Around the College

ELLEN BEHREND

ACVIM PYLE SERVICE AWARD

The 2023 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Lee & Inge Pyle Award was presented to Dr. Ellen Behrend, Professor Emerita, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. The Pyle Service Award is given in recognition of outstanding and dedicated service by an ACVIM Diplomate in a volunteer capacity to the College. Presented annually, recipients have an outstanding record of service to ACVIM either as an elected official of the College, through voluntary service on task forces and committees or as an advocate of the College to the veterinary profession or public.

KARA LASCOLA

MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR

Dr. Kara Lascola has been chosen to serve as Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for Morris Animal Foundation.

The Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization with investments in research portfolios that have global impacts on animal health. The Foundation could not fulfill its mission to bridge science and resources without the support and contribution of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) members, and guidance from
the Chair.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

2023 TOP TIGERS AWARDS

Five businesses owned by Auburn Vet Med alumni have been named 2023 “Top Tigers” by Auburn University and the Harbert College of Business.

These companies have experienced exceptional growth, revenue and entrepreneurial spirit. In its ninth year, “Top Tiger” honorees are among the fastest-growing companies founded, owned or led by Auburn graduates.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE INCREDIBLE AUBURN VET MED ALUMNI

• Total Practice Solutions Group
  – Dr. Len Jones
• Shoals Area Veterinary Emergency PC
  – Dr. Troy Youngblood
• Pottsburg Creek Animal Clinic
  – Dr. Beth Anne Frost
• Baldwin Animal Clinic and Gulf Coast Equine Hospital
  – Dr. Tim Stewart
• Lee Veterinary Clinic PC
  – Drs. Hank and Lacey Lee

TAYLOR GWYNN

ALGERNON SYDNEY SULLIVAN AWARD

Senior DVM student Taylor Gwynn is one of three highly accomplished members of the Auburn Family named as recipients of the 2023 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

Presented at Auburn since 1951, the award serves as a reminder of the noblest human qualities exemplified by Algernon Sydney Sullivan, a prominent humanitarian and first president of the
New York Southern Society, now the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation.

A champion of mental health and wellness awareness, Taylor developed the now annual Wellness Week while serving as wellness chair of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA). She was chosen as the 2021 Student Ambassador of the Year after developing a national charter to create the first student chapter of Not One More Vet — an organization that provides mental health support for veterinary professionals. She also designed a wellness mentoring program within the College of Veterinary Medicine after recruiting faculty members to complete extensive mentor training, garnering support and funds to create a wellness space for rest and meditation.

TROY LOBUE

CCTS TRAINING PROGRAM

Troy LoBue, an Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine biomedical sciences graduate student, was one of three Auburn University researchers chosen to participate in the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, or CCTS, Clinical and Translational Science training program.

CCTS, led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded center composed of 11 academic research institutions that provides a platform for biomedical training and getting NIH grants funded.

THREE AUCVM FACULTY

RECEIVE RESEARCH SUPPORT PROGRAM AWARD

Three Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine faculty researchers are recipients of 2023 Auburn University internal research and creative works funding awards. Drs. Henry Baker(A), Aime Johnson(B) and Daniel Kroeger(C) are part of a group of only nine projects funded through this annual internal funding program.

The Research Support Program, or RSP, and Creative Work and Social Impact Scholarship Funding Program, or CWSIS, were established by Auburn’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development as important intramural funding mechanisms representing part of Auburn University’s overall research enterprise. Both programs provide a competitive internal funding source to support faculty and provide an opportunity for a small-scale, yet high-quality funding program to refine their projects before competing for larger, external awards.

The programs were developed as annual cycle funding to foster the development and growth of innovative and transformational research activities building on faculty expertise, stimulating interdisciplinary collaborations and strengthening seed research activities. This strategically focused Auburn investment is positioned to broaden the foundations of science, overcome scientific and societal challenges and broadly enhance quality of life and well-being.

PARTNERSHIP LEADS TO

ELANCO FELLOWSHIP

The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, or AUCVM, in partnership with Elanco Animal Health, has established the Elanco Animal Health Annual Fellowships in the Biomedical Sciences.

Supporting the AUCVM strategic plan and funded by a gift from Elanco — a global leader in animal health — the new program will support two Elanco Fellows annually beginning later this year. Fellowships will be awarded on a competitive basis to individuals pursuing a doctorate in biomedical sciences or to those who have recently earned a doctorate in relevant biomedical science disciplines.

The program seeks to advance talent development in the biomedical sciences through research consistent with Elanco’s interests, as well as the AUCVM’s research mission of advancing, understanding and enabling technological innovation in basic and clinical sciences to improve the health and well-being of animals and, through them, the health, stability and economic development of mankind.

ANNE WOOLDRIDGE

TEXAS A&M OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS

Dr. Anne Wooldridge, Department of Clinical Sciences department head and professor of equine internal medicine, was honored as an Outstanding Alumnus by the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the college recognizing those who have reached a level of success in their professional careers that brings credit to both the individual and the school.

Dr. Wooldridge received her DVM from Texas A&M University in 1997 (Summa Cum Laude). She completed a rotating internship in large animal medicine and surgery, a residency in large animal internal medicine and a Master’s degree at Louisiana State University. She went on to complete a Ph.D. in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University Medical School in Durham, North Carolina in 2005 and while there, was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

KRISTINE GRIFFETT

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH GRANT

Dr. Kristine Griffett, assistant professor of Pharmacology, was recently selected as the winner of AnaBios’ third annual Translational Research Grant Award. Dr. Griffett will obtain up to $15,000 in AnaBios’ high-quality human hepatocytes to validate her team’s pre-clinical data on liver toxicity, gene regulation and metabolic health.

CONTINUATION OF THE

VETERINARY SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The Veterinary Scholars Program (VSP) was established to promote intensive involvement of veterinary students interested in laboratory research with AUCVM faculty. The VSP is supported through a partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim (BI), college leadership and CVM faculty investigators. Ten AUCVM Veterinary Summer Scholars and their faculty mentors conducted impactful research over this past summer. Their work was presented both internally and internationally. Eight of the students presented their work at the AAVMC/BI Veterinary Scholars Symposium (VSS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The VSS highlights the essential role of scientific research in veterinary medicine and provides veterinary medical students who have conducted original research through the VSP with an opportunity to formally present their research in a professional environment. Dr. Nancy Merner, chair of the Veterinary Scholars Committee, along with the Office of Research & Graduate Studies, AU faculty mentors and graduate students were instrumental in providing these invaluable introductions to research.

RICK TUBBS

ICVA VOLUNTEER AWARD

Dr. Rick Tubbs ’83 received the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) volunteer award. Dr. Tubbs’ involvement with the ICVA includes serving on the Board of Directors for three terms (2004-2013), being on the Assessment Development Committee for ten years (2013-2022), acting as an NAVLE Item Writer in the Swine category (2017-2019), and serving on both the Collaboration for Veterinary Assessment Governance Committee (2015-2020) and the Talent Management Committee (2019-2022). All of these committee appointments were in addition to participating in numerous NAVLE Pool and Form Review meetings since the early 2000s.

Rick Tubbs is the epitome of volunteering – stepping up whenever needed and giving of his time, his talents, and his knowledge in order to make this world a better place. It has been my privilege to get to know him and work with him throughout my time here at ICVA.”

Heather Case, ICVA CEO

STUDENTS RECEIVE

SFT SCOTY AWARD

Student representatives from the Auburn Society for Theriogenology chapter attended and participated in the 2023 Society for Theriogenology Conference in Birmingham, AL. These outstanding students represented the college well and brought home the SFT Student Chapter of the Year award. Each year, the SFT honors the outstanding work of our active student chapters with the SCOTY Award. This award is based on established criteria, focused on activities on campus and at the Annual Theriogenology Conference.

2023
Teaching
Award Winners

ZOETIS DISTINGUISHED VETERINARY TEACHER AWARD

Dr. Ryan Gibson (APP)

This award is given to a faculty member who, through their teaching, dedication and leadership contributes significantly to the advancement of the profession. The winner was selected by DVM students in all four years of the curriculum.

HOUSE OFFICER TEACHING AWARD

Morgan Brown (DCS)

This award is given to a house officer who excels in teaching. The recipient is selected by the Teaching Enhancement Committee from candidates nominated by faculty.

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT TEACHER

Dr. Rachel Neto (PBS)

This award is given to a faculty member who excels in teaching graduate students. The recipient is selected by the Teaching Enhancement Committee from candidates nominated by their peers.

GRADUATE STUDENT TEACHING AWARD

Jordan Towns (PBS)

This award is given to a graduate student who excels in teaching. The recipient is selected by the Teaching Enhancement Committee from candidates nominated by faculty.

DEAN’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Dr. Kelley Steury (PBS)

This award is selected by the Dean from peer nominations through each department to recognize teaching excellence.

FACULTY RECOGNITION AWARDS

This award is selected by DVM students in each class year and is given to the faculty who have made an outstanding contribution and positive impact on their education.

Class of 2026

Dr. Joe Rowe (APP)
Dr. Melinda Camus (PBS)
Dr. Thomas Passler (DCS)
Dr. Jenna Stockler (DCS)

Abbreviations: APP, Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology; DCS, Detection Canine Sciences; PBS, Pathobiology