Employee and Student Updates and Awards
Around the College
AUCVM FACULTY MEMBERS
RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
Auburn University annually recognizes extraordinary faculty members who inspire students to lead, encourage discovery, and transform lives while impacting the world around them. Auburn faculty are vital to the university’s tradition of innovation and exist at the core of our land-grant mission. Their exceptional contributions have fostered Auburn’s international reputation as a leader in visionary instruction, research, scholarship and outreach. This year, two faculty members from the College of Veterinary Medicine were named Faculty Award recipients.
Frank “Skip” Bartol, professor of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Veterinary Medicine, was honored as Auburn University’s 2023-24 Distinguished Graduate Faculty Lecturer. In addition to being named a Faculty Award recipient, Dr. Bartol was also selected for the 2024 SEC Faculty Achievement Award. This award recognizes faculty members at SEC-member institutions with exceptional research and scholarship records.
Satyanarayana Pondugula
was selected as a recipient of the Auburn University Provost Award for Faculty Excellence
in Undergraduate Research Mentoring for his well-balanced program in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Among the 34 students he’s mentored to date, several have published journal articles and book chapters as well as been selected as speakers at national and international conferences.
“During my own academic journey, several professors mentored me and instilled me with a passion for teaching, research and mentorship,” Pondugula said. “Today, I am dedicated to providing similar support to my students while cultivating a research environment that nurtures their growth.”
2024 TEACHING AWARD WINNERS
ZOETIS DISTINGUISHED VETERINARY TEACHER AWARD
Dr. Kellye Joiner (Pathobiology)
This award is given to a faculty member who, through their teaching, dedication, and leadership contributes significantly to the advancement of the profession. It is selected by DVM students in all 4 years of the curriculum.
DEAN’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
Dr. Katharine Horzmann (Pathobiology)
This award is selected by the Dean from peer nominations through each department to recognize teaching excellence.
OUTSTANDING FACULTY
IN GRADUATE EDUCATION
AWARD
Dr. Ya-xiong Tao
(Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology)
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.
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.
Dr. Chad Foradori (APP) – Class of 2027
Dr. Melinda Camus (Pathobiology) – Class of 2026
Dr. Dana LeVine (DCS) – Class of 2025
Dr. Jenna Stockler (DCS) – Class of 2024
CAMUS ELECTED
ASVCP PRESIDENT
Dr. Melinda Camus, professor and associate dean for academic affairs in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been elected president of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) for 2023-24.
The ASVCP is a nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to the promotion of scientific advancement, education and standards in veterinary laboratory medicine. Members include veterinary clinical pathologists and trainees, certified laboratory professionals, specialty veterinarians and diagnosticians in veterinary and medical schools, biomedical and pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic and government laboratories and private veterinary practices throughout the United States and in more than 20 countries worldwide.
CVM FACULTY RECEIVE
2024 AUBURN AUTHOR AWARDS
Five faculty members from the College of Veterinary Medicine were recognized by the Auburn University Graduate School and the Auburn University Libraries as 2024 Auburn Author Award recipients. The awards recognize faculty and staff who published a book-length scholarly work during the previous calendar year.
Among those recognized from the CVM during the ceremony celebrating their publications over the past year were Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology faculty members: Dr. Saly Hafiz, Dr. Lucia Lazarowski, Dr. Mahmoud Mansour, Dr. Joe Rowe, and Dr. Ray Wilhite.
BOONE NAMED AS
ENDOWED PROFESSOR
Dr. Lindsey Boone was recently named the Joezy Griffin Endowed Associate Professor. This title distinguishes her as a scholar of renowned achievement. She elevates the reputation of the college through her academic work and serves as a positive role model for students and colleagues.
GIBSON RECEIVES
NATIONAL SAVMA AWARD
Dr. Ryan Gibson, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology faculty member, received the 2024 National SAVMA Teaching Excellence Award. This award recognizes outstanding teachers in our profession who deserve to be recognized for their impact on veterinary students. The Auburn SAVMA Chapter received a stipend to host an awards ceremony to honor Dr. Gibson.
NEW FACULTY APPOINTMENTS
Stacey Sullivan
Professor of Practice, Department of Clinical Sciences
Paul Thomes
Associate Professor, Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology
Kathryn Reif
Associate Professor, Pathobiology
CLASS OF 2025
WHITE COAT CEREMONY
Students in their third year of professional education at the College of Veterinary Medicine received their white coats in a ceremony on Saturday, February 24. The ceremony was held at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center on Auburn University’s campus.
The White Coat Ceremony is a symbolic event for students transitioning their education from classroom study to the clinical phase of their veterinary education. The white lab coat is a symbol of medical professionalism and marks a turning point in the education of the 119-member class of 2025.
Guests and students were welcomed by Dean Calvin Johnson. Dean Ruby Perry of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine brought greetings and congratulations to the class.
Dr. Ebony Gilbreath, associate dean for academic affairs at Tuskegee was also in attendance. The presentation of the coats was led by Dr. Melinda Camus, associate dean for academic affairs for Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bradley Harris, president of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, and Dr. Wade King, president-elect of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, presented the coats to students from Alabama and Kentucky. The closing remarks were given by Mr. Myles Mcatee, president of the class of 2025.
Attending the ceremony were more than 800 friends, family and guests of the students, as well as faculty members of the college.
DONOHUE AND BERKLEY
ELECTED TO ALVTA EXECUTIVE BOARD
Two Auburn Vet Med veterinary technicians were elected to serve on the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association
Executive Board for 2024-2025. Maureen Donohue, LVT will serve as vice president and Kellye Berkley, BS, LVT, CCFP
will serve as secretary. The mission of the ALVTA is to help members become leaders in the veterinary technician field by hosting continuing education programs for fellow technicians and support staff, pet emergency responder training, veterinary technology student instruction, aspects of animal shelter personnel training, community service and more.
AUCVM 2024
VET FEST
After a four-year hiatus, the College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed our community back to campus to share some of the incredible aspects of the college. On Saturday, April 6, from 9am-1pm, the CVM hosted its inaugural Vet Fest (formerly called Open House). Students, faculty and staff provided information and exhibits on veterinary medicine and biomedical science. Featured activities included a canine parade of breeds, painted horse, teddy bear surgery, the Auburn Raptor Center, student club exhibits and much more.