The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has selected Dr. Ellen Lowery, a veterinarian on the faculty of Kansas State University, as the new director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed announced the appointment, which is effective February 1.
Dr. Lowery currently serves as professor of practice in the School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Studies at Kansas State University’s Olathe campus and as ancillary faculty in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology and the Masters of Public Health program. In addition to teaching and supervising graduate students, her role has involved designing and supporting programming relevant to workforce development through innovative approaches to the changing demands of higher education. Before joining the Kansas State University faculty, Dr. Lowery had a distinguished 23-year career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition and held a number of increasingly important leadership positions, including director of U.S. Professional and Veterinary Affairs. She also has experience in private veterinary practice and during her graduate program served as the university veterinarian for Kansas State University.
“Dr. Lowery has extensive experience in developing strategies to enhance growth and business performance with a focus on translating business objectives into specific strategies and motivating teams to execute with excellence,” Dean Reed said. “Her vision of providing an innovative and relevant learning environment for students and a rewarding environment for faculty and staff will allow the VTH to deliver outstanding patient care. I am thrilled to have her join the College’s leadership team, and I’m confident that she will provide exemplary leadership for the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.”
Dr. Lowery earned her DVM and PhD degrees at Kansas State University and her MBA degree at the University of Kansas. She is director of the Veterinary Oral Health Council, serves in the AVMA House of Delegates as the American Association of Industry Veterinarians delegate, and is a board member of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community. Dr. Lowery also served on the editorial board for the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, as the continuing education editor for The NAVTA Journal, and on numerous other professional association executive committees and boards.
Dr. Lowery said she is excited to join the PVM family. “I am eager to take on this new opportunity and embrace the College’s mission of advancing animal and human health through excellence in learning, discovery, and engagement.” She added, “We have such an exciting future as construction is about to begin on the new hospital facilities. I look forward to working with the exceptional team of clinicians, veterinary nurses, and hospital staff as, together, we build on PVM’s record of excellence and outstanding service.”
Dean Reed also thanked the members of the College’s search committee for their efforts in the recruitment process. Dr. Kathy Salisbury, associate dean for academic affairs, served as the committee chair. The other committee members were Dr. Paula Johnson, clinical assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care; Dr. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff, head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Brandi Maxie, RVT, large animal veterinary nursing supervisor; Alan Schrope, Veterinary Teaching Hospital administrator; Dr. Jonathan Townsend, clinical assistant professor of dairy production medicine; Dr. Bianca Zenor, director of the Veterinary Nursing Program; and Carlene Linn, administrative assistant for the Office of Academic Affairs, who provided administrative support.
A welcome reception for Dr. Lowery will be held Wednesday, February 5, at 3:00 p.m. in the Veterinary Medical Library. Whether at the reception or when you see her in and around Lynn Hall, please help extend a warm PVM welcome to Dr. Lowery.