Ivy Tech Madison Announces Dr. Melissa Newcomb D.V.M. as Program Chair in Proposed Veterinary Nursing Program

Proposed scheduled start is Aug of 2025

MADISON, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College Madison is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Melissa Newcomb D.V.M. as Program Chair in the proposed associate-degree-level Veterinary Nursing program.

Newcomb brings over 20 years of veterinary experience, as well as over 17 years of experience in education. Newcomb received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University in 1996. With 12 years of being an Associate Veterinarian at Hillview Veterinary Clinic in Franklin, Indiana, she focused on high-quality care in medical, surgical, and emergency cases. Newcomb also received her Master of Arts of Teaching in 2017 from the University of Indianapolis and taught Biology, Advanced Animal Science, Science, and Math courses for junior/senior high school grade levels.

Newcomb will work in conjunction with Hanover College’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students as Ivy Tech Madison students pursue licensure as a registered veterinary technician (RVT) and work in practices, laboratories or agribusiness/bioscience industries. The side-by-side training helps all students build team-member skills with enhanced experience and rigor through the doctoral-level faculty.

Dr. Amanda Harsin, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Madison, shares, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Melissa Newcomb, whose extensive veterinary and teaching experience will be instrumental in developing our Veterinary Nursing program and fostering hands-on learning.”

“A need for the expansion of veterinary program offerings has existed in the United States for some time. I am elated and honored to collaborate with Ivy Tech, Hanover College and the community to launch this innovative program solution for our region. The extensive research, vision, and cooperation that has transpired in the creation of this program ensures that it will be a leading-edge industry educational opportunity for our students and our community,” states Dr. Melissa Newcomb.

Ivy Tech Madison initiated review with the Commission for Higher Education for the proposed Veterinary Nursing program and will pursue accreditation for the program with CVTEA. Hanover College is set to start construction for the veterinary teaching center in 2025, and Ivy Tech Madison has proposed students starting their program in August 2025.