Indiana state veterinarian Dr. Bret Marsh has been named dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, replacing Dr. Willie Reed, who held the job for 17 years.
Dr. Marsh, a Purdue veterinary school alumnus, will start on Nov. 4 following a national search for candidates. He also will serve as a clinical professor of veterinary medicine.
“My career in veterinary medicine has been built on safeguarding animal health through innovation and partnerships, with a passion for public service to the people of Indiana. I look forward to continuing those efforts as dean,” he said. “As Indiana state veterinarian, I saw how animal health is inextricably linked to environmental and human health — from food safety to farms to pets in our homes. I want to ensure Purdue is leading the way in One Health through research and preparing the next generation of veterinarians.”
Purdue Provost Dr. Patrick Wolfe said he “couldn’t be more pleased to have recruited someone of Dr. Marsh’s caliber.”
“There is much work to do in advancing our land-grant mission, both by better serving our state and by advancing us to the top rank of colleges nationally,” Dr. Wolfe said.
According to Purdue, Dr. Marsh served as special detail to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s Homeland Security staff following 9/11 and has held leadership roles with the United States Animal Health Association. He is a former president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
His predecessor, Dr. Reed, stepped down on June 30. Purdue’s Willie M. Reed Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory carries his name.