{"id":24183,"date":"2024-07-31T08:01:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T12:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/qa.vet.purdue.edu\/news\/?p=24183"},"modified":"2025-05-14T08:43:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T12:43:11","slug":"pvr-s2024-willie-reed-honored-with-building-naming-as-pioneering-deanship-comes-to-a-close","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/pvr-s2024-willie-reed-honored-with-building-naming-as-pioneering-deanship-comes-to-a-close.php","title":{"rendered":"Building Naming Recognizes Dr. Willie Reed’s Pioneering Deanship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Dr.
Dr. Willie Reed served as dean from 2007 to 2024, and was recognized by the Purdue Board of Trustees in June when they approved renaming the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory<\/a> building in his honor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As Dr. Willie Reed prepared to step down June 30 after serving 17-and-a-half years as dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, among 25 total years of service to Purdue, he received many congratulations from well-wishers, and a very special kind of recognition from the Purdue University Board of Trustees. To honor Dr. Reed\u2019s loyalty and service to Purdue, the veterinary medicine profession and the state of Indiana, the trustees approved renaming the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory building as the Willie M. Reed Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at their meeting June 7.

As a result of the trustees\u2019 decision, Dr. Reed became the first dean in Purdue history to have a building named in his honor. The naming also is particularly appropriate because the ADDL is where Dr. Reed did all his graduate work for his PhD degree, and where he served as a PVM faculty member for the first eight years of his Purdue career. Dr. Reed also received the designation of Dean Emeritus.

Additionally, the trustees approved the appointment of Purdue 150th Anniversary Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs S. Kathleen Salisbury, as the college\u2019s interim dean, effective July 1. \u201cAssociate Dean Salisbury has exactly the right mix of expertise and experience to accelerate the college\u2019s progress in this interim role as we launch our One Health initiative,\u201d said Patrick Wolfe, Purdue provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity.

\u201cI look forward to leading our outstanding faculty, staff and students through this transition,\u201d Dr. Salisbury said. \u201cI will follow Dean Reed\u2019s example of excellence and dedication in serving the college.\u201d
Dean Reed was praised for consistently championing One Health at Purdue \u2014 bringing together animal health, human health and environmental health. The university is continuing to strengthen and accelerate his groundbreaking approach to excellence and education in these areas.

Dr. Reed also was recognized for guiding the College of Veterinary Medicine in developing and executing a series of three visionary strategic plans to enhance the future through innovative educational initiatives, groundbreaking research, and creative and effective engagement programs. His strategic planning initiatives culminated in the opening of the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex in 2022 \u2014 expanding the college\u2019s Small Animal Hospital and creating new Equine and Farm Animal hospitals to replace the Large Animal Hospital.

The new David and Bonnie Brunner Equine Hospital actually is the second equine hospital established under Dean Reed\u2019s leadership. The first is the Caesar\u2019s Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital, which opened as a satellite facility in 2017 in Shelbyville, Indiana. Offering outstanding equine health expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and a location in proximity to Indiana\u2019s two racetracks, the specialty hospital is particularly suited to treat cases involving performance horses.

Dean Reed\u2019s leadership of the college also led to the improvement of Purdue DVM and veterinary nursing education through implementation of new approaches to clinical-skills training and the use of innovative technology. In addition, he fostered growth in research programs, achieving record-level research funding through expanded external support for scientific discovery that advances medicine for both animals and humans. He also spearheaded efforts that enhanced the teaching, clinical and research facilities in Lynn Hall; increased the DVM class size by 20%; fostered successful recruitment of faculty members from around the globe in many disciplines; and significantly expanded the college\u2019s global engagement<\/a> programs.

In 2023, Dean Reed\u2019s many achievements were recognized when he was selected by the American Veterinary Medical Association as its inaugural recipient of the AVMA Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his innovative leadership and contributions in supporting and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the veterinary profession.
Purdue\u2019s Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science and professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences, Lucy Flesch, is chairing an advisory committee to assist in the search for Dr. Reed\u2019s permanent successor. Finalists are expected to visit campus at the start of the fall semester.

Featured on \u201cThis is Purdue\u201d Podcast<\/strong>

Dean Reed\u2019s own story about making dreams come true was featured in June on the official podcast for Purdue University, \u201cThis is Purdue,\u201d with host Kate Young. The podcast conveys Dean Reed\u2019s incredible story of persistence \u2014 from being taught first grade by his grandmother in southern Alabama to becoming dean of one of the top veterinary colleges in the country.
<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Dean
Dean Willie Reed with \u201cThis is Purdue\u201d podcast host Kate Young at a recording session in the Joy M. Matson Multi-Purpose Room at the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Kate, herself a Purdue University alumna and graduate of the Brian Lamb School of Communication, talked with Dean Reed about what led him to pursue a career as a veterinarian and how his efforts have helped meet the increasing demand for veterinary professionals by expanding and adapting the College of Veterinary Medicine\u2019s world-class facilities. He also shared about his love for animals and discussed Purdue research on the human-animal bond and how animals have a positive effect on human mental and physical health. \u201cWhether it\u2019s a dog or a cat or some other animal, they bring us so much joy\u2026Our whole well-being is increased,\u201d Dean Reed said.
<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Bueller,
Bueller, one of the college\u2019s friendly Canine Educators, joined Dean Reed for a promotional photo shoot for the podcast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Other topics addressed in the podcast include current pathology research at Purdue and Dean Reed\u2019s plans for future endeavors, including mentoring students in underrepresented communities to teach them the path to becoming a veterinarian. \u201cI had a dream and I tell my students, \u2018You have to believe in the beauty of your dream. Don\u2019t let anybody deter you from that. You have to be persistent.\u2019\u201d

Dr. Reed earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at Tuskegee University before coming to Purdue University to pursue a graduate degree in veterinary pathology. After earning his PhD in 1982, he joined the Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty, serving as associate professor of avian pathology and as chief of Avian Disease Diagnostic Services in the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. In 1990, he accepted an offer at Michigan State University to become a full professor and director of the Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (now called the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory). He remained at Michigan State until his appointment as dean.

There\u2019s something about the Purdue spirit that is unique,\u201d Dean Reed says. \u201cWhen you come here, this is a place where dreams can come true.\u201d

Click here to listen to \u201cThis is Purdue\u201d Podcast Ep. 110<\/a>, \u201cDean, Mentor, Boilermaker: Celebrating Willie Reed and His Lasting Legacy on the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.\u201d Click here to view the full video interview<\/a>. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts<\/a> or Spotify<\/a>. Click here to view the podcast promotional video<\/a> and check out additional videos of Dean Reed on the podcast\u2019s YouTube page<\/a>.

Honored at College of Veterinary Medicine Reception<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Guests
Guests who attended Dean Willie Reed\u2019s reception in Lynn Hall June 27 included former dean of Purdue Agriculture and Purdue Provost Emeritus Jay Akridge, who congratulated Dean Reed as a friend and colleague.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As the month of June came to a close, College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff, students, alumni and Purdue dignitaries had the opportunity to congratulate Dean Reed at a reception held in his honor in the Veterinary Medical Library in Lynn Hall. Co-hosted by Dr. Kathy Salisbury, associate dean for academic affairs and the newly named interim dean of the college, and Lee Ann Happ, a long-time staff member who has served under multiple deans and currently holds the position of PVM principal operations administrator, the event on June 27 attracted a throng of well-wishers.

\u201cIt is a very bittersweet day as we send off our Dean to enjoy the next phase of his career,\u201d Dr. Salisbury said as she began the reception program. She and Lee Ann then shared highlights of the long list of accomplishments during the dean\u2019s 17-and-a-half years of service.

\u201cWillie\u2019s goal was to leave the College in better condition than it was in when he arrived,\u201d Lee Ann said. \u201cIt is clear he has done that and so much more. Willie Reed has left a lasting legacy on this College that will not be forgotten. Thank you, Willie, for 17-and-a-half years of absolute excellence!\u201d

Dr. Salisbury then invited reception guests who wanted to share their thoughts and stories about the dean to do so and many attendees took advantage of the opportunity, including professors emeriti, faculty, staff, alumni and Provost Emeritus and former Purdue Agriculture Dean Jay Akridge, who served in both capacities during Dr. Reed\u2019s service as College of Veterinary Medicine dean. Dr. Akridge recalled how as provost, he recognized that Dean Reed faithfully attended every event, whether it was celebrating faculty, staff or students, \u201c\u2026because he cared about our students and our faculty and staff, and I think that was another important characteristic. He is just a consummate professional.\u201d

Also on hand were Drs. Sue and Craig Wardrip, who both are members of the DVM Class of 1978. \u201cAnd I want to say that Willie and Dorothy have provided the face of veterinary medicine for this college very effectively for a very long time and we\u2019re proud to have had him here as our leader.\u201d

The reception also featured the unveiling of an oil on linen painted portrait of Willie, to be installed in the library later in the summer. The portrait was painted by artist Patrick Earl Hammie, Professor of Studio Art at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. PVM Professor Emeritus David Williams had seen some of Patrick\u2019s paintings exhibited on the Purdue campus some years ago and admired his work, so he reached out to Patrick to see if he would consider painting the portrait of Willie. Patrick replied that he would be honored to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Dean
Dean Reed acknowledges the beautiful artistry of Patrick Earl Hammie, who painted the dean\u2019s portrait, and helped unveil it at the reception.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Patrick attended the reception with his wife, Jess, and together with Dean Reed, lifted the veil from the portrait. \u201cThis has been such a joy and a pleasure and an honor to hear some of the stories that you all shared and the tears and the feelings that have come out,\u201d Patrick shared. He then asked, \u201cHow do you capture an essence in an image? How do you wrap some of these stories, these histories\u2026in a moment that we can celebrate and continue to live with long after?\u201d Patrick went on to explain, “Those are some of the questions I had, that it’s so good to hear echoed and reaffirmed today, because when I met Dean Reed for the first time, now two years ago, and we had a great sit down with him and Dorothy and David Williams, that warmth came through. Without knowing all of this history, I could feel it in his presence, in his thoughtfulness, in his earnestness as he shared some of his stories with me.\u201d Patrick concluded by saying, \u201cI kept that with me as I moved beyond our time together into painting this portrait that I hope will continue to carry some of those stories forward for you all and the community to come.\u201d
<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Faculty,
Faculty, staff, students and Purdue colleagues from across campus gathered in the Veterinary Medical Library to applaud Dean Willie Reed at the June 27 reception held in his honor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dean Reed also was presented with a commemorative recognition gift featuring the image of the Continuum Sculpture engraved on glass, before he was given the opportunity to make closing remarks. \u201cI don\u2019t know where to start. What a wonderful day,\u201d Dean Reed said. \u201cI will always carry this memory, always. Thank all of you for coming today. It means so much to me that you would be here, and I thank all of you who made wonderful comments. I\u2019m a little embarrassed standing here now after listening to all that, but you\u2019ve given me something that I will hold forever. So thank you so very much.”

Congratulations, Dr. Willie Reed!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Dean
Dean Reed with reception co-hosts, Dr. Kathy Salisbury and Lee Ann Happ.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Willie
Willie Reed with Purdue veterinary students who attended the reception: Juli Soda of the Class of 2025 and Ramon Roberts of the Class of 2027.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As Dr. Willie Reed prepared to step down June 30 after serving 17-and-a-half years as dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, he received many congratulations from well-wishers, and a very special kind of recognition from the Purdue University Board of Trustees. To honor his loyalty and service to Purdue, the veterinary medicine profession and the state of Indiana, the trustees approved renaming the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory building as the Willie M. Reed Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at their meeting June 7.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":24185,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30,41,17,29],"tags":[2143,56,811,365,560,192,103],"class_list":["post-24183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academics","category-faculty-staff","category-in-the-news","category-our-people","tag-dean-reed","tag-homepage","tag-pvm-report","tag-reception","tag-summer","tag-whatsnew","tag-willie-reed"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24183"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24183\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29953,"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24183\/revisions\/29953"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24185"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}