human health by providing timely, accurate, and reliable testing needed for the diagnoses of animal diseases, including those that may affect the human population.
Now the leader of the ADDL has a title to match the growing significance of the entity’s indispensable role as a diagnostic resource for the state and nation. As of July 1, Dr. Kenitra Hendrix, who serves as director, holds the new title of associate dean for the veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
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Small Animal Internist Appointed as Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Professional Development
A specialist in small animal internal medicine and faculty member in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Dr. Andrew Woolcock, is now serving in a new leadership role in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Woolcock was appointed as assistant dean for curriculum and professional development effective June 1.
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Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Names New Assistant Dean for Administration
A key administrator in the College of Veterinary Medicine has been appointed to a new leadership role. Leslie Martin, who previously served as director of financial affairs, became the assistant dean for administration, effective June 1. The newly created position is responsible for directly overseeing administrative processes, financial management and business operations while managing a team of staff.
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Purdue Alumnus and Longtime Industry Veterinarian Joins Veterinary College
A Purdue Veterinary Medicine graduate with extensive work experience in the animal health industry returned to his alma mater to focus on strategic industry partnerships. Dr. Tony Rumschlag (PU DVM ’85) accepted the position of executive director of corporate relations for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, effective March 31.
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College Appoints Experienced Agricultural Leader to Strengthen Constituent Relationships
Julia Wickard, a longtime agricultural leader in Indiana, was appointed as the college’s new constituent liaison and executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, effective Feb. 24. Wickard, of Greenfield, Indiana, previously served as the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency . Her new position represents a homecoming for the Purdue alumna, who earned her BA degree in agricultural communications and political science.
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