Memorial service announced for Barry Robert, university veterinarian
Editor's note: This story has been updated with information on giving to a memorial fund established in Robert's name at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
Nov. 28 update: A memorial service to celebrate Barry Robert's life has been scheduled for Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Commons and Waterfall Room at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
In Memoriam: Barry Robert, university veterinarian
Barry Robert spent his career caring for animals and supporting research.
As a veterinarian and professor for 30 years, he worked at universities and medical and research centers throughout the country.
In 2014, he became university veterinarian and director of the Office of Animal Resources at Virginia Tech, where he oversaw the management and clinical care of animals used in teaching and research in Blacksburg and in Roanoke at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute.
Robert died on Nov. 12, 2017. He was 57.
Robert was respected by his colleagues across the university and by his staff for his leadership and for his care and attention to his employees.
“Barry was an expert in his field who had a unique combination of dedication to his profession, leadership skills, compassion for his staff and colleagues, and a commitment to excellence,” said Theresa Mayer, vice president for research and innovation.
Robert led a team of veterinarians and technicians, and he served on several committees, including the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Institutional Biosafety Committee.
He was a resource for researchers in colleges and departments across the university.
Robert came to Virginia Tech from Louisiana, where for 10 years, he was director of the Comparative Biology Core, attending veterinarian, and associate professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University.
Previously, he was associate director of laboratory animal facilities and an assistant professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
He also was a research assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center and an associate clinical veterinarian at Park Animal Hospital in Pinellas Park, Florida.
In 2002, Robert earned a specialty board certification in laboratory animal medicine from the American College for Laboratory Animal Medicine.
He graduated from Louisiana State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a doctor of veterinary medicine.
Virginia Tech has been in touch with his family to offer support and assistance.
A memorial service for Robert will be held on Nov. 25 at First United Methodist Church ( 224 W. Constitution St.) in Gonzales, Louisiana. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., and the service will begin at 11 a.m.
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has created a memorial fund to honor Robert's life. Through the Dr. Barry Robert Memorial Fund, a veterinary and/or graduate student who is studying laboratory animal medicine will receive a scholarship.
Gifts for this fund may be sent to Tracy Evans, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Checks should be made payable to the LSU Foundation.
Those in the Virginia Tech community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support may contact:
Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787
Office of Housing and Residence Life at 540-231-6205
Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
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Anthem at 1-855-223-9277
Aetna at 1-888-238-6232 (company name: Commonwealth of Virginia, username: COVA, password: COVA)
Kaiser Permanente at 1-866-517-7042
Referrals to a campus cleric may be done through the Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787.
