Living with a Willingness to Connect...


Acceptance speech from Phoebe A. Smith, DVM, DACVIM 2024 Recipient of the J.T. Vaughan Equine Award

“May we share our knowledge and strengths with others, and remain, in his words “humble and obedient servants.”

I don’t remember meeting Dr. Vaughan… it seems he was always part of my Auburn experience. His intense gaze and firm handshake lent confidence to my freshman year efforts. His manner of listening, head slightly cocked, leaning in, validated my sophomoric words in various conversations. His congratulations and proud smile blew wind in my sails as I set off into the world upon graduating. 

Dean Vaughan had time for everyone, remembering names and details, listening intently and offering wise words of encouragement earnestly. I recall seeing him at the grocery store one Sunday early in my freshman year. He’d clearly come from church, dressed neatly in a jacket and slacks, while I wore the kind of casual attire vet students enjoy when beyond the bounds of the vet school dress code. Dr. Vaughan stopped to inquire about each of my classes, my interests and goals, encouraging me to dive into every subject fully to find my truest passion. I left Kroger that day feeling every bit the professional he was. That was his magic.

Dr. Phoebe Smith delivers her acceptance speech.

It was Dr. Vaughan’s humanity that made the greatest impression on me. While his many accomplishments and accolades are nothing short of astounding, it is the grace and dignity he not only possessed in abundance, but shared with others that I reflect on now. May we all live a little more like Dr. Vaughan every day — with a willingness to really connect with the people in our lives, especially those who look up to us. May we share our knowledge and strengths with others, and remain, in his words “humble and obedient servants” to this profession.

I am honored, and indeed, humbled, to receive this award.

“May we all live a little more like Dr Vaughan every day – with a willingness to really connect with the people in our lives, especially those who look up to us.”

Dr. Phoebe Smith, DVM