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Melissa O'Dell	(301) 734-5222
Jerry Redding	(202) 720-6959

DEHAVEN AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORAL DEGREE FROM PURDUE UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2005—W. Ron DeHaven, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Purdue University. Purdue University selected DeHaven in recognition of his distinguished contributions to agriculture, animal health, and human health both domestically and globally.

“There is no question that Dr. DeHaven is a leader and has been recognized as such for more than two decades,” said Bill Hawks, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “His career has exemplified the very highest standards of professional excellence, personal integrity, and commitment to animal and plant health.”

DeHaven obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Purdue University in 1975 and a Masters in Business Administration from Millsaps College in Mississippi in May 1989. After graduating from veterinary school, he spent four years in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps where he performed outstanding service before beginning his career with APHIS in 1979.

DeHaven lives in Crofton, Md., with his wife Nancy. They have two grown children, a daughter and a son.