Well-Being Resources for Students, Faculty and Staff

Purdue Veterinary Medicine's Continuum Sculpture

A message from Psychologist and PVM Lead Therapist Colleen Maguire Jackson, Ph.D., HSPP

Hello PVM Family,

It is understandable if the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and the adjustments we have to make to personal, professional, and academic lives are causing increased stress and anxiety.  This is a reminder that as we continue to make sure to wash our hands regularly and maintain appropriate social distancing, we should also be mindful of our mental well-being.  There are several resources that are being provided to help people manage their responses throughout this challenging pandemic.  I’m offering the following information and links that may be helpful as you navigate your own responses as well as for those who you are working so hard to support.  This is a time to emphasize self-care and not underestimate human resiliency.

  1. PVM Counseling and Wellness Services now has the capability of offering counseling services for students (who are currently located in Indiana) via teletherapy to help support them in this transition while upholding the Governor of Indiana’s Stay-At -Home Order.  Counseling sessions can be held either on the phone, or through a secure web-based platform.  To schedule an appointment, email pvmwellbeing@purdue.edu. (FREE). Please note that both PVM therapists are only licensed to practice in the State of Indiana.  For students who are currently out of state, please use the LiveHealth Online Psychology resource described below.  They have licensed therapists throughout the country, or you may get in touch with us and we will help you find a referral in your current location.
  2. LiveHealth Online provides online access to licensed therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists (controlled substances can’t be prescribed online).  If you are covered by Purdue Anthem BCBS insurance, visit: LiveHealth Online Psychology (This resource can be used by both students and Faculty/Staff enrolled with Purdue’s Anthem BCBS; please call the number on your insurance card to see if this service is FREE for your specific plan – see announcement here).
  3. Purdue RecWell will offer virtual wellness programs including Group X Fitness Classes, Cooking classes, Wellness Master Classes, Meditation Classes, Financial Coaching and Wellness Coaching, and Nutrition Consultations.  Click here for more information. (FREE for ENTIRE PURDUE COMMUNITY)
  4. For those of you who listen to podcasts, and/or have colleagues who listen to podcasts, this link from the AVMA has some very helpful information which is focused on wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.  I’m sharing it here because I’m hoping you all will listen to it and share it broadly (it’s helpful for others outside of the veterinary profession as well):  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellbeing-in-a-time-of-covid/id1455412037?i=1000468786878.
  5. These additional websites from the CDC and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) also serve as helpful resources:

Take good care,

Dr. Maguire Jackson

Recent Stories

PVM Closes out 2025 with Recognition of Staff Members’ Loyalty and Exceptional Service

A time-honored Purdue Veterinary Medicine tradition continued at the conclusion of 2025 as the college hosted its Staff Service Recognition Ceremony in Lynn Hall room 1136. Held December 19, the program honored staff members for years of service to Purdue University, and also featured the presentation of Bravo+ Awards. In all, more than 40 PVM personnel were recognized, including employees of the college’s departments, Veterinary Hospital and Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL).

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

Today, we are pleased to highlight Purdue University Veterinary Hospital staff members Lisa Hunter, facilities supervisor; Kevin Draper, facilities manager; and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s Large Animal Facilities team for their exceptional support.

Interim Leadership Announced for Comparative Pathobiology Department

Two faculty members in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology have been named as new interim leaders for the department. Clinical Professor and Associate Dean for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, Dr. Kenitra Hendrix, will serve as interim department head, and Dr. Abigail Cox, the Dr. William O. Iverson Associate Professor of Comparative Pathology, will work alongside her as assistant department head and will take the lead on the department’s graduate student affairs.  Announced December 18, the appointments took effect immediately.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Seeks Distinguished Alumni Award Nominations by February 2

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is now accepting nominations for its Distinguished Alumni Awards that honor exceptional graduates whose careers as veterinarians and veterinary technicians and technologists exemplify leadership, service, and impact in veterinary medicine and animal health.

Purdue Veterinary Technology Program Distance Learners Celebrate Graduation at Lynn Hall Ceremony

December marked a major milestone in the lives of Purdue Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program (VTDL) students who graduated as members of the Class of 2025.  In conjunction with Purdue University’s Winter Commencement ceremonies, the College of Veterinary Medicine held its traditional Veterinary Technology Graduation Celebration in Lynn Hall December 21, when the new Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology Degree recipients were honored and recited the Veterinary Technician Oath.

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

Today we are giving a big “high-five” to Kendra Dostaler, RVT, a large animal veterinary technician serving in the Equine and Farm Animal Hospitals.

Three PVM Faculty Receive 2025 Purdue AgSEED Grants

Known by the acronym AgSEED, the Agricultural Science and Extension for Economic Development program is an internal competitive grants system of the Purdue University College of Agriculture that focuses on advancing Indiana’s leadership in plant and animal agriculture and rural growth, especially through entrepreneurial initiatives. This year, three Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members are among 17 recipients of 2025 AgSEED grants.

In Memory – Dr. Baron Brocksmith (PU DVM ’94)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of an alumnus, Dr. Baron Brocksmith of Sullivan, Indiana, who died Monday, January 6, 2025. He was 57.

December Graduation Celebration Honors Purdue Veterinary Nursing Graduates

The Sunday after Purdue University’s final exam week in December marked a special occasion for a group of students celebrating as the newest graduates of the Purdue Veterinary Nursing Programs. That day, December 15, the College of Veterinary Medicine hosted the 2024 Purdue Veterinary Nursing Graduation Celebration in Lynn Hall – an event that drew graduates and their families from across the country and beyond.