Penn Vet Welcomes New Director of Alumni Relations to Strengthen Lifelong Connections and Advance School Mission
The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) has announced the appointment of Laura Brown as the new director of alumni relations. With a strong background in alumni relations and board development, Brown will play a pivotal role in deepening the lifelong relationship between Penn Vet and its 6,000 living alumni.
Alumni are vital ambassadors of Penn Vet’s mission, serving as representatives to the transformative impact of its education and training. As the School continues to grow its programmatic reach and academic reputation, fostering meaningful connections with its alumni community is more important than ever.
In this role, Brown will lead the design and implementation of programs that connect alumni with the School and one another, through mentorship opportunities, professional networking, and events. She will also collaborate with academic departments, School units and advancement staff to enhance alumni visibility and engagement across all class years.
“I’m delighted to welcome Laura to Penn Vet,” said Senior Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations Jonathan Evans. “Her experience and commitment to fostering connections will enhance the ways our alumni engage with our purpose, and their fellow alumni. This work is foundational to our mission to train the next generation of veterinarians and to foster community in our profession.”
Brown has 20 years of experience in alumni relations, fundraising, volunteer management, and event planning. She received her BA and MA from Villanova University and holds the Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP) certification from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Prior to her role at Penn Vet, she served as the director of alumni relations at the Williamson College of the Trades.
“Penn Vet has a powerful story and a deeply committed alumni community,” said Brown. “I’m honored to help cultivate connections that reflect the School’s values, celebrate its impact, and support its future.”
Brown’s appointment reflects Penn Vet’s ongoing investment in a vibrant alumni network. As the School continues to prepare students for lives of leadership and service, the engagement and support of its alumni will remain a cornerstone of that vision.
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About Penn Vet
Ranked among the top ten veterinary schools worldwide, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the first veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.
Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 34,600 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 6,200 patient visits a year, while our Field Services have gone out on more than 5,500 farm service calls, treating some 18,700 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.