Purdue University celebrates 5 veterinary medicine alumni

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine (Purdue CVM) recently recognized 5 graduates as 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.¹ Their work spans a range of veterinary interests including equine medicine, feline medicine, rural practice, emergency care, animal health industry leadership, diagnostics and animal agriculture.²

“These individuals represent the very best of Purdue Veterinary Medicine,” Bret D. Marsh, DVM, dean of Purdue CVM, said in a news release. “Their impact has extended far beyond their individual careers as they have shaped communities, advanced animal and human health, and strengthened the profession as a whole.”

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are¹:

• Nicholas Frank, DVM, PhD
  An internationally recognized expert in equine endocrinology and laminitis, Frank’s career spans academia, research, and leadership. After earning his Purdue DVM degree in 1993, he worked for 2 years in private equine practice before returning to Purdue University to complete his residency training and PhD, which he earned in 2002. He then held faculty and leadership positions at the University of Tennessee and later Tufts University, where he served as chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences and associate dean for academic affairs. In 2023, he was named dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. His work continues to influence veterinary education and research on a global scale.

• Rob Jackman, DVM
  Jackman’s veterinary career reflects a strong commitment to rural veterinary practice and community engagement. After earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture at Purdue, he earned his DVM degree in 1995. Jackman grew up in the veterinary practice of his father and fellow Purdue graduate, Robert N. Jackman, DVM, and he now operates the Jackman Animal Clinic in Milroy, Indiana. A leader in numerous professional and local organizations, including the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, where he served as chairman of the Board of Directors, Rob Jackman is known for his dedication to animal agriculture, mentorship, and community development.
• Allison Kowlowitz, DVM
  As an emerging leader in the profession, Kowlowitz achieved distinction in the field of feline medicine and emergency care. Since earning her Purdue DVM degree in 2020, she has practiced in both primary care and emergency settings in Indiana. She currently is pursuing board certification in feline practice and holds multiple certifications in Fear Free, Low Stress Handling, and Feline Friendly care. Her veterinary career is characterized by both dedication to patient wellbeing and innovation in companion animal medicine.
• Jennifer Miller, DVM
  Miller’s career bridges clinical practice and extensive experience in the animal health industry. After working several years in small animal practice, she joined Elanco, where she has contributed to veterinary medical strategy and product development across a range of pet health solutions. Her work focuses on infectious and zoonotic diseases, preventative care, and strengthening the human-animal bond, helping advance veterinary medicine through innovation and education. She earned her Purdue DVM degree in 2008.
• Duane Murphy, DVM, PhD
  Murphy’s veterinary career has been defined by his dedication to animal agriculture and veterinary diagnostics. After earning his Purdue DVM degree in 1984, Dr. Murphy worked in a mixed animal practice before returning to Purdue to pursue a PhD in veterinary pathobiology in 1994 and serve as a diagnostic pathologist for the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in West Lafayette, now called the Reed ADDL. Upon completion of his PhD program, he became director of the regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Southern Indiana, now called the Heeke Lab, which he successfully managed for nearly two decades. He later contributed significantly to the poultry industry as a company veterinarian and continues sharing his expertise as a consultant in retirement.

Veterinarians who have earned the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Purdue CVM at least 5 years prior to nomination are eligible for award. Nominees can be contributing to veterinary medicine as a practitioner, teacher, or researcher, as well as with service to the profession or service to the community.³ According to Miller, several letters of recommendation were also required with the nominations.

In a dvm360 interview, Miller explained what the recognition means to her. “You do your work day in and day out, and you hope that you're making a difference and that you're doing something to better the profession. And this is a proof point to me that, ‘hey, we're on the right trajectory’ and doing meaningful work to help improve veterinary medicine,” she said.

The 5 award recipients were formally honored during Purdue’s inaugural Dean’s Dinner of Distinction on April 17, 2026. The event was created to celebrate alumni whose careers exemplify excellence, leadership, and service across the veterinary profession, according to the CVM. The Dean’s Dinner of Distinction aims to be a new tradition for the college, to not only celebrate alumni achievements but to also inspire students and strengthen connections across the veterinary community.¹

The honorees also participated in a “Lunch and Learn” Distinguished Alumni Panel, where they engaged with current students, faculty, and staff. During the lunch, they shared their insights derived from their own veterinary medical careers and offering guidance to the next generation of veterinary professionals.¹

References

1. Purdue Veterinary Medicine honors five distinguished alumni at inaugural Dean’s Dinner of Distinction. News release. April 10, 2026. [email]
2. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital. Five Purdue Vet Med alumni are being honored… Facebook. April 17, 2026. Accessed May 1, 2026. https://www.facebook.com/pucvm/posts/pfbid02zy2aYE6qaPj9ZHH9ki9dS7Lpw62w9gHqv9JX8fs7qFPTVoKMovVBYBx1i4HCVSd2l
3. Distinguished DVM Alumni Award. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed May 1, 2026. https://vet.purdue.edu/about/our-people/awards/distinguished-dvm-alumni-award.php