MONTGOMERY – 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 (AEMC).
The Commission establishes rules, regulations and environmental standards for Alabama, sets the state’s
environmental policy, appoints the director of the Alabama Departmental of Environmental
Management (ADEM), and hears appeals of ADEM’s administrative action.
Dr. Ruby L. Perry
Dr. Perry, DVM, MS, PhD, was appointed to the Commission’s chemist/veterinarian position in October
2018. She previously served as Commission vice chair and was elected chair by her fellow
commissioners.
“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,” Dr. 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.”
Dr. Perry received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Poultry Science and a Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine from Tuskegee University. She also holds a Master of Science in Microbiology from Michigan
State University, and a PhD in Educational Leadership from Keiser University.
She completed the veterinary radiology residency at Michigan State and was the first African-American
female board-certified veterinary radiologist in the American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Dr. Perry taught at Michigan State for 20 years before returning to Tuskegee University in 2007. She was
appointed interim dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee in 2014, and dean in 2015.
She has held numerous other leadership positions at both Michigan State and Tuskegee.
In 2024, Dr. 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,” ADEM 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”.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Environmental Management
