Nancy A. Gillett

Nancy A. Gillett (DVM, ’78), an acclaimed pathologist, scientific leader, research manager, and global business executive, will be honored Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Animal Disease Biotechnology Facility. She will also deliver a free address, “The Business of Science: Experiences of a Nontraditional Veterinarian.” Everyone is welcome.

Gillett is corporate executive vice president and chief scientific officer at Charles River, the market leader in both providing animal models for research and conducting in vivo studies necessary to support the discovery and development of new drugs. Gillett has established the scientific roadmap for Charles River’s global portfolio strategy and is responsible for spearheading technological and scientific research and development throughout the company and ensuring the excellence of the science across all products and services.

“When I interact with young women and men aspiring to a career in veterinary medicine I regularly point to Dr. Gillett as a role model,” wrote Roger O. McClellan (DVM, ’60), past president of the Lovelace Inhalation Center, in nominating Gillett for the award. ”Her accomplishments have brought her personal distinction and, moreover, brought distinction and honor to her alma mater, Washington State University and its College of Veterinary Medicine.”

In addition to rising through the corporate ranks and serving as an adjunct professor at Purdue for 21 years, Gillett has been involved in numerous national organizations. She has served as president of the Society of Toxicologic Pathologists, board member of the National Center for Toxicological Research, and member of the Education Committee of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and Editorial Board of Toxicologic Pathology, among other professional activities.

The Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus/a Award is the highest honor the University bestows on our alumni.