By Andi Anderson
Julia Wickard, a well-known agricultural leader from Indiana, has been named the new constituent liaison and executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, effective February 24. A proud Purdue alumna with a BA in agricultural communications and political science, Wickard returns to her alma mater to strengthen ties between the college and the wider agricultural community.
With over 30 years of experience in executive management across public, private, and non-profit sectors, Wickard brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Prior to joining Purdue, she served as the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency. Her career also includes significant positions at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, where she was assistant commissioner and agricultural liaison, as well as a leadership role in government affairs.
In addition, she spent more than seven years as the executive vice president of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association/Indiana Beef Council and held top roles at Indiana Farm Bureau Environmental Services Inc. Wickard’s earlier work with the state encompassed serving as the environmental and natural resources director in the Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture, and later as the executive director of the Indiana Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development.
At Purdue, Wickard will join the Dean’s Leadership Team and play a key role in expanding the college’s relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. These include local and national organizations such as the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, the State Board of Animal Health, and various agricultural commodity groups, among others. Her appointment aligns with Purdue’s broader strategic vision, notably its ambitious five-year, $4 billion fundraising campaign, “Victories and Heroes: Your Campaign for Purdue,” which aims to boost the university’s impact and presence.
“Accepting this appointment reflects my passion for agriculture and the professionals, especially veterinarians, who help people in rural communities,” said Wickard. “Purdue Veterinary Medicine has a vital role to play in strengthening connections between veterinary medicine, agriculture and the public, especially in light of the service Purdue University provides as the state’s land-grant institution. I look forward to working with Dean Marsh – a colleague I’ve known for a long time – to expand the college’s engagement with alumni and collaborations with the agricultural sector.”
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Business