Hall of Fame Member Biographies

Joseph W. Alexander

Joseph W. Alexander earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, a doctor of veterinary medicine from Colorado State University, and a master of science from the University of Tennessee.

After completing an internship and residency at Cornell University, he was named a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He served on the faculty at the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech, where he was the head of the Department of Medicine and Surgery and the director of the teaching hospital.

In 1985, Alexander was named dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University, serving in this capacity until 2001, when he was appointed interim vice president for research. During his 16-year tenure as dean, the college retained full accreditation, grew its board-certified clinical faculty, and established several new specialty services. The hospital provided a more complete educational experience for students and a more valuable clinical service to pet owners and the agricultural community. In 2003, he was named president of the OSU Innovation and Economic Development Foundation and director of External and Legislative Relations.

Alexander recruited basic science faculty with an ability to compete for extramurally funded research, resulting in an increase in research expenditures from $2.02 to $17.8 million. Graduate student enrollment increased 4-fold, and scholarly publications increased 3-fold. Successful private fundraising efforts led to the establishment of nine endowed faculty chairs and the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment for research and hospital services. 

Alexander’s clinical specialties include surgery and marine animal medicine. He is the author of 57 journal articles, four books, and has given 69 presentations to various professional organizations.

In service to his local community and the state of Oklahoma, Alexander was a member of or chaired numerous civic boards and commissions, including being appointed Oklahoma’s Secretary for Science and Technology during the Henry administration.