Lyon College has announced that alumna Leah DiPietro has joined the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine as its first dedicated philanthropy officer.
A 1999 Lyon College graduate, DiPietro brings more than two decades of experience in communications across nonprofit, government, and higher education organizations. Most recently, she served as deputy director for Arkansas Tourism, where she spent more than 10 years promoting travel and visitation to The Natural State through partnerships with journalists and tour operators worldwide.
DiPietro said returning to her alma mater is both a professional and personal milestone. She noted the School of Veterinary Medicine will play a key role in training future veterinarians to serve Arkansas’s veterinary healthcare needs, strengthen public health, support small business growth, and contribute to the state’s economy.
Her previous experience includes work in Washington, D.C., as a deputy press secretary and speechwriter in the United States Senate, as well as an editorial role at Thompson Publishing. DiPietro has also taught English composition and career development at Wichita State University and political science at the University of Phoenix.
Beyond her professional background, DiPietro has a long history of involvement in animal welfare and education, volunteering with organizations such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Sedgwick County Zoo, the Little Rock Zoo, the Sherwood Animal Shelter, and the Great Plains Nature Center.
Gina Garrett, interim vice president for advancement at Lyon College, said DiPietro’s connection to the institution and passion for animals make her a strong addition to the advancement team.
DiPietro holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Lyon College and a master’s degree in communication from the University of Tennessee. More information about the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine is available at lyoninstitute.com/veterinary-program.
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