Veterinary college recognizes excellence during 2024 faculty awards
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) recently held its annual faculty awards reception to celebrate and recognize the exceptional contributions of its faculty members.
The college is committed to fostering excellence in veterinary medicine by educating the next generation of veterinarians, advancing research and discovery, and promoting animal, human, and environmental health.
“This ceremony is important as a part of the culture of the college,” said Kerry Redigan, professor in public health and chair of the awards committee. “It reflects our values and we’re able to recognize folks doing good work in the past year or years.”
The following faculty members were recognized at the ceremony:
Dean's Professional Award
The Dean's Professional Award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding leadership and contributions that advance the veterinary profession. Valerie Ragan, director of the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine, received this award for her leadership in public and corporate veterinary practice, international work in disease control, and her efforts to expand student engagement in this field. Her ongoing commitment to advancing veterinary medicine makes her a highly deserving recipient of this recognition.
Dean's Teaching Awards
The Dean's Teaching Award celebrates faculty who excel in fostering student learning and growth. Two faculty members were honored with this award this year. Cornelia Deagle's consistently excellent teaching evaluations, dedication to community-engaged work, and commitment to student success exemplifies why she was chosen for this honor.
Additionally, Ben Tham's exceptional teaching ability, development of engaging learning modules, and infectious enthusiasm for his subject earned him this well-deserved recognition.
Dean's Innovation Awards
The Dean's Innovation Award is given to faculty who have pioneered new approaches and made a significant impact on veterinary education. Cori Ruktanonchai was recognized for her novel approaches and dedication to helping students master complex public health concepts. Her development of a spatial epidemiology mapping tool enhances the learning experience on this vital subject.
Richard Shinn's innovative work in neurology, including the creation of advanced surgical prototypes and groundbreaking 3D-printed models, also earned him this recognition.
Dean's Administration and Professional Faculty Award
The Dean's Administration and Professional Faculty Award is a new award for this year — it recognizes a member who exemplifies dedication and leadership.
Kim Ascue's leadership, expertise, and dedication to IT advancements at the college earned her the award. Her smooth, ahead-of-schedule implementation of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s new hospital information management system and support in the Google and Zoom migrations was a testament to her leadership.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for the award,” said Ascue. “AP faculty have an integral role in supporting the college’s mission.”
Virginia Tech Certificates of Teaching Excellence
Two faculty members, Roger Ramirez-Barrios and Renata Ramos, were awarded Virginia Tech Certificates of Teaching Excellence. Ramirez-Barrios’ focus on collaborative learning environments and Ramos’ commitment to clinical training demonstrate their outstanding contributions to the curriculum and the student experience.
“It’s amazing to be given this award,” said Ramirez-Barrios. “And it’s important for faculty to feel recognized, respected, and valued.”
College of Veterinary Medicine Outreach Award
The College of Veterinary Medicine Outreach Award recognizes a faculty member for impactful outreach efforts both within and outside the veterinary community. Stephen Smith's extensive outreach work in aquaculture, commitment to humane practices, and his mentorship of students and practitioners across a long and distinguished career earned him this honor.
Zoetis Distinguished Teaching Award
The Zoetis Distinguished Teaching Award honors faculty for sustained teaching excellence and leadership. Sunshine Lahmers' exceptional teaching abilities and her mentorship of junior faculty members made her the clear recipient of this award.
Edward Thompson Professional Award
The Edward Thompson Professional Award recognizes scholarship that leads to significant advancements in veterinary medicine. Teresa Southard was awarded this prestigious award for her pioneering research and advancement of forensic techniques in improving animal welfare.
Her dedication to sharing these techniques with colleagues and applying them to legal cases exemplifies her broad impact on the field.
Grant Turnwald Innovation Award
The Grant Turnwald Innovation Award celebrates faculty who find new and impactful ways of solving problems and improving methods within the college. Fawzy Elnady's development of the "Elnady Technique" for tissue preservation and his commitment to innovative teaching tools earned him this award.
Outstanding Instructor Awards
The following faculty members were recognized by their respective DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) classes with Outstanding Instructor Awards for their unwavering support of student learning:
- Class of 2024: Virginia Edwards
- Class of 2025: Bobbi Conner
- Class of 2026: Fawzy Elnady
- Class of 2027: Roger Ramirez-Barrios
The college is immensely proud of the hard work and accomplishments of its 2024 award winners. Their dedication and expertise ensure VMCVM remains a leader in education, research, and service in veterinary medicine.
“It's always good that we can take a chance to pause and celebrate the outstanding performance that is consistent day in and day out,” said Dean M. Daniel Givens. “Thank you to the awards committee for helping us recognize these outstanding individuals. Not only those that received an award but all of us.”
