Ruby Perry elected chair of Environmental Management Commission
The Tuskegee veterinary leader brings decades of academic, scientific and public service experience to Alabama’s top environmental policy board.
Dr. Ruby L. Perry, retired dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University, was elected today to chair the Alabama Environmental Management Commission.
The commission establishes rules, regulations and environmental standards for Alabama, sets the state's environmental policy, appoints the director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and hears appeals of the department's administrative actions.
Perry joined the commission in its chemist/veterinarian position in October 2018. She previously served as vice chair, and her fellow commissioners elected her chair.
"The election as commission chair is a great honor, and I thank my colleagues on the commission, many of whom I have served with for years, for their support and confidence in me," Perry said. "As someone with a long history in veterinary medical education, I am a strong advocate for impactful, science-based environmental stewardship.
"The work of this commission in setting environmental policy, as well as determining environmental rules, regulations and standards, is critical to protecting our air, land and water resources and the health of Alabamians. I look forward to continuing my work with the commission in this new leadership role."
Perry received a bachelor's degree in animal and poultry science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University. She also holds a master's degree in microbiology from Michigan State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Keiser University.
She completed a veterinary radiology residency at Michigan State and was the first Black woman certified as a veterinary radiologist by the American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Perry taught at Michigan State for 20 years before returning to Tuskegee University in 2007. She became interim dean of Tuskegee's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and dean in 2015. She has held numerous other leadership positions at both Michigan State and Tuskegee.
In 2024, Perry received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
"We are extremely fortunate to have someone as well-qualified as Dr. Perry to chair the Environmental Management Commission," Alabama Department of Environmental Management Director Edward Poolos said. "She has long been a leader in education, as well as in her community, and has a great understanding of environmental issues in Alabama."
