Alumni Notes
Alumni Elected to American Heartworm Society Executive Board
Two Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni were recently appointed to the American Heartworm Society Executive Board at its Triennial Symposium in New Orleans in September. The board is made up of veterinary practitioners, academicians and researchers.
Dr. Christopher J. Rehm ’82 was elected incoming president of the American Heartworm Society. After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Rehm opened Rehm Animal Clinic in Mobile. The clinic has grown into four AAHA-certified hospitals in two Alabama counties, employing 13 veterinarians and more than 70 support staff.
Dr. Rehm has written a syndicated pet column and hosted live public service spots and serves as a speaker at veterinary meetings.
Dr. Chris Duke ’83 of Bienville Animal Medical Center in Ocean Springs, Miss., also was elected recently to the Board of Directors of the American Heartworm Society. Dr. Duke was elected to a three-year term on the board
as an at-large member.
Dr. Duke is a 33-year veteran of veterinary practice, and is involved in professional, church and civic organizations. He is also a member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists and writes weekly columns and blogs on veterinary-related topics.
Dr. William H. Green ’72 recently wrote and published a book titled Doc, Did I Wake you Up? detailing the daily life of a rural veterinarian. In his book, Dr. Green tells stories about pets, their owners and other unique characters during his years of veterinary practice. His book was published by Tate Publishing and is available in many stores. Dr. Green also was appointed recently as Director of School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry at Louisiana Tech University.
Dr. Betsy Sigmon ’81, authored her first children’s book titled Cha Cha Choco- Belle and the Canine Conga, which tells the story of a mixed-breed dog who dreams of finding a home but instead discovers a love of dance. Dr. Sigmon’s book is unique because it shows diversity, featuring disabled and rescue animals. Dr. Sigmon owns a small animal practice, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital in Cary, N.C.
Dr. Michael Dykes ’82, was recently selected by the International Dairy Foods Association as its new president and CEO. Dr.Dykes will officially assume the CEO role in January 2017. For the past 19 years, Dykes served as vice president of government affairs for Monsanto where he was responsible for developing and implementing a portfolio of U.S. government relations strategies and programs that included agricultural biotech- nology policy. Throughout his career, Dykes has successfully navigated the complex challenges of the food industry, with special emphasis on balancing the demands of innovation, time to market, sustainability, social responsibility and safety in a global market.
Dr. John August ’77 has been appointed Dean of Faculties and Associate Provost at Texas A&M University.
From 1986 until 1997, he was Professor and Head of the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at Texas A&M University, and served as deputy dean of the College of VeterinaryMedicine.
Jim Randolph ‘80 has created a Facebook page for the class. To join, go to “Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1980” on Facebook, and submit a request to join, or contact him on his personal page, James William Randolph, or email Jim at DrRandolph@MyPetsDoctor.com.