Reed to receive Purdue's Dreamer Award

January 14, 2015  


Willie Reed

Willie Reed
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Willie Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and professor of veterinary anatomic pathology, will receive Purdue University's 2015 Dreamer Award.

The award will be presented during a ceremony Thursday (Jan 15) that will include the Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative lecture by Mark Lamont Hill, at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. The ceremony is part of Purdue's celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Dreamer Award, established in 2004, is given annually to an individual or organization within the Purdue community whose contributions embody King's vision of service to others and furthers the university's commitment to diversity.

"Dr. Reed is receiving the award for a lifetime of work," said Carolyn Johnson, director of the Diversity Resource Office at Purdue. "He has demonstrated an active commitment, advocacy and application of the principles of equality, excellence and social responsibility that reflect Dr. King's vision of service to others and his dream of equality for all."

Reed was appointed dean at Purdue in 2006 after serving as professor of pathology and chairperson of the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, and director of the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health at Michigan State University. Before then, he was chief of Purdue's Avian Diseases Diagnostic Service from 1985-90, assistant professor of veterinary pathology from 1982-87 and associate professor of veterinary pathology from 1987-90.

He earned his bachelor's degree in animal and poultry science and his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee (Alabama) University, before coming to Purdue where he earned his doctorate in veterinary pathology in 1982.

During a term as president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges in 2010-11, Reed focused on increasing diversity in veterinary medicine as part of the organization's strategic plan. In September 2014 Purdue began offering online certificate programs in diversity and inclusion for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, educators and students through the Center of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. The center was developed by Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine in partnership with the AAVMC and the American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2011, he received the Iverson Bell Diversity & Inclusion Award from the AAVMC.

Reed also has served as president of the Hanna Community Center board of directors. The center is a nonprofit multiservice agency in Lafayette that provides programs and services for Tippecanoe County residents.

"I am deeply honored and touched to receive this award, " Reed said. "I cannot imagine an honor more meaningful than to receive an award bearing the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I want to thank all of those involved in the selection process. I am humbled in accepting this, recognizing the great responsibility it implies to live and lead in ways that embody the spirit of the dream Dr. King so marvelously articulated.  I also realize that my efforts make up a part of a bigger picture, contributed to by many dedicated faculty, staff and students, including those whose names are on the list of previous recipients of this award."

Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu

Sources: Carolyn E. Johnson, 765-494-7307, cjohnson1@purdue.edu

Willie Reed, 765-494-7608, wreed@purdue.edu

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