Alumni Notes


Veterinarian Honored for Service To Kingsport Police K-9s

The Kingsport, Tenn., Police Department recently recognized Dr. Michael “Andy” Cherry ’91, for the outstanding veterinary care, attention and support provided to the dogs currently serving with the Kingsport Police Department K-9 Unit.

“While much is said regarding their training, abilities, lineage, accomplishments, and their handlers, the essential and sometimes critical behind-the-scenes veterinary care that police dogs receive is all too often overlooked,” said Kingsport Police Department Public Information Officer Tom Patton.

The Kingsport Police Department, the second-oldest police K-9 unit in the state of Tennessee, recognized Dr. Cherry and Cherry Point Animal Hospital at the Mayor and Aldermen meeting Jan. 17 to “give them the credit and recognition they have diligently earned and rightfully deserve.”

Alderman Tom Parham presented Dr. Cherry with a proclamation and Chief David Quillin presented him with a plaque in honor of the outstanding care to the current KPD K-9 dogs, as well as several retired dogs still residing with their former handlers.

For the past five years, Dr. Cherry has gone above and beyond, making himself available outside of regular business hours on several occasions. “His dedication to the KPD K-9 Unit and the superior level of care provided by Cherry Point Animal Hospital have been nothing short of phenomenal and are greatly appreciated,” said Patton in a KPD news release.

ALVMA Hires Interim Executive Director

Dr. Bradley Fields ‘05 has been named interim executive director of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association for a six-month period beginning March 27 by the ALVMA executive board. The executive board and search committee wanted a period of management continuity to develop a refined request for proposals (R FP) and allow time for a national search to be conducted to hire a permanent executive director. Dr. Fields has served as the organization’s assistant executive director.

Mississippi Veterinarian Of the Year Named

Congratulations to Dr. Richard Hopper ‘78, second from the left, who was selected as the 2017 Veterinarian of the Year by the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association. Pictured with Dr. Hopper are Dr. Nate Moseley, MVMA president, Donna Hopper, and Molly Hopper.

Carolina Seascapes

Dr. Bruce Tarkington ’80 was selected recently to have a solo art exhibit sponsored by the town of Cary, N.C. “Carolina Seascapes” was composed of 35 compressed charcoal pictures, all scenes of the North Carolina coast. Dr. Tarkington retired in 2010 from owning and operating Parkwood Animal Hospital in Durham, N.C.

Dr. Bartlett Honored with Clinical Award Naming

The College of Veterinary Medicine has established the Dr. Woody Bartlett Clinical Award in Large Animal Theriogenology to annually recognize a top-rated member of the college’s large animal palpation team.

The award will be given annually to a student member of the college’s award-winning palpation team, who train for months for the national competition.

The naming of the award recognizes Dr. Bartlett for his generosity to the college, providing academic support for the college as well as unique, hands-on educational experiences for students at his Pike Road, Ala., ranch.

Dr. Bartlett garnered national recognition for his contributions to the industry, receiving the 2016 Zoetis American Quarter Horse Association Best Remuda Award and the AQHA Legacy Award, selection for membership in the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Hall of Fame and election as president of the Alabama Quarter Horse Association.