The Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine is virtually hosting the 2020 Western Regional Iverson Bell Summit Oct. 23–25.
The conference has promoted diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine for more than 40 years.
This is WSU’s first year hosting the event; private practice veterinarians, faculty, staff and veterinary students from the western region are expected to attend via Zoom.
The event is named after Iverson Bell, an African American veterinarian and vice president of the American Veterinary Medical Association from 1971 to 1973.
Dr. Bell was a civic leader in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he owned a small veterinary practice. He was prominently known for his professionalism, leadership and promoting equal opportunity.
“We’re happy and proud to host this event in Dr. Bell’s name,” said Dori Borjesson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “In order to drive the veterinary profession forward we need to hear from everyone, which means everyone needs to be represented.”
The theme of the event is Triple A (Access, Ability and Allyship): Your Map to Wellness, Diversity, and Inclusion.
The conference was first hosted by the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine in 1972.
The summit was hosted by Bell’s alma mater, Michigan State University, and Purdue University, where he lectured for several decades, until it was opened for other veterinary colleges in 2016.
This year’s featured speakers include: Jen Brandt, the director of member wellbeing, inclusion, and diversity initiatives at the American Veterinary Medical Association; Lisa Greenhill, senior director for Institutional Research and Diversity at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges; Christine Jenkins, vice president of Veterinary Medical Services & Outcomes Research at Zoetis Inc.; and Gretchen Delcambre, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine director of admissions.
Visit the summit website to view the agenda and to register.
