Story provided by OSU College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Jerry Ritchey was recently named president of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). The ACVP is an international organization that aims to promote excellence in veterinary pathology through its members as they protect and improve animal, human and environmental health to benefit society. 

Having been an ACVP member since 1996, Ritchey has had the opportunity to serve on several committees and task forces, as well as the board of directors for the last five years.

“During his tenure on the board of directors, Jerry has spearheaded many impactful and transformative initiatives,” said Amy Durham, chief operating officer for ACVP. “Some behind the scenes, like extensive contract negotiations for our journal, Veterinary Pathology, and some that garnered great attention from all members, like the successful creation of the ACVP Training Accreditation program. I consider any institution with Jerry in the leadership to be exceptionally fortunate.”

As president, Ritchey will oversee all functions of the college, including its membership, finances, strategic planning and presiding over the monthly board meetings.

When considering the impact Ritchey wanted to have, he outlined three major areas he would like to focus on during his tenure. 

“A big part will be the strategic plan,” Ritchey said. “We recently generated a new five-year strategic plan and I hope to get us off to a good start so we can accomplish everything we set out to. 

“Second, is the accreditation of our residency training programs. We want to support the group leading that effort and make sure they have all the resources they need. Third is member engagement and improving communication between the board and the membership.”

Long-time colleague and current past-president, Dr. Kelli Boyd, has great confidence in Ritchey to lead ACVP into the future.

“Jerry is one of those special leaders who makes everyone feel seen, heard and cared about even when you don’t see eye to eye,” Boyd said. “He is thoughtful in decision making and is someone you know you can trust.

“ACVP is launching our updated strategic plan and I can’t think of a better person to lead that effort and execute on the goals of our future.”

Ritchey received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in 1991. Following veterinary school, he entered a residency in anatomic pathology at North Carolina State University and completed a Ph.D. in immunology in 1997. Shortly after completing his Ph.D., Ritchey joined the faculty at the OSU CVM.  

Over the course of his 26-year career with the veterinary college, Ritchey has worn many hats. He previously served as department head of veterinary pathobiology, an attending pathologist for the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (OADDL) and twice served as OADDL’s interim director. Ritchey is currently the associate dean for academic and student affairs. 

“I’m really humbled and honored to be trusted by my colleagues to serve in this role,” Ritchey said. “And so proud to represent Oklahoma State University.”