The Purdue University Department of Animal Sciences recognized three graduates with the 2025 Distinguished Animal Sciences Alumni Awards. The honors celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to animal agriculture and veterinary medicine.
Bret Marsh, DVM, received the Lifetime Award; Eric Sheiss was recognized with the Mid-Career Award; and Nicholas Tharp was honored with the Early Career Award.
Bret Marsh, DVM: Lifetime Award
Marsh earned his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences in 1981 and his doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1984 from Purdue University. He served for more than 30 years as Indiana’s state veterinarian and was appointed dean of the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine in November 2024. He also serves as chief executive officer of the veterinary hospital and is a clinical professor of veterinary medicine.
Marsh’s career includes service at the national level, including as special detail to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s homeland security staff following 9/11. He has held leadership roles as president of the U.S. Animal Health Association, six-term treasurer of the American Veterinary Medical Association and president and board chairman of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
“It’s very special to be recognized at this point in my career, especially by the college that gave me my start,” Marsh said. “I’m grateful for the recognition, but it’s really a tribute to the College of Agriculture and all those who helped shape my path.”
Marsh emphasized that his goal has always been to support the next generation of veterinarians and animal professionals.
“I’ve never tried to make it about me. It’s always been about creating better opportunities for those who come after,” Marsh said. “I was given that chance by those who came before me, and I’ve simply tried to pay it forward.”
When asked what accomplishment he’s most proud of, Marsh didn’t point to a specific title or award—but to the people he’s helped shape along the way.
“If I’ve had any opportunity to influence the future for students and veterinarians—as they go out and serve animal owners of all kinds—that’s really the joy of my job,” Marsh said. “Seeing those young professionals cross the stage at graduation and go on to enjoy the profession as I have, that’s what means the most.”
Marsh said he remains optimistic about the future of animal sciences and veterinary medicine.
“There are incredible opportunities for those entering this field, and I’m grateful to continue helping shape that future.”
Eric Sheiss: Mid-Career Award
Sheiss, president and chief operating officer of Indiana Packers Corporation (IPC), began his undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University before transferring to Purdue, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences in 1994 and a master’s degree in 1996.
Following graduate school, Sheiss spent three years with PIC (Pig Improvement Company), a swine genetics company. He joined Indiana Packers Corporation in 2000 and has since held leadership roles in technical services, food safety, regulatory affairs, quality assurance and research and development.
Sheiss credits his Purdue experience with preparing him for the demands of industry leadership.
“Activities and associated travel connected to judging teams and animal sciences travel courses provided me with an opportunity to connect the dots between what I was learning in the classroom, its application in industry and how that can vary depending on where the production system is located in the country or world,” Sheiss said.
As a graduate student, he coached the meat judging team—an experience he says closely mirrored the responsibilities of his current role.
“I had to manage a budget, schedule travel and classes and was personally responsible for the safety of my students—no different than many of my jobs after college,” Sheiss said.
Sheiss also emphasized the influence of his mentors.
“My graduate committee members, Drs. John Forrest and Alan Schinckel, had well-respected national extension programs,” Sheiss said. “Working with them helped me build a strong network of industry contacts, and my success working for them gave me instant credibility.”
Sheiss said the award is a personal honor and a testament to the teams that have supported his work. He also shared optimism about the future of the industry.
“Animal protein is being redeemed for its nutritional value and being recognized as such an important part of a healthy diet, wellness and longevity,” Sheiss said. “I am excited to be working in a critical part of the value chain helping deliver it to consumers.”
Nicholas Tharp: Early Career Award
Nicholas Tharp and Department Head Paul Ebner
Tharp, owner, partner and sow manager at Legan Livestock & Grain, LLC, earned his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from Purdue in 2009. He and his wife, Beth, farm in Putnam and Hendricks counties with her parents, Mark and Phylis Legan, raising hogs, corn and soybeans. Together, Nick and Beth launched LT Farm Meats.
“We saw a desire from our consumers to purchase their meat directly from the farmer,” Tharp said of starting LT Farm Meats. “They wanted to know the story behind the product and to be able to make a connection with the farmer who produced it. This venture has not only allowed us to diversify, but also has given us the opportunity to share our story and offer consumers a glimpse into our farm—especially those who are far removed from production agriculture.”
Tharp has taken on leadership roles across the state and national pork industries. He is a past president of Indiana Pork, chairs the Midwest Pork Conference, and serves as vice chair of the National Pork Board’s Swine Health Committee. He also participated in the Indiana Ag Leadership Program, the Executive Pork Producers Program, and served with Beth on the Indiana Farm Bureau State Young Farmer and Ag Professional Committee.
“My degree in animal sciences has allowed me to pair the art of stockmanship with science-based, analytical decision making on our farm,” Tharp said. “From my experience at Purdue, I was also able to build an extended network that I lean on when facing decisions or pursuing opportunities.”
Reflecting on the award, Tharp expressed gratitude for the recognition and the lasting impact the department had on his life.
“It has been an honor to receive this award,” Tharp said. “My time in the Animal Sciences Department had a significant impact on my life, and being honored by the department and by professors—both past and present—whom I’ve always admired is truly humbling.”
For more information about the Distinguished Animal Sciences Alumni Awards, including past recipients and nomination details, visit purdue.ag/ANSCDAA.
