Exceptional teaching. Impactful research. Outstanding service. Extraordinary graduates.
wildcatveterinarian Vol. 6 | No. 1 | winter 2024
wildcatveterinarian is produced by the Department of Marketing and Communications Audrey Hambright Joe Montgomery
Dean’s Office College of Veterinary Medicine Kansas State University 101 Trotter Hall Manhattan, KS 66506-5601 785-532-5660 vet.k-state.edu
ourmission Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine is dedicated to the advancement of health and welfare of animals, people, the environment and the veterinary profession through excellence in teaching, research, service and outreach. We are committed to a professional degree program with broad training opportunities across a comprehensive range of companion and exotic animals, and livestock species. Our focus is on initiatives that address important societal needs at a local, national and global level.
ourvision Exceptional teaching. Impactful research. Outstanding service. Extraordinary graduates.
getsocial Like us, tweet us, follow us and watch us:
On the cover: Marty Vanier and oncologist Dr. Mary Lynn Higginbotham during a follow-up appointment for Marty’s dog Sadie. Read Sadie’s Story on Page 38. Right: Fourth-year student Holly Wilson evaluates feed silage during a feedlot rotation course. Story on Page 18. Photos by Audrey Hambright.
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exceptionalteaching
12 meet barbara alexiou Director of Advanced Veterinary Education. By Joe Montgomery.
18 One of a kind Feedlot elective class offers students extra preparation for food animal medicine. By Audrey Hambright.
impactfulresearch
30 Meet Dr. Hans Coetzee Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs. By Audrey Hambright.
32 nurturing success Research professors share parallel paths that lead to investigation of liver abscesses in cattle. By Joe Montgomery.
22 where the wild things are International veterinary course takes students to Tanzania. By Joe Montgomery.
26 special delivery A Kansas State Fair tradition continues to bring awe-inspiring education to the public. By Sarah Keatley.
news highlights 8 idea evolution
Five-year anniversary of veterinary summer camp hits new milestones as it evolves.
51 caring for its own
The K-State College of Veterinary Medicine community gives extra support to its students.
66 reaching new heights
In the past six years, successful fundraising has elevated the college, leading to more opportunities for growth.
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outstandingservice
38 sadie’s story An Australian shepherd endures and surprises during an unexpected oncology diagnosis. By Audrey Hambright.
40 Meet Dr. Beth Davis Associate Dean of Clinical Programs. By Rylee Coy.
42 a healthy boost
extraordinarygraduates
48 trust the path Dr. Kenneth Burton applies lessons to new career path. By Rylee Coy.
52 connecting the dots Dr. Sarah Wilson retraces veterinary ventures and adventures leading to a satisfying career. By Anna Harris.
Healthy Weight Clinic boosts quality of life for pets, education for students. By Audrey Hambright.
46 watch where you are New KSVDL webinar series delivers CE opportunities on timely topics with expert advice. By Joe Montgomery.
in every issue 2
Mission and vision
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contents
6
From the dean
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college news
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Alumni news wildcatveterinarian | 5
FROM THE DEAN
By Our Foundations By Hodes Family Dean Bonnie Rush We are committed to the four cornerstones of our college, each supporting the other: Exceptional Teaching, Impactful Research, Outstanding Service and Extraordinary Graduates. Neither succeeds without the rest. The multifaceted mission is the strength of the college. This issue of Wildcat Veterinarian encapsulates the successes and ongoing efforts in each of the pillars used to train the next generation of veterinarians and serve K-State’s Land Grant mission.
Exceptional teaching The applicant pool to the college continues to be strong with 1983 candidates to fill 120 seats in the class of 2028. This is the largest class of applicants in the recent history of the college, perhaps ever. We appreciate the alumni that provide their time and expertise to assist with 470 interviews during the selection process. The quality of students accepted into the college is second to none. Our four-year graduation rate is 95% and our six-year rate is 96.6%. The pass rate on the national board examinations remains far above the national average. The dedication of faculty to the educational mission is strong and scholarship of teaching is valued and supported. Dr. Shane Lyon has recently been named a Distinguished Expert in the founding class of Academy of Veterinary Educators. Dr. Pradeep Malreddy is a member of the Academy of Medical Educators and three faculty are members of the Council on Outcomes-based Veterinary Education — Drs. Jessica Meekins, Matt Basel and Lyon — responsible for developing implementation tools for Competency-Based Veterinary Education. Certificate programs were developed to provide thematic educational opportunities for students that strengthen career development and graduate marketability. Four certificates have been implemented: Food Animal Medicine (approved in 2020, 15 graduates, 98 enrolled), Shelter Medicine (approved in 2021, 12 graduates, 35 enrolled), Exotics/ Zoologic Medicine (approved in 2022, four graduates, 41 enrolled), Sustainability (approved fall 2023.) Future certificates programs in Surgical Skills, Business Management, and Equine Practice are under development. We have further accelerated these programs with the addition of a new 6 | wildcatveterinarian
position in our college, the director of advanced veterinary education. Meet Dr. Alexiou on Page 12. By far, our exceptional teaching does not stop there. The food animal industry is critical to the economic viability of the state, Our graduates now hit the ground running and are finding success in rural practice. Both faculty and industry partners have made it possible to offer a feedlot elective course for our fourth-year students. Read more about this opportunity on Page 18.
Impactful research K-State is ranked No. 6 in research productivity among US CVMs using a metric-based impact assessment by Research. com. Areas of research strength include (1) emerging, transboundary, zoonotic and parasitic diseases, (2) pre-harvest food safety, (3) beef production, (4) animal welfare and (5) comparative and translational medicine. A core biomedical research facility (5,000 square feet), supported by an NIH grant is in the final stages of construction. Continued research support will keep K-State in the top tier. Meet our new associate dean of research and graduate programs, who will help us do just that on Page 30. K-State has the third highest number of dual-degree DVM students among AAVMC institutions with an equal distribution across M.S., MPH, and Ph.D. degree programs. Twentyone students participated in the 2023 veterinary research summer scholars’ program, funded by college, corporate, federal First-year students Weston Ahles and Ally and private gifting. Student participation Hazy; fourth-year student Eliza Turnage and volunteer Olive Blevins examine a canine in poster sessions patient at the Santee Sioux reservation in South and presentations Dakota. Photo by Elizabeth Scarbrough.
on Phi Zeta Research Day is at an all-time high. Avenues in research and graduate programs require exceptionally strong mentors. A long-standing partnership is highlighted in “Nurturing Success” on Page 32.
Outstanding service The Veterinary Health Center supports clinical training through delivery of 24-hour care for traditional and exotic species. Faculty in the VHC provide service to clients from all 105 counties of Kansas and consultation services for veterinarians throughout Kansas and beyond. Read stories of their Hodes Family Dean Dr. Bonnie Rush tells first-year students about outstanding service starting on Page 38, with “Sadie’s Drs. Adryana Drake and Mac Hafen, who provide counseling services for our Story.” students at no charge. Photo by Joe Montgomery. Also serving all counties in Kansas, the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory offers more graduates continue to impact the world we live in and we’re than 500 diagnostic tests and processes more than 500,000 thrilled to showcase their paths starting on Page 48. samples annually. It maintains the largest rabies laboratory in Lower educational debt was an intentional goal to support the world, serving 50 states and 52 countries. KSVDL serves the future of the profession. Tuition was frozen for six as a Level 1-National Animal Health Laboratory Network consecutive academic years (2017-2023). Targeted fundraising facility and is fully accredited by the AAVLD and CLIA. It is doubled our scholarship endowment from $13.8M to the first U.S. VDL to be accepted by the Association of Public $29.4M (2017-2023), and annual scholarship distributions Health Laboratories. increased from $1,209,253 to $1,677,497 (2019-2023). In addition to its highly accredited standards, the KSVDL Hidden expenses totaling $6,700 per student were eliminated works from the grassroots level, listening to and integrating to lower the overall cost of attendance. In 2022, a successful feedback from clients and fellow veterinarians. This year the legislative effort provided an expansion of the state-funded KSVDL started the Diagnostic Webinar Series in response to rural scholarship program from $400K to $650K, allowing a need for more continuing education available online. Read additional scholarship recipients in each class. The results of “Watch Where You Are” on Page 46 to learn more about this these actions are well worth the effort. program. Kansas Graduates (Tuition $98K) Veterinary students participate in regional public events 2019: $128.3K including the Kansas State Fair, American Royal Livestock 2020: $122.5K Show and the Dodge City Rodeo. These livestock events 2021: $101.8K provide a public service and educational opportunities for 2022: $99.5K the public. Students practice their communication skills, 2023: $95.9K often serving as the voice for the college in these high-profile Out-of-State Graduates (Tuition $215K) events. “Special Delivery” on Page 26 highlights the unique 2019: $264.8K intersection our veterinary students find themselves in by 2020: $254.3K educating others, while also learning themselves. 2021: $236.1K 2022: $223.7K Extraordinary graduates 2023: $187.9K Kansas State University has awarded 7,857 DVM degrees I am proud of the students, faculty and staff of this college since the first graduating class in 1907 and maintains a longwho continue to overperform in all areas of responsibility standing history of developing leaders in practice, industry, — teaching, research and service, all while demonstrating and government. Consistent with our land grant mission, we the K-State core value of Midwestern nice. Our best to are committed to producing graduates with problem-solving the alumni and friends of the college from Manhappiness, skills to address local, regional, and global societal needs. Our Kansas. Go CATS! wildcatveterinarian | 7
idea evolution
Five-year anniversary of veterinary summer day camp hits milestones. By Wendy Barnes
Humble Beginnings The summer of 2023 marked the five-year anniversary of Vet Med ROCKS, a recruitment and outreach club started in 2018 by Dr. Caroline Rost, assistant dean for admissions/ director of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and a then eager second-year student, Dr. Sarah Wilson, class of 2020. A staff veterinarian at Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas, Dr. Wilson says she came up with the idea over Christmas break when she realized the K-State College of 8 | wildcatveterinarian
Veterinary Medicine did not have an outreach club, unlike other veterinary medicine programs. “I have always enjoyed teaching and being able to share knowledge, in general,” Dr. Wilson says. “Something I would do when I went home on breaks was put my lab coat on and a stethoscope on and go talk to the kids about veterinary medicine, which they all thought was fantastic.” The stacks of thank-you cards she received after doing hometown presentations propelled Dr. Wilson to ask
some classmates if they would be interested in forming a group focused on outreach. To her surprise, everyone was enthusiastic about the prospect. She found another unexpected ally — her father, Butch Wilson. “My dad actually came up with the name for the club,” Dr. Wilson says. “We were sitting there, and I said, ‘What should we call it?’ He goes, ‘Vet Med ROCKS! Recruitment and Outreach Club of Kansas State.’ He’s really good at coming up with things like that, and it just came to him. I Opposite and this page: Campers try a variety of hands-on skills said, ‘That sounds perfect to me.’” during Vet Med ROCKS Day Camp. Photos by Wendy Barnes. When taking this idea back to the college, she was put in touch with Dr. Rost, and the wheels of time moved surgery. We shared details with campers on all the career forward with the creation of this new, exciting club meant to possibilities veterinary medicine provides.” inspire young people to cultivate and maintain an interest in While the first camp experience was structured to emulate veterinary medicine. general veterinary medicine classes, and the second followed During its first year, the club organized a day camp that specific tracks, it has evolved to a more structured theme that welcomed 139 campers from Kansas and other surrounding changes each year to accommodate repeat campers. The 2023 states. Campers gathered for four days based on education camp welcomed several repeat campers, one of whom has level. One day of activities was allocated to each age group — attended the camp every year since it started in 2018. Emily elementary, middle school, high school and college — and Pierce, third-year student and 2023 chair, feels repeat campers modified to fit the group’s learning needs. make the experience more enjoyable. She says being able to recognize the campers, especially since they are only there for Change and Growth one day, adds to the enjoyment of the camp. Another perk “Every year since then, we try to do something a little of returning campers is they are more comfortable and help different,” Dr. Rost says. “Because we have repeat campers, we other campers get over the hump of not wanting to be the want to give them a new experience in veterinary medicine. first to volunteer, especially the high schoolers. One year the theme was ‘Pick Your Adventure,’ so students “The ones who have come before are usually the ones got to say, ‘I’m interested in horses,’ so we put them on allwho get everything going and get people interested and equine experiences while they were here. Another year was interacting,” Emily says. “That’s really beneficial because ‘Specialties,’ so we focused on dentistry, ophthalmology and sometimes it’s hard to break the ice with them.” wildcatveterinarian | 9
Second-year student McKenzie Horn demonstrates the basics on how to perform a canine examination. Photo by Wendy Barnes.
Activities such as dissecting small sharks, turtles, stingrays and other animals also encourage participation and interaction. Looking at the previous year’s camper response surveys, Emily noticed a lot of people wanted to do dissections, so she worked with Dr. Pradeep Malreddy, clinical associate professor, to obtain specimens from special interest anatomy. In 2023, campers attended lectures, labs and other day-today activities to simulate what veterinary students experience during their education. “I thought about what I would have wanted to know about going into veterinary college,” Emily says. “I would like to know what being a veterinary student is like, so we picked the theme ‘A Day in the Life of a Vet Student.’” Though the planning process and execution of the 2023 camps was time-consuming, Emily says it was the most fun she has had in veterinary school. “It’s so rewarding to see and get people excited about veterinary medicine and all the different things you can do,” Emily says. “There’s so much more to it than what the public sees, so getting to show them all the cool things behind the scenes, and what we’re looking for, and why we do the things we do is fulfilling.” The leadership experience and networking also helped prepare her and the other camp counselors for their future endeavors as veterinarians. “It’s great practice for our students since one of the main roles of a veterinarian is educating clients,” Dr. Rost says. “Students who are just learning veterinary medicine create presentations and teach campers. Being a camp counselor 10 | wildcatveterinarian
allows veterinary students to develop confidence in communicating their knowledge to others.”
From camper to veterinary professional Camp has such a profound impact on some of the participants it steers them right to the college’s front doors to become future veterinarians. First-year student Lauryn Mauler attended Vet Med ROCKS in 2019 and then again in 2020 when the camp was virtual. She says those experiences impacted her decision to apply to the college. “I personally gained a lot more understanding of what is required of you in veterinary college,” Lauryn says. “They showed me how hard I should work in my undergraduate classes and then the fact that I will need to work even harder when I make it to veterinary college. It was also nice to talk to the veterinary students and learn more about what they did to get into veterinary college. Being able to see the college and see what I wanted to do in the future helped push me to go to Kansas State over any other veterinary college.” Katherine Lewis, first-year student and member of the Early Admission Program, was also motivated by her experience at camp to make K-State her choice for veterinary college. “Attending the Vet Med ROCKS camp, being on campus, and interacting with the current veterinary students definitely impacted my decision to apply for the Early Admission Program,” Katherine says. “Participating before my senior year motivated me to enter the school year with a driven goal and plan to apply for the Early Admission Program. Being a Kansas resident who had the vision of becoming a
Second-year student Erin Cocjin helps a camper learn to use a stethoscope. Photo by Joe Montgomery.
veterinarian on their mind for years, K-State is the ultimate destination.”
A Bright Future Five years later, the camp experienced its largest group of in-person attendees with 235 young students eager to learn more about veterinary medicine and the veterinary college experience. Over the years, even while in the grips of COVID-19, the camp and club has continued to grow and expand its offerings. Though the club is available to give presentations and lead other outreach events, camp will remain the focus of Vet Med
Photo by Tommy Theis
ROCKS. However, Dr. Rost hopes the veterinary students will follow the lead of founder, Dr. Sarah Wilson, and return to their hometowns to give presentations to the schools they attended as elementary students. She sees it as another way to connect with young students who may have an interest in veterinary medicine and keep them interested in the field. Looking back, Dr. Wilson is pleased with the club’s track record. “It’s so cool because it started so small and it’s grown so much,” Dr. Wilson says. “I love seeing how much it evolved.” Like the club’s name says, Vet Med ROCKS.
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EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING | IMPACTFUL RESEARCH | OUTSTANDING SERVICE | EXTRAORDINARY GRADUATES
Meet Dr. barbara alexiou: director of advanced veterinary education
Dr. Alexiou says her MPH degree gave her a chance to work in the lab and explore other opportunities that our diploma has to offer. The possibilities are endless. Before moving to Manhattan, she also worked in a continuing education company. “It was great to bring together boarded specialist expertise to share their knowledge and see general practitioners grow in confidence through the courses,” she says.
Objectives and Goals “Part of my job is overseeing the veterinary certificates with Kate Drew [student programs coordinator in Clinical Sciences],” Dr. Alexiou says. “My job is to ensure that the certificates remain aligned with the objectives and continue Dr. Barbara Alexiou oversees the mentorship and veterinary certificate programs. to improve and expand each program and follow-up on each student during their journey.” Educational and professional background In October, Dr. Alexiou presented a research poster on our Dr. Barbara Alexiou brings an international perspective to certificates at the Veterinary Educators Symposium hosted by K-State, where she serves in a newly created position to help Texas Tech University in Amarillo. guide veterinary students in their educational pursuits as well As this is a unique opportunity in veterinary education, as veterinarians through Continuing Education opportunities. she says, “I examined the perceptions about the veterinary “I am enjoying the exciting challenges of contributing to certificate program through a survey that I started when I the development of top-tier veterinary education programs,” began this position — to better understand it. According to Dr. Alexiou says. the survey respondents, 87% would recommend it to other Dr. Alexiou earned her DVM degree in 2016 at the students. There is still room for improvements, but we are University of Liege, Belgium. She worked for three years getting better and better.” in a small animal practice. Following that experience she In addition to the certificate, Dr. Alexiou oversees the also worked part time in a lab at the University of Brussels college’s elective mentorship program. In this program, [ULB] while completing a Master of Public Health degree in students are able to pick their own mentors and spend at least epidemiology and biostatistics in 2020. a week or more in practice with them. “I wanted to be a veterinarian because of all the things “Mentorships provide a great opportunity to see other you can do in the same day, from surgery on Great Danes to types of veterinary practices and help students see what their internal medicine on small exotics — all the opportunities,” future careers might look like — it’s an incredible experience,” Dr. Alexiou says. “I ultimately felt overwhelmed for the same Dr. Alexiou says. “We received such good feedback from the reasons that made me love veterinary medicine.” mentors and how impressed they are by our students and this opportunity. We are trying to communicate more with the mentors and our students. I give them guidance on what we 12 | wildcatveterinarian
are expecting from them. The goal is for the students to have the best experience possible in that small time frame.” Dr. Alexiou is involved in the Continuing Education committee in the college and is currently working on incorporating more hands-on practice and CE opportunities for veterinarians. “Moreover, if you are reading this, and are interested in giving CE do not hesitate to contact me,” Dr. Alexiou says.
“I was a veterinary student and a veterinarian too, so I know what it takes to be one — the questioning and the journey,” Dr. Alexiou says. “In the dean’s office, we’re all working on improving how we connect with the students and improve our communication. Certificates, mentorships and continuing education are designed to instill confidence, making it a great starting point for the rest of your career.”
What is special about K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine? Dr. Alexiou’s partner, Dr. Pierre Picavet, is a newly recruited assistant professor in small animal orthopedic surgery in the veterinary college. “We visited K-State in November of 2022,” Dr. Alexiou says. “We spent five days here and loved the people we met. There is so much kindness everywhere. We got to witness what K-State provides to the students, faculty and staff, and we wanted to be a part of it. Additionally, I’m always up for new adventure.” Dr. Alexiou feels that her very diverse background as a Dr. Alexiou shows the results of a survey student perceptions of veterinarian, researcher and roles in the industry will help the veterinary certificate program at the Veterinary Educators in working with the veterinary students, faculty, staff, house Symposium held in Amarillo, Texas, in October. officers and veterinarians.
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college news Dr. Kenneth Harkin receives fifth Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award On May 9, Dr. Kenneth Harkin, the Steve and Colleen Hodes Professor of Veterinary Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine and board-certified small animal internist in the Veterinary Health Center was recognized for the fifth time in his career with the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award, which was presented during the 2023 Honors Banquet. Since 1963, the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award has been presented at each of the U.S. veterinary colleges to an outstanding teacher who advances the veterinary profession by inspiring students to their highest levels of achievement and professionalism. “It’s safe to say everyone in our college has been touched by Dr. Harkin’s passioned contributions in clinics and in lecture and as a valued colleague,” says Dr. James Roush, associate dean for academic programs and student success. “As a fivetime Zoetis Distinguished Teacher — in 2001, 2008, 2013, 2017 and 2023 — he has achieved the veterinary college
equivalent of NFL quarterback Tom Brady’s five-time Super Bowl MVP record.” “I’m honored and Drs. Bonnie Rush and James Roush present the humbled to teaching award to Dr. Kenneth Harkin (middle). be selected by the students for this award,” says Dr. Harkin. “There is so much history and meaning behind the Zoetis Distinguished Teaching Award, and every year when I hear the winner announced I’m reminded of the importance of teaching and the impact that all of us in the College of Veterinary Medicine can have on future veterinarians.”
College offers new sustainability veterinary certificate option for DVM students Starting with the class of 2026, DVM students will have a chance to expand their potential job opportunities thanks to the creation of a new veterinary certificate program. “Our college offers the Veterinary Medicine Sustainability Certificate program as a way of encompassing three pillars of sustainability,” says Dr. Barbara Alexiou, director of advanced veterinary education. Dr. Alexiou says students will gain knowledge in the economic aspects of veterinary practice management, including basic business management skills. The program provides students with a broad understanding of topics such as the environmental impacts of food animal production, emissions of anesthesia gases and waste disposal. Livestock producers are interested in sustainable production practices and veterinary pharmaceutical companies are seeking veterinarians with expertise in sustainable practices. “Knowledge on the judicious use of animal health products to mitigate drug resistance will equip students with important skills to fulfill their role in achieving social sustainability,” Dr. Alexiou says. “Experiential learning opportunities will allow students to apply their sustainability knowledge through the interpretation and application of scientific information, 14 | wildcatveterinarian
analysis of trade-offs among the pillars to achieve a goal and development of a sustainability strategy.” Benefits 1) Students will acquire skills to develop sustainable clinical practices, advocate for sustainability within their future client base, and actively involve the public in the field of sustainable animal health. 2) Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles, particularly regarding the veterinary profession’s responsibility to promote sustainable animal health. 3) Successful completion of the certificate program will offer newly graduated veterinarians a clear and transparent way to communicate their training and skills to potential employers, whether they are seeking animal health industry or practice positions. To complete the certificate program: 1) Students must complete the required number of core elective courses (6 credits) with a minimum grade of “C” in each course. 2) Students must complete the required number of optional elective courses (8 credits) with a minimum grade of “C” in each course.
Dr. Temple Grandin speaks to the DVM class of 2023 upon being conferred with an honorary DVM degree. She told the class, “... we need all the different kinds of minds and skills to solve problems.”
CVM presents Dr. Temple Grandin with her first-ever honorary DVM degree This past May, Dr. Temple Grandin, world-renowned autism spokesperson and livestock industry expert on animal behavior, was presented with a special honor from K-State. “Dr. Grandin has had a profound impact on the veterinary profession including our very own livestock facilities in the Veterinary Health Center,” Hodes Family Dean Rush says. “While she has received many honorary Ph.D. degrees, this is the first time she has been presented with an honorary DVM degree. It is a well-deserved honor. She has had a tremendous positive influence on animal welfare practices within the livestock industry.” The presentation of the honorary degree was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents. K-State President Richard Linton conferred the degree during commencement exercises for the DVM class of 2023. “I’m really honored and at this stage of my life right now — I’m way past retirement age, so the thing I want to do is inspire the next generation to go out and change things,” Dr. Grandin says. “I couldn’t go to veterinary school when I was a student. I can’t do higher math, so I couldn’t complete the prerequisites for trained veterinarians. I passed standard veterinary physiology and endocrinology courses, but I worry
that some of the requirements, such as advanced algebra, may screen out some of the best veterinarians in the future. I feel I’ve had impact in my career by helping promote fearfree methods at veterinary clinics and other animal-handling situations.” Dr. Grandin, who is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, has previously visited K-State in 2016 as a Landon Lecturer, and she presented the keynote address on the importance of reducing fear for animals, particularly in cattle, during the annual symposium of the American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association hosted by the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Dr. Grandin showed signs of autism at an early age and selfdescribes her unique thought process as thinking in pictures. In addition to a successful teaching career, she is a worldrenowned livestock equipment designer and animal welfare advocate. In 2010, Grandin was among Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in the hero category. She is one of the authors of “Emergence: Labeled Autistic” and the author of “Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism,” which inspired the 2010 HBO film “Temple Grandin” starring Claire Danes. wildcatveterinarian | 15
college news College mourns passing of professor and equine surgeon Dr. Warren Beard Long-time professor and equine surgeon new surgical methods to deal with difficult surgical Dr. Warren Beard passed away unexpectedly problems. Monday, July 24, 2023, in Olsburg, Kansas. Dr. Beard received his bachelor’s degree (Magna Dr. Beard was born Feb. 25, 1958, in Corpus Cum Laude) and DVM from Texas A&M Christi, Texas. He was married to Dr. Laurie University in 1982 and 1983 respectively. He Beard, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM and entered private practice in Dickinson, Texas, for clinical professor/section head of equine two years before moving to Ohio State University medicine and surgery. They have two children, to begin a residency in equine surgery. He Dr. Warren Beard Nat and Anne. completed his surgical residency and received a “I have known Dr. Beard my entire veterinary master’s degree in surgical sciences in 1988. In career,” says Hodes Family Dean, Dr. Bonnie Rush. “I was a 1989, he became a diplomate of the ACVS. first-year veterinary student in 1985 — the first-year of his Following his residency, Dr. Beard began a clinical equine surgery residency. He was smart and quick-witted, instructorship as the emergency surgeon at Ohio State for with innovative solutions to difficult patient problems. His one year. He remained on the faculty as an equine surgeon calm, measured approach provided instant credibility with for 14 more years as an assistant and in 1995 as an associate horse owners and veterinary students.” professor before leaving to start a new position at Kansas Dr. Beard specialized in surgery of the upper airway and State University in 2004. head of performance horses, colic surgery and urogenital He was a member of the AVMA, ACVS, AAEP and disorders. He taught courses in veterinary ethics and surgery Veterinary Orthopedic Society. He received the 2015 and for third-year students and equine surgery for fourth-year 2023 Teaching Excellence Award for outstanding instruction students. His research interests were in management of of third-year students and 2013 Excellence in Resident postoperative colic patients, surgical treatments for dorsal Mentoring from K-State. displacement of the soft palate, endotoxemia and devising Third time is a charm: College receives third HEED award for diversity efforts For the third year in a row, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University has been recognized for its efforts to enhance diversity in its academic environment. Only five other U.S. veterinary colleges were recognized in 2023, The college received the 2023 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As a recipient of the annual Health Professions HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — Kansas State University was be featured, along with 64 other recipients, in the November/December 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We are grateful to be chosen a third time for the Health Professions HEED Award,” says Dr. Bonnie Rush, Hodes Family Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “As 16 | wildcatveterinarian
we prepare the leaders of tomorrow, we are committed toward fostering the values of equity, respect, dedication to learning and belonging as our extraordinary graduates move forward in their careers. I thank Dr. Callie Rost, our assistant dean for admissions and director of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging, in helping our college maintain a high standard, and continue to lead our efforts for this critical mission.” INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected K-State because of the veterinary college’s efforts to identify and incorporate opportunities for growth in diversity, equity and inclusion.
Students receive prestigious $75K Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarships It’s said that two are better than one. Such is the case for a pair of Kansas State University veterinary medicine students. Anne Brien, Rolla, North Dakota, and Bailey Fritz, Westmoreland, are two of four recipients chosen nationally for the prestigious $75,000 Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarship. The four scholarship recipients for this year were selected from 47 distinguished applicants. The two other recipients are veterinary students at the University of Georgia and University of California, Davis. The Foundation for the Horse, a charitable organization based in Lexington, Kentucky, presented their awards Nov. 30 during the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 69th Annual Convention in San Diego, California. Penelope Knight created the Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship in 2015. Since the award of the first scholarships in 2016, 28 AAEP student members have shared in cumulative proceeds of $2,175,000. Kansas State University had one of the inaugural scholarship recipients in 2016, Dr. Jenni (Wright) Kristek, who earned her DVM in 2017.
Anne aspires to become an equine-focused practitioner, working towards expanding mixed animal hospitals’ equine capabilities, and actively contributing to the veterinary profession through AAEP and AVMA involvement. Additionally, she plans to be a role model for Native American students in animal health and promote animal welfare within Native American communities by addressing disparities in veterinary representation and underserved communities’ access to equine care. After receiving her veterinary degree, Bailey plans to complete an equine surgical residency and pursue a dual clinical and research position in academia, focusing on equine pain and soft tissue injuries. Her doctoral work in physiology will facilitate impactful research during her residency. After an equine internship, Bailey seeks to establish strong connections and collaborate on meaningful equine research. She also hopes to mentor aspiring equine veterinarians and make a lasting impact on the field.
Fourth-year students Anne Brien and Bailey Fritz wildcatveterinarian | 17
EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING | IMPACTFUL RESEARCH | OUTSTANDING SERVICE | EXTRAORDINARY GRADUATES
One of a Kind Feedlot elective class offers students extra preparation for food animal medicine. Story and photos by Audrey Hambright
It may come as no surprise that the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine has a feedlot rotation for senior students. As reported by Kansas Ag Statistics in January 2023, Kansas ranked third nationally with 6.25 million cattle on ranches and in feedyards. That’s a little over twice the state’s human population of more than 2.9 million. How does this impact the education of veterinary students? As a major food supplier to the world, Kansas agriculture is in constant need of food animal veterinarians. Agriculture is the largest economic driver in Kansas, with a total contribution of $81 billion to the Kansas economy. (KDA website) In September 2023, USDA APHIS reported that of all practicing veterinarians in the United States, only 4% serve the food animal industry. This number includes both food animal only and mixed animal practitioners. These statistics support the widely recognized need for food animal veterinarians. This is where the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine steps in.
Unique class prepares future veterinarians Taught biannually in the summer and fall by Dr. Mike Apley, professor of production medicine, the feedlot rotation class was developed so students could gain advanced skills in working with the large cattle populations found in feedlots. A two-week intensive elective course for fourth-year students, the class consists of lecture/discussion periods, labs and on-site visits, and is open to veterinary students across the country. Since its start in 2006, students from 17 different schools have traveled to partake in the course. K-State is the only veterinary college to offer a class of this kind. 18 | wildcatveterinarian
“It is really rewarding to get to know the students on a more personal basis and find out their plans and how they hope to use what they gain in the class,” Dr. Apley says. “It is also interesting to see how our curriculum and experiences compare with programs from other schools.” Holly Wilson, fourth-year student in the fall class, says she enrolled to understand production medicine relative to feedlots. “I have taken dairy production medicine, but there are obvious differences between the two,” she says. “Since Kansas has both of these production styles, I thought it would be a good idea to be familiar with both as I enter into my career.”
A day in the life Only three days into the fall course, four fourth-year K-State students traveled with Dr. Apley to Knights Feedlot Inc., a third-generation family-owned operation near Lyons, Kansas. Greeted by assistant manager, Grady Woodard, the students received an overview of the operation followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the feed mill. While the feedlot has always had its own feed mill, it underwent significant updates in December 2021 allowing it to increase production from 13 tons/hour to 40 tons/hour. The feedlot steams its own corn which is then rolled to create flakes to maximize the nutrients available from the corn. The technology available for monitoring feed intake per animal in each pen is a sight to be appreciated all its own. The students were exposed to the feed intake curves for multiple pens of cattle with lessons in each one about managing feed intake related to both performance and health.
To some, it’s obvious why the class would spend so much time on the nutritional background for an operation, and less so to others. For Grady, he’s witnessed how much quicker a veterinarian can get to the bottom of any health issues when they understand the multiple systems involved in a feedlot. “Showing how the feedlot world works to new and upcoming veterinarians will help us in our day-to-day problems,” he says. Lilli Heinen, fourth-year student in the fall class, says the course provided her with not just technical skills, but also the ability to discuss with producers and managers ways to solve these same issues Grady mentioned. “The big hurdle for working in a feedlot setting, whether it’s on the ground or higher up in the company, is understanding the intricacies of that operation and industry as a whole,”
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After this rotation, I can have more meaningful discussions with feedlot managers about their operation and issues.
” Lilli Heinen Class of 2024
she says. “After this rotation, I can have more meaningful discussions with feedlot managers about their operation and issues.” Midday, the class was treated to a session with Luke Knight, general manager, and Dr. Nels Lindberg, DVM class of 2001 and owner of the Animal Medical Center. Dr. Lindberg talked to the class about the role of being a consulting veterinarian for feedlots and lessons in leadership.
Above right: The class looks upon the newly updated feedmill at Knights Feedlot. Middle right: Grady Woodard shows the class a scoop of fresh steamed corn flakes. Bottom right: Woodard and the feedlot class on part of their tour. wildcatveterinarian | 19
From the two stops in the day, students were able to compare the different processes and goals of the operations, while also noting similarities. “Both have the same end goal: feed cattle in an efficient way to produce high quality beef while emphasizing the importance of cattle health and welfare,” Lilli says. “Both struggle with the same issues: cattle and feed prices, ability to find high quality labor, cattle health issues, etc.” On this day, this class of students absorbed enough information combined with a hands-on skills clinic to Fourth-year students Holly Wilson and Lilli Heinen prepare to move them further on the path to becoming well-rounded perform a necropsy at J&E Cattle. veterinarians in the industry. “My favorite part [of the class] is listening to Dr. Apley’s words of wisdom while we are driving,” “I think it’s important for them to Holly says. “He will ask us in-depth have a basic understanding that learning questions and get us thinking, give us real isn’t just about their academic area of I hope we return the life scenarios, include us in conversations interest,” Dr. Lindberg says. “If they want favor by educating with veterinarians that he is having, and to reach their full potential, it requires the next generation treats us as veterinarians, but also knows we reflection, great humility and desire of veterinarians to have a lot to learn still.” to tackle big problems beyond being a partner with [feedlot veterinarian. People around them —
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and backgrounding Taking it forward their teams and families — depend on To conclude the two-week class, them to do that.” operations] in a leading students complete an hour-long written The final leg of the day was held at industry in Kansas. final exam which covers many of the J&E Cattle Company near Great Bend, basic requirements for functioning and Kansas. Students learned about the communicating in the feedlot environment. operation and paired up to perform a Additionally, they are responsible for necropsy on two different calves. Dr. Mike Apley creating treatment and processing protocols, “Our students learn pathology and including case definitions which are the necropsy skills here at the college,” basis for deciding if an animal does or does Dr. Apley says. “By continuing that not have a disease. The goal of the course, Dr. Apley says, practice in the direct context of the feedlot environment we is creating a veterinarian who is able to recognize normal are able to relate the pathology directly to all of the factors and abnormal function of all the components of the feedlot having an impact on cattle health.”
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From left: Dr. Nels Lindberg, Dawson Black, Dr. Mike Apley, Luke Knight, Lilli Heinen, Jessica Deyoe and Holly Wilson.
system, and then treat and eventually prevent problems when they arise. For example, the class this fall spent a lot of time discussing management of heat stress after the challenges seen in eastern Kansas in August. “I hope to graduate students with an understanding of feedlot production and economics, personnel management and relations, prevention and treatment of common diseases, data interpretation, environmental management, basic nutritional challenges, and growth enhancement,” Dr. Apley adds. “It is a complex system and understanding the relationship of all the moving parts is critical.”
One of the things Dr. Apley emphasizes is that the experiences in the course are made possible by friends of the college such as, on this day, Luke Knight and Grady Woodard at Knight Feedlot and Josh Gales at J&E cattle. “There are many gracious feedlot and backgrounding operations which welcome us to their facilities and invest their time in our program,” he says. “I hope we return the favor by educating the next generation of veterinarians to partner with them in a leading industry in Kansas.”
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WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
International veterinary course takes students to Tanzania Story by Joe Montgomery Lions lounge on the Serengeti in Tanzania, while veterinary students observe from the safety of a safari vehicle. The group traveled to Africa in May 2023 as part of an elective course on international veterinary studies, where they learned about wildlife conservation efforts and local veterinary practices and customs. All photos courtesy of Drs. Rose McMurphy and Walter Renberg.
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“People who are patient do better,” says Dr. Rose “The classroom component and the travel component McMurphy, gauging the likelihood of seeing wildlife while on both have academic rigor,” Dr. Renberg says. “We want the safari in the Serengeti. students to learn something. This is not a vacation.” This observation holds greater relevance in describing the Dr. Renberg says the students look at different topics International Veterinary Study Tours class, an elective course ranging from how to travel wisely and efficiently — and offered to veterinary students at K-State. safely — to country-specific topics like history of the country, Patience is needed to learn about politics, the culture, the language, etc. the chosen destination, to arrive “We’ll talk about breeds of livestock safely at the destination and to reap or agricultural systems in that country,” the most benefits from the overall Dr. Renberg says. “Sometimes the students I believe that this trip had experience the destination has to are giving presentations on these topics and so many great opportunities offer. sometimes I’m speaking on them — or we’ll and eye-opening “The class rotates to a different have guests come in.” country every year,” says Dr. Walter Dr. McMurphy, who is an anesthesiology experiences. I would go on Renberg, a small animal surgeon professor, was one of the guest speakers who this trip 10 more times ... and Doughman professor in the shared her extensive familiarity with Tanzania. veterinary college. “We try to “Dr. McMurphy co-led the class this move to a different continent, year because she has a lot of experience and sequentially, every year. This year connections in Tanzania,” Dr. Renberg says. Ashley Anderson we went to Africa, so it was time to “It’s a developing country, and some of these go to Tanzania.” students had not been in that setting before. Class of 2026 The chance to see wildlife in their natural Class preparations setting is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime Dr. Renberg, who has taught the class for more than 10 opportunity, but seeing how veterinarians operate in a years, says the international tours class has two different developing world situation is also unique.” components. One part is in the classroom during the spring “I had already been to Tanzania, maybe five or six times semester. before I ever took students,” Dr. McMurphy says. “I had
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Meeting with the safari guides: Front row, from left: Lauren Wienker, third-year student; Grace Gregg, second year; and Ashley Anderson, second year. Back row: Hayley DesCoteaux, second year; Kaitlyn Megee, third year; Kimberly Glotzbach, third year; Dr. Rose McMurphy; guides; Haley Cuba, second year; Amelia Finn, second year; Chloe Capodagli, second year; Kelly Cameron-Harp, third year; and Dr. Walter Renberg. wildcatveterinarian | 23
“Most veterinarians there are employed by the government and put in rural places,” Dr. McMurphy says. “Their jobs are not like what our jobs are — they are not even remotely similar. There are few small animal clinics and they really cater to vaccinating dogs or maybe doing a spay — they may or may not even be able to take an X-ray, so it’s very different than what we can do here.”
36 hours, one way When the spring semester ends, the travel component begins, which was in mid-May. Dr. Renberg says the amount of travel time and time allotted for the visit varies from country to country. “We want to visit a private practice, visit some farms, visit a veterinary school — and we want to visit some government facilities along with things that are unique to the country,” Dr. Renberg says. “For example, in Tanzania we spent some time in the Serengeti [to see wildlife]. Obviously when we go on a trip to Europe, we don’t have an opportunity to go somewhere like the Serengeti.” For each year’s trip, the class is usually in the country 10 to 14 days. For Tanzania, the total tour, including travel time, took over two weeks. Dr. Renberg says it took 36 hours through a series of different flights just to get to Tanzania. While in Tanzania, a couple of vehicles were needed. “Since there were 10 students on the trip, we were using multiple cars,” Dr. McMurphy says. “We were in Toyota Land Cruisers that Top: Haley Cuba holds a rat that has been trained to locate bombs in mine fields. have been modified to be safari vehicles and Bottom: Amelia Finn provides care for a donkey at a village-vet project site. interestingly, they cut them in half, lengthen them and then put on a roof that pops up so always wanted to go to places in Africa ever since I was a that you can push it up and look out of the top. One carried little kid watching National Geographic, so that was the first seven people and the other one carried five.” country in Africa I went to, and it’s still one of my favorites.” Dr. McMurphy says parts of the visit to Tanzania were time Dr. McMurphy enjoys wildlife photography and travel, consuming. but she also says she’s learned some of the local language: “What people don’t realize is that it’s a long way from Kiswahili. the north, where the Serengeti is, to the south, where the “I can get by in some situations when I talk to people, they veterinary school [Sokoine University] is,” Dr. McMurphy have to really slow their Kiswahili,” Dr. McMurphy says. In addition to the language being different, Dr. McMurphy says. “That was a two-day drive for us. The mileage isn’t that much, but when you’re only going 50 to 80 kilometers an stresses how there are differences in veterinary medicine. 24 | wildcatveterinarian
The group visits Sokoine University’s veterinary college. Front row, from left: Sokoine ambassador, Dr. Renberg, Kimberly Glotzbach, Haley Cuba, Chloe Capodagli, Amelia Finn, Ashley Anderson, Kelly Cameron-Harp, Grace Gregg and Sokoine ambassador. Back row: Hayley DesCoteaux, Lauren Wienker, Dr. Rose McMurphy and Kaitlyn Megee.
hour, you can’t get there all in one day — and you cannot drive at night because it’s just too dangerous.”
A full agenda The aforementioned safari was one part of a series of local experiences planned for the students. Tanzania has much more to offer. Dr. Renberg says the class visited a dairy and a couple of nonprofit organizations. “One day, we were able to help out with a donkey clinic where people could come and get care for their donkeys for free,” second-year student Ashley Anderson says. “It was such a hectic day but so, so, so rewarding because we were able to make a difference in these animals’ welfare while also increasing productivity for the people.” Dr. Renberg says the students took up a collection and bought a trough for the organization to use for donkeys. “Learning about veterinary medicine and animal welfare initiatives in Tanzania showed how important veterinarians
are to maintain the health of animals that are relied on by families,” third-year student Kaitlyn Megee says. “There are several conservation efforts such as the rhino sanctuary and painted-dog breeding facility that opened our eyes to the importance of conservation work. We, as future veterinarians, can contribute to work like this and have an impact on animal conservation.” “We went to a facility where they are training giant rats to sniff for land mines,” Dr. Renberg says. “It’s an organization that works all over the world. They’re in Cambodia and wherever there’s mine clearance issues.” “I believe that this trip had so many great opportunities and eye-opening experiences,” Ashley says. “Overall, I would go on this trip 10 more times and I appreciate everything that Dr. Renberg and Dr. McMurphy did for us.”
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Fourth-year student Katie Stenger lets children pet a newborn piglet at the Birthing Center at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.
SPECIAL DELIVERY A Kansas State Fair tradition continues to bring awe-inspiring education to the public.
Story by Sarah Keatley. Photos by Joe Montgomery. The building is full of eager anticipation: children sitting on the floor with their heads peeking through the bars of the gates, parents standing above them, with their phones out, ready to capture the moment. The adults stand eight people deep, similarly, hoping to witness the miracle of life. With her contraction, the cow gives one last push, the baby calf falls to the ground, and the entire building erupts in applause and cheering as if their team had just won a championship. For some, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; for others, this is just another day at the Kansas State Fair Birthing Center. 26 | wildcatveterinarian
Advocates and students Drs. Leslie and Bryan Weaver oversee the management, breeding and organization of the Birthing Center. Just finishing their third year, the couple enjoys planning the 10day long event. “As veterinarians, we are uniquely suited to bridge the gap between urban and agriculture communities, and it is my passion to help the urban communities understand the agriculture community better,” she says.
EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING | IMPACTFUL RESEARCH | OUTSTANDING SERVICE | EXTRAORDINARY GRADUATES
Each day during the state fair, faculty, staff and students leave Manhattan at 6:30 a.m. and drive to Hutchinson to answer questions, assist with births and educate the public visiting the building. This group relieves the house officers and other fourth-year students who worked throughout the night monitoring the animals. Katie Stenger, class of 2024, spent a day at the Birthing Center volunteering and educating the public about livestock production and animal husbandry. As she walks through the building, some fairgoers share that prior family generations had agriculture or farm experiences. She notices Fourth-year students Katie Stenger, Sara Holloman and Tate Ackerman introduce Coach Ted that the younger generations are Lasso, a calf born during the State Fair. missing these opportunities. “That is why it is so important Along with Katie, fourth-year student Alex Rivas enjoys that we help people from all walks sharing knowledge of veterinary medicine with different of life see where their food comes from and the husbandry generations, answering questions and adapting the message associated with the animals,” Katie says. and answers to questions based on the age of the person One of the highlights of her day was asking. helping the kids palpate Bessie, the bovine Live births are broadcast via social media dystocia simulator. “Their whole face lights when possible. Viewers tuned in to watch up when they feel the calf!” Katie says. She calves, piglets, and lambs be born throughout answers questions from the public about As veterinarians, we the week. In 2023, five lambs, 11 calves the birthing process, animal husbandry and are uniquely suited to and 45 piglets were born in ten days. While the most popular one, “What time will the bridge the gap between many viewers tuned in to watch the live next birth be?” urban and agriculture birth, one viewer, who lives several states While the Birthing Center serves as an communities. away, tuned in to see her daughter, Margo opportunity to educate attendees about Wottowa, class of 2024, fix a dystocia while the importance of agriculture, animal explaining to onlookers what she was doing. husbandry and animal welfare, it also The excitement of a fourth-year veterinary allows students to apply their knowledge in student after a successful birth is almost as a practical setting. Dr. Leslie Weaver heartwarming as seeing the babies themselves. “The biggest benefit for the students to be here is to practice communication and Partners in tradition public relations,” says Dr. Adam Bassett, Bryan Schulz, General Manager for the Kansas State Fair clinical assistant professor in equine theriogenology and field says, “We are so blessed to have such a great partnership with service. “They can talk to people, explain what is happening, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Their and why we are doing what we do.”
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Top left: An FFA volunteer (in the yellow T-shirt) helps youngsters palpate Bossy, the dystocia cow. Bottom right: Sara Holloman displays one member of a large litter of piglets.
team of experts ensure that any potential issues that might arise, are taken care of in a professional manner.” It takes more than a village to make the Birthing Center run. In addition to those who drive from Manhattan each day, the building is staffed with K-State veterinary alumni, Wichita State University veterinary technician students and FFA students throughout the 10 days, working the day, evening, overnight, and early morning hours. “This is so much more than the College of Veterinary Medicine,” Dr. Leslie Weaver says. “This is the agriculture community, and it would not happen without the support from everyone.” In 2023, animals came from across the state of Kansas; cattle were provided by the Orville Miller Family Dairy, 28 | wildcatveterinarian
Hutchinson, and the Perry Beachy Dairy, Hutchinson; lambs were provided by Elder Livestock, Westmoreland; and the Kansas State University Swine Unit, Manhattan, provided swine. The College of Veterinary Medicine also works closely with Prairie Vista Veterinary Hospital, Hutchinson, the veterinarians for the dairy cattle who come in and out during the week. Dr. Dayul Dick, DVM class of 1987, and Dr. Patrick Schmitz, DVM class of 2020, are on call throughout the week to assist with any emergencies that may arise. Prairie Vista Veterinary Hospital’s relationship with the local dairies has enabled the Birthing Center to provide dairy cattle since 1994 during the Kansas State Fair.
EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING | IMPACTFUL RESEARCH | OUTSTANDING SERVICE | EXTRAORDINARY GRADUATES
Meet Dr. Hans Coetzee associate Dean of research and graduate programs Professional Background Dr. Hans Coetzee earned his bachelor of veterinary science degree from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. After graduation, he worked in mixed animal practice in Northern Ireland for 4 years, then in pharmaceutical research and development at Norbrook Laboratories. He was awarded a specialist certificate in cattle health and production from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2000 and earned a doctorate in veterinary microbiology from Iowa State University in 2005. He holds dual board certification in Dr. Hans Coetzee (right) makes a presentation to a Clarenbug Lecture speaker, Dr. Scott the American College of Veterinary Powers, at the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. Photo by Joe Montgomery. Clinical Pharmacology and the American College of Animal Welfare and is a European specialist in program focused on pain assessment and pain management animal welfare, science, ethics and law. in livestock, has published more than 220 peer-reviewed Dr. Coetzee was an assistant professor, and later a scientific papers and has received over $20 million in tenured associate professor of clinical pharmacology research funding. He also enjoys gardening, fly fishing and in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Kansas State spending time with his wife, Tiffany, and his twin daughters, University from 2005 to 2011. He was then appointed as Scarlett and Anabelle. an associate professor and director of the racing chemistry laboratory at Iowa State University and served there as Goals and Objectives a tenured professor from 2014 to 2016. He returned to In his new role as associate dean for research and Kansas State University in October 2016, where he has graduate programs, Dr. Coetzee plans to focus on served as department head of anatomy and physiology implementing the goals of the new Next-Gen K-State prior to his appointment as associate dean for research university-wide strategic plan. Growing the university and graduate programs in July 2023. Dr. Coetzee was research enterprise and annual research expenditures to selected as a University Distinguished Professor in 2022 $300 million is a strategic imperative of the new plan. and is recognized by Stanford University as top 2% of “Currently, research activities in the CVM are supported by researchers in the world. He maintains an active research approximately $20 million in research expenditures. Our 30 | wildcatveterinarian
Dr. Coetzee helps present a college teaching award to Dr. Butch KuKanich (center) with Hodes Family Dean Bonnie Rush (right.) Photo by Joe Montgomery.
goal is to grow this number through strategic investments in people, facilities and equipment” Dr. Coetzee says. Just in the past month, researchers in the CVM have already been extraordinarily successful in competing for resources that have been made available through the new strategic initiative. Specifically, the CVM provided matching funds in response to the Office of the Vice President for Research $1 million call for equipment grant proposals to support the purchase of 3 critical pieces of equipment valued at more than $600,000. These instruments, combined with the state-of-the-art Biomedical Core Facility funded by an NIH C06 grant that is under construction in the CVM, will provide a foundation of infrastructure to support growth in new and existing research activities across the CVM. In addition to being focused on supporting research, the role of the ADR has been expanded to include graduate
programs. “Training the next generation of scientists is at the heart of any research enterprise,” Dr. Coetzee says. “As department head, we created a rotational Ph.D. program in the department in addition to empowering faculty to establish our Non-Thesis, One-Year Master’s in Biomedical Science program. My goal as ADR is to expand these innovative programs across the CVM to develop a talent pipeline of graduate students to advance our research activities.”
What’s so special about K-State? The people. It is an honor for me to work alongside faculty, staff and students to advance research and graduate programs in the CVM. Their dedication to deliver the core mission of the university through learning and discovery transforms lives and creates shared prosperity for all.
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EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING | IMPACTFUL RESEARCH | OUTSTANDING SERVICE | EXTRAORDINARY GRADUATES
Nurturing Success Research professors share parallel paths that lead to investigation of liver abscesses in cattle Story by Joe Montgomery
Drs. Amachawadi and Nagaraja investigate liver abscesses in cattle at a facility in Texas. Courtesy photo. 32 | wildcatveterinarian
“If you want to be a productive researcher, then you should also be a teacher, particularly of graduate courses” Dr. T.G. Nagaraja says. These are more than just words of advice, but a way of life that is being passed down to newer generations of researchers/ teachers in the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Nagaraja, University Distinguished Professor of microbiology, has the track record to support his philosophy. One of his former students, Dr. Raghu Amachawadi is now a frequent research collaborator. Together they are exploring ways for livestock producers to have practical ways to detect and ultimately prevent liver abscesses in cattle. “The reason I got into liver abscess research was because I was getting ready to teach a course on the rumen for graduate students,” Dr. Nagaraja recalls. “It was the first time I learned about liver abscesses when I started teaching the class. Till then, I did not know anything about liver abscesses. The learning of liver abscesses gave me the idea that I should look into this problem.” The research conducted by Drs. Nagaraja and Amachawadi has tangible objectives and outcomes. Both have several projects to understand more on the etiology and pathogenesis of liver abscesses in cattle, including evaluating antimicrobial alternatives to control liver abscesses. “One of our goals is to develop a pen-side or chute-side diagnostic test,” Dr. Amachawadi says. “As of now, we don’t have a reliable diagnostic test to detect liver abscess in live cattle until after the animals are processed.”
From Bangalore to Kansas State University Drs. Nagaraja and Amachawadi share similar backgrounds and connections in India. “I was contacted by Raghu’s mentor in Bangalore, India,” says Dr. Nagaraja, who earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) in 1970 at the veterinary college in the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. “He said he had a person working in his group who was a good student. I told Raghu to submit his application for a master’s degree. At that time, I had a project looking at feeding copper and zinc to pigs and cattle to see how that would affect the antimicrobial resistance of gut bacteria.” After graduating from the veterinary college in 2003, Dr. Amachawadi worked part time for his mentor in India as an associate veterinarian at the Karuna Animal Welfare Association (formerly Bangalore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). He worked on Gates Foundation
funded project on rabies eradication by spaying and neutering to control stray dog population, and conducted training camps to educate people on animal welfare, animal health and humane treatment of animals. Dr. Amachawadi also worked as a veterinary research scientist on livestock diseases at the National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics. “I always wanted to get my graduate degree and go back to India because I’m the only son in my family,” Dr. Amachawadi says. “Most of the scientists I worked with had all graduated from the US and UK. That’s where I thought I needed to go — and then after getting a higher degree, I wanted to go back home and work.” Dr. Amachawadi completed his master’s degree under Dr. Nagaraja and worked on his Ph.D. under Dr. Morgan Scott, who was then a professor of epidemiology at K-State [Dr. Scott is now at Texas A&M University]. “Dr. Nagaraja got me involved in teaching the bacteriology lab for second-year students, which lasted from 2009 for almost 10 to 12 years,” Dr. Amachawadi says “He played a major role in shaping my career. Even though I switched to working on my Ph.D. with Dr. Scott, I still work directly with Dr. Nagaraja. I consider him as my ‘forever mentor.’ Dr. Nagaraja has played a pivotal role in my professional development and I am truly grateful for his time and effort. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from someone experienced and dedicated as Dr. Nagaraja.” “After he completed his Ph.D., Raghu came back to my lab to work as a postdoc researcher” Dr. Nagaraja says. “And then he became a research assistant professor. That’s how we started working together on liver abscesses.”
A distinguished career at K-State Dr. Nagaraja’s path has been more circuitous than Dr. Amachawadi’s. He was not originally a master’s student in the veterinary college. “I was working on my master’s degree in microbiology in Bangalore,” Dr. Nagaraja says. “I was asked to give a seminar on a topic, so I chose bloat in cattle. I used to go to the library to search for literature on bloat, and the majority of the publications on bloat were from K-State. Dr. Erle Bartley was in fact a bloat expert in this country. That’s what prompted me to come to K-State.” The transition to studying in the US was not easy for Dr. Nagaraja. wildcatveterinarian | 33
“When I first came, a long time ago, I was terribly homesick, and I thought I should get my Ph.D. as soon as possible,” Dr. Nagaraja says. “My dream job was to go back to the college where I graduated and become a professor and have a research program, but that plan got changed within six months after I came. It was because of the kind of facilities that were available here, and the opportunities where ‘the more you do, the farther you can go’ type of atmosphere that was here.” Dr. Nagaraja says Dr. Bartley was a great mentor. He was a dairy cattle nutritionist in animal science. “He was a nutritionist, but I actually wanted to get a degree in microbiology, so I joined the Division of Biology,” Dr. Nagaraja explains. “At the time, they had a microbiology Drs. Nagaraja and Amachawadi review procedures for a project. section and a professor who also used to interact with Dr. Bartley. His name was Lou Fina [professor of “I love teaching, particularly to make a complicated subject microbiology], so Drs. Fina and Bartley, were my co-advisors. as simple as possible for students to understand,” Dr. Nagaraja I got my Ph.D. and then the animal science department says. “Research is always fascinating too because when you offered me a tenure track position right after I graduated.” design a study to answer a question and then it works — In 1998, Dr. Nagaraja switched from animal science to the that’s exciting!” Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology. “I got into involved in a project Carrying on a mentoring tradition on E. coli,” Dr. Nagaraja says. “They “I’m so lucky and blessed to be working had the Food Animal Management with Dr. Nagaraja,” Dr. Amachawadi says. Center and Jerry Gillespie [the head “Everything worked out very well — each Research is always fascinating of the center] had a special USDA and every step. He guided me through the too because when you design grant, and a team of people that did process.” a study to answer a question not have a microbiologist as part Dr. Amachawadi has made teaching and then it works — that’s of the team. My research in animal and mentoring a major part of his career science was always related to rumen exciting! philosophy. dysfunctions — disorders like bloat “It’s a great learning experience for me and acidosis and liver abscess — because students are from different cultural which were more in line with the backgrounds and experiences — it’s sort of veterinary college than with animal learning by teaching,” he says. “I learn a lot science.” from them, so I enjoy mentoring a lot.” Dr. T.G. Nagaraja Professor Emeritus Dr. M.M. Students have had an important role for University Distinguished Professor Chengappa had just become the the two professors. department head and offered a “We have an ongoing project studying the position to Dr. Nagaraja. [Note: Dr. Chengappa was also a bacterial pathogenesis of liver abscess,” Dr. Amachawadi says. graduate of Bangalore in 1970.] “We have two Ph.D. students working together with us: one “Chengappa was looking for somebody who could take over Ph.D. student with Dr. Nagaraja and one Ph.D. student in the teaching for bacteriology,” Dr. Nagaraja says. “So, I came my lab. But, they all work together and they report to both of to teach bacteriology and in fact shifted my entire lab from us. We have another project where we have a master’s student animal science in Call Hall to DMP in Coles Hall.” together.” Dr. Nagaraja remained with the veterinary college since Dr. Sohaila Jafarian, DVM class of 2018, worked for then, along the way being recognized in 2008 by Kansas State Dr. Amachawadi in 2013, and says she was struggling to gain University as a University Distinguished Professor. admittance into veterinary school.
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“While working for Dr. Amachawadi, I discovered my passion for research and global public health and he became a mentor for me,” she says. “He encouraged me to pursue an Master of Public Health (MPH) degree as well as a DVM, which has ultimately changed the trajectory of my career. He has been influential in demonstrating not only how to be a good researcher and doctor, but how to always focus my work for the good of humanity.”
The value of teamwork After being an assistant professor and associate professor for more than eight years, Dr. Amachawadi maintains deference to Dr. Nagaraja. “I still don’t consider him as my colleague,” Dr. Amachawadi says. “He’s still my teacher. He always says, ‘No, no, no, just call me T.G.,’ or something other than teacher. I always wanted to work with somebody who was from my home school, so I have that with Dr. Nagaraja. He
and Dr. Chengappa are very well known back in Bangalore, so I made my dream happen here.” Dr. Nagaraja sees his relationship in a slightly different context. “There is an advantage working together on research in that we know each other very well,” Dr. Nagaraja says. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and the way we compensate for that. I try to avoid the mentor/student relationship as much as possible to see that he’s my colleague, not my student.” So as their relationship has evolved over time, their research on liver abscesses in cattle also evolves. “The logical follow-up study for us is whether we could find the same thing in the blood of cattle that would tell us if the animal is abscessed or not, which would be a diagnostic test,” Dr. Nagaraja says. “We don’t have that right now. But we do have funding to help us answer the questions. And that’s exciting.”
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Drs. Waithaka Mwangi and Kyeong-Ok Chang, professors in Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, collaborate on new research.
Researchers investigate cow antibodies to stall SARS-CoV-2 virus Drs. Waithaka Mwangi and Kyeong-Ok Chang have lent their skills in immunology and virology, respectively, to a scientific team comprised of researchers from the Applied Biomedical Science Institute (ABS), Scripps Research, University of Louisville, OmniAb Inc. and Ligand Pharmaceuticals. The team published a new paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, “The smallest functional antibody fragment: ultralong CDR H3 antibody knob regions potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2.” Drs. Chang and Mwangi have received NIH R01 funding to further the development of this research and have filed as co-inventors for a provisional patent on the parts of the technology they collaborated on. “The technology is generating one of the smallest biologically functional therapeutic antibody-based molecules with the potential to result in a new generation of novel mucosal treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 in humans and other animals,” Dr. Mwangi says. He added that the functional molecule can be delivered as intranasal spray. “If proven effective, the technology will have broad application for management of other diseases.”
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The team was able to produce the coronavirus binding portion of the antibody, termed a “knob” region, which is a tiny fragment of the large parent antibody. “At about 3% the size of the original antibody, cow knob regions represent the smallest known functional antibody fragment,” says Dr. Vaughn Smider, the senior author of the study and president of ABS Institute. “They are approaching the size of some small molecule drugs and are three times smaller than camel antibody-derived ‘nanobodies.’ Knobs potentially have many biomedical uses, including as therapeutics and diagnostics.” Dr. Chang says, “Our labs at K-State [Drs Mwangi, Chang and Yunjeong Kim] have been working with ABS for SARSCoV-2 project right after COVID-19 pandemic started. This technology has huge potential for therapeutic development for, not only infectious pathogens, but other metabolic diseases.” While the current study reveals the utility of knobs in targeting coronavirus, its potential as a therapeutic class spans all therapeutic areas, including oncology and immunology. Future research applications of knobs include using them as targeting regions for nanoparticles, antibody drug conjugates or multispecific therapeutics.
RESEARCH news Research fellowship focuses on how healthy cattle help reduce greenhouse gas emissions Happy cattle help make a healthy planet according to research analysis being conducted by Deanna Gennett, third-year veterinary student from Willow Springs, Illinois. She was one of 13 students selected nationally for a Veterinary Student Research Fellowship from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. Deanna was mentored last summer by Dr. David Renter, director of the Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, through K-State’s Veterinary Research Scholars Program (VRSP), who is analyzing cattle growth and Third-year veterinary student Deanna Gennett health metrics in the feedlot to quantitatively greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, this research may document how efficient, healthy cattle have contribute to herd management strategies that promote less estimated greenhouse gas emissions, which negatively healthy cattle while protecting the environment. impact the environment. These data will help quantify the relationships between cattle production and impacts on CVM launches Center on Vaccine Evaluation and Alternatives for Antimicrobials
Pair of grants totaling $1.265 million supports vaccine development for cattle and swine diseases
Dr. Jishu Shi, a leading researcher on infectious swine diseases, announced the launch of the new Center on Vaccine Evaluation and Alternatives for Antimicrobials, or CVEAA. Located in the College of Veterinary Medicine, the new center will provide innovative services to global partners and customers in the following three areas: conducting safety and efficacy evaluation of vaccines for transboundary animal diseases; helping animal vaccine buyers manage product specification and quality evaluation; and leading feasibility analysis and policy advocacy on vaccines as alternatives for antimicrobials used in animal production. “The Center on Vaccine Evaluation and Alternatives for Antimicrobials is a research and service center designed to meet a series of unmet needs in the development and usage of animal vaccines around the world,” says Dr. Shi, a professor of vaccine immunology. He will serve as the center’s director and one of three primary faculty members. The other two are Drs. Lihua Wang, research assistant professor and Dr. Rachel Madera, program coordinator. “New policies and public-private partnerships are needed to accelerate targeted research and development of new vaccines to improve animal health and reduce antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance risks,” Dr. Shi says.
Two new grants will be utilized to help protect global food supplies through the development of vaccines to protect swine and cattle from infectious diseases. Combined, the grants exceed $1.2 million and are funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture through its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. These grants support research, education and extension efforts to improve rural economies, increase food production, stimulate the bioeconomy, mitigate impacts of climate variability, address water availability issues, ensure food safety and security, enhance human nutrition and train the next generation of the agricultural workforce. Each of the grants is funded for a three-year period. Dr. Juergen Richt, KSU’s Regents and University distinguished professor, is leading the first project to protect against African swine fever virus infection and disease with rationally designed and engineered virus-vectored subunit vaccine candidates. The second project, led by Dr. Waithaka Mwangi, involves the development of a contemporary multi-component live vaccine capable of inducing broad protection against multiple Bovine Parainfluenza 3 Virus and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus. wildcatveterinarian | 37
Sadie’s Story An Australian shepherd endures and surprises during an unexpected oncology diagnosis. Story and photos by Audrey Hambright
Just like humans, each animal’s health journey is a little different. Even with all the variables at play, there are still controlled elements — standard procedures so to speak — used to determine the best approach for treatment depending on the diagnosis. It’s methodical, logical and practical. And then there’s Sadie. Sadie is a 14-year-old Australian shepherd who has been living her best ranch dog life. A very playful dog for her age, Sadie is often dubbed “Nurse Sadie” or “Sadie Nightingale” due to her desire to clean wounds, whether it’s on a horse or a human. 38 | wildcatveterinarian
Unexpected discovery In 2017, when Sadie was 8 years old, her owner Dr. Marty Vanier, DVM class of 1981, noticed some swollen lymph nodes on Sadie and took her to a local clinic. She was referred to the Veterinary Health Center for further examination and testing with the oncology section. Sadie’s diagnosis was T-zone lymphoma, which is typically an indolent type of lymphoma and very slow progressing. At this point Marty says Sadie didn’t know anything was wrong nor was she exhibiting other signs of illness apart from some large lymph nodes.
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“After lots of conversations with the oncology section and angst on my part, I decided not to treat,” Marty says. “I made the decision by comparing the threat to Sadie’s life against the quality of her life at that time. The team and I agreed to a level of lymphocytes at which we would begin treatment regardless of how Sadie was feeling and would certainly begin to treat her if she showed signs of illness.” Marty brought Sadie in to the VHC for regular checkups. She and the team watched the lymphocyte count go up and hit a peak, then eventually it started to come back down.
The crash Sadie went five years without any treatment. Then one day, Marty came home over lunch and found that Sadie had crashed. She quickly brought Sadie into the VHC where the oncology team started to work on her. According to Marty, it took several ultrasounds, X-rays and tapping of her belly before they found anything definitive. Eventually they found a small amount of fluid which had leaked from her intestine due to a perforation in Sadie’s gut. Once this was discovered, she was quickly taken to surgery. The surgery team removed the perforated section of the gut, which allowed Sadie to improve. The section of gut that was removed was sent to pathology for analysis. The pathology
report determined that the edges of the perforation were an aggressive form of T-cell lymphoma. Once again, there were more conversations and more angst on Marty’s part, but knowing there was lymphoma in the gut that could cause another perforation, she agreed to chemotherapy. Sadie endured the standard 19-week chemotherapy protocol. The team also sent sections of the gut to be typed and learned that it was genetically distinct from the indolent T-zone lymphoma from Sadie’s original diagnosis. This information told them that Sadie had two distinct types of T-cell lymphoma: one a low-grade type and the other a highgrade type. Dr. Mary Lynn Higginbotham, professor in oncology and lead clinician on Sadie’s case, says it’s crucial for pet owners to monitor for any changes in their pets, whether that’s appetite or general demeanor. “There was a big change with Sadie, and Marty didn’t ignore her,” Dr. Higginbotham says. “She could’ve died from that perforation quickly.” Dr. Higginbotham adds that Sadie was a very good teaching case because as a profession and specialty service, they are still learning about what to expect in terms of the natural progression of the more recently identified types of lymphoma in dogs, such as T-zone lymphoma.
A healthy pup In September, Sadie celebrated her one-year anniversary of the end of chemotherapy. Now, Marty says, Sadie’s perfectly normal and just experiencing all the things a 14-year-old dog experiences. “We still do a check every two-to-three months where they’ll do bloodwork and probably ultrasounds,” she says. “When Sadie gets to the VHC, she knows the drill.” Marty knows she and Sadie are very lucky and that not everyone’s experience will end as well as this. “I do not want dog owners to immediately give up hope,” Marty says. “There are advances being made in treating all manner of cancers in dogs. Talk with your veterinarian or find an oncologist to explore treatments. Much of the decision should be based on what’s best for your dog and gives them the best quality of life.”
Above: Sadie receives an ultrasound during a follow-up appointment from radiology resident, Stacy McHaney. Left: Sadie and her owner, Marty Vanier are all smiles at the VHC.
Check out Dr. Higginbotham’s “Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets” on Page 45. wildcatveterinarian | 39
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Meet Dr. elizabeth davis: associate dean of clinical Programs
When Dr. Elizabeth Davis was younger, she enjoyed riding and showing horses competitively in hunter and jumper events. Through these experiences, she was exposed to the field of equine veterinary medicine. After Dr. Elizabeth Davis graduated with her DVM from the University of Florida in 1996, she arrived in Manhattan to start her rotating internship. Then, she matched with K-State for a combined residency and Ph.D. program. Upon the completion of the training program, Dr. Davis was hired into a College of Veterinary Medicine faculty position.
Professional Background Dr. Davis began her professional career at K-State in 2003 as an assistant professor of equine internal medicine within the Department of Clinical Sciences. In this role she provided clinical services and instruction in the area of equine internal medicine and pharmacology. Dr. Davis also completed research in the field of equine immunology. In 2007, she was promoted to associate professor and in 2013 promoted to professor.
Objectives and Goals Dr. Davis serves as the associate dean of clinical programs, which includes departmental oversight of clinical sciences and the Veterinary Health Center. She also continues with investigations and scholarly reporting on topics, including equine internal medicine, immunology and veterinary education. In this position, she works with faculty, house officers (interns and residents), staff and students that are involved in clinical programs within the CVM. “As associate dean of clinical programs, the primary mission and vision that I have is supporting faculty and veterinary students that contributes to overall success of the college program,” Dr. Davis says. “Faculty develop and contribute to a highly effective curriculum that facilitates the development of highly successful graduates and clinical specialists as they enter the veterinary profession.”
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Dr. Davis’s favorite part of her position is helping others succeed with their professional endeavors. “It is particularly rewarding to help solve problems that pertain to the mission of clinical training and veterinary education,” Dr. Davis says. “Through responsibilities in Clinical Sciences and the Veterinary Health Center, we work to provide veterinary services for those in need of care. Veterinary services are an important part of not only helping community members with pets and production animals, but also training veterinary professionals. Having the opportunity to provide services while teaching veterinary students and training the specialists of tomorrow is incredibly rewarding.” Along with the mission of education, Dr. Davis strongly embraces the community aspect of veterinary medicine. “This is a remarkable profession,” Dr. Davis says. “The K-State CVM program has a long history of success as a college of veterinary medicine. Being part of a program with an established track record of success and finding additional opportunities for achievement as we move into the future is incredibly important work. The world is complex, there are a remarkable number of opportunities for veterinary graduates. As a college, we strive to prepare students and specialists for whatever aspect of the profession they choose to pursue. It is my honor to have the opportunity to contribute to the tradition of success that the CVM has established for so many years.”
Dr. Davis leads an equine-focused workshop during the 2019 Vet Med ROCKS summer camp.
What makes K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine special? To Dr. Davis, there is only one answer, and it’s the people. “We are fortunate to have a program of multifaceted, talented and dedicated individuals,” Dr. Davis says. “We have committed professionals who have chosen to join this program because they believe in the tripartite mission of service/ outreach, education and scholarship/discovery/research. There are no two individuals who have the same responsibilities or exactly the same skill set, but we do have a lot of people who
are exceptionally talented and work with others who align with the same beliefs and dedication to the veterinary profession.” Dr. Davis believes the people in the college display a shared commitment toward achieving success. “K-State CVM is a very special program, we have some individuals who have been here for many years, while some may have joined relatively recently — yet we are a team,” Dr. Davis says. “Like any team, working together contributes to success. K-State CVM is prosperous because of a shared mission and common goals. We are very, very fortunate to have great people throughout the college.”
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a healthy
boost
Healthy Weight Clinic boosts quality of life for pets, education for students. Story by Audrey Hambright In the news, TV anchors are frequently reporting on the obesity epidemic in the United States affecting people of all ages, but how often do we think about the same issues affecting pets? Elsa was hardly able to move when Denise Krueger brought her in to the Veterinary Health Center emergency room. She was struggling to walk or even stand. It was during this visit that the clinician recommended the Healthy Weight Clinic (HWC) for Elsa as she was severely overweight. Elsa is not alone. According to the 2022 U.S. State of Pet Obesity Report, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the U.S. were classified as overweight or have obesity. Denise enrolled Elsa in the HWC in September of 2022. She came to the clinic every three to four weeks to get checked and weighed. Within a few months of starting the program, Denise noticed significant changes. “Elsa began losing weight, moving around easier and even playing,” she says. By the end of Elsa’s year in the program in October 2023, she had gone from 54 to 26 pounds. Denise says Elsa is able to move and play and is like a puppy again at the age of 9. 42 | wildcatveterinarian
“This has been a great experience for us and Elsa,” she says. “The support we received and the encouragement were terrific.”
A booming need The Healthy Weight Clinic was developed for patients just like Elsa. Initiated in 2018 through a partnership between Hill’s Pet Nutrition and K-State, it began as a mutual effort to expand the primary care department and integrate nutrition science more comprehensively into the educational curriculum. This collaboration subsequently gave rise to the Healthy Weight Clinic, which has now been in operation for five years. “We aim to help pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight through personalized nutrition plans and lifestyle adjustments,” says Dr. Amanda Nascimento, clinical nutrition intern in the Hill’s Pet Health and Nutrition Center. “This not only improves their overall health, but also enhances their quality of life. Additionally, we strive to educate pet owners about the significance of proper nutrition and the impact it has on their pets’ health.” Ultimately, the clinic’s goal is to combat obesity in
Elsa before and after. Courtesy photo.
pets, ensuring they live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Since the beginning of the program, there have been 88 success patients — 75 of those dogs, 13 of those cats. Dr. Susan Nelson, clinical professor in the Hill’s Pet Health and Nutrition Center, says the area of pet nutrition has been growing exponentially over the years. “A boarded veterinary nutritionist can help others navigate this ever-evolving field and aid in the development of individual diets for those pets with special needs,” she says. “They can also help to dispel some of the myths out there regarding commercial pet foods and/or raw diets.”
Clinical nutrition intern offers specialized services for clients Fortunately, this program allows the VHC to recruit a dedicated clinical nutrition intern. The internship lasts 12 months. “Most of the success of the program is due to the intern’s dedication to their patients and the program,” Dr. Nelson says. “Our interns also play a significant role in the education of our students on the importance of nutrition and on how
Elsa celebrates her graduation from the Healthy Weight Clinic with owners Denise and Steve Krueger. Elsa went from 54 to 26 pounds during her program. Courtesy photo.
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to have these discussions with our clients. They teach them a lot when it comes to clinical nutrition basics and help to build their confidence in the area of pet nutrition and obesity management.” The current intern, Dr. Nascimento, has found her passion in clinical nutrition and using her expertise to positively impact animal health. During her academic journey, Dr. Nascimento discovered the crucial role that nutrients and supplements play in supporting the immune system against infections and inflammation. “My career path took an interesting turn when I became the head of Integrative Veterinary Medicine and a researcher in Canada’s private sector,” she says. “This role allowed me to explore natural pet products and holistic diets, nurturing my love for nutrition.” The support of Hill’s Pet Nutrition and their board-certified nutrition experts has been critical to the success of this program.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for pets Once pet owners take the first steps to helping their pet reach a healthy goal weight, the key is to continue those practices to maintain the newfound energy. “We hope they take away that they can get and keep their pet at a healthy weight with a little bit of coaching from the experts and dedication to their pet’s success, and that they get to feel that exhilaration and pride when their pet finally reaches their ideal weight!” Dr. Nelson says.
Dr. Nascimento evaluates a patient in the Hill’s Pet Health and Nutrition Center. Photo by Audrey Hambright.
Dr. Nascimento’s
k
Essential Guide to Maintaining Your Pet’s Optimal Health and Weight
[scan with your phone]
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from the veterinarian
warning signs of cancer in pets By Mary Lynn Higginbotham, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in dogs and cats. It is estimated that approximately 50% of dogs and 33% of cats aged 10 years and older will develop cancer. When considering all ages, 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer at some point in their life. Because of this, as pet owners, it is important to know what symptoms may be a warning sign that a cancer may be present. Some symptoms that could be associated with a cancer include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Lumps or bumps that grow or change. Wounds that won’t heal, such as on the skin of the face or the toe. Lameness that is persistent or recurrent. Unexplained weight loss. Inappetance. Difficulty eating or swallowing. Bleeding from a body opening such as the mouth, nose or anus. Offensive odor, particularly from the mouth. Difficulty breathing or going to the bathroom, such as straining to urinate or have a bowel movement. 10. Lethargy or loss of stamina. Should you notice any of these symptoms, having your pet evaluated by their veterinarian is important. Recommendations for appropriate diagnostic tests, if necessary, can be made that will help determine the cause of the symptoms your pet has been exhibiting. If there is a change in your pet that is of concern to you, it is never wrong to have your veterinarian check them out!
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watch where you are New KSVDL Webinar series delivers CE opportunities on timely topics with expert advice. Story by Joe Montgomery As times change, so do the services for the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KSVDL) in its mission to provide clients with accurate, innovative and timely diagnostics and consultations. The creation of educational videos and webinars have become an integral part of the KSVDL’s outreach efforts. “We survey our clients every other year,” explains Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek, associate director of the KSVDL. “One of the questions we ask is what form of CE [continuing education] our clients prefer. Webinars had not been a preferred mode — only about 2-6% of clients chose this method in all of our past surveys. Then, in 2019, this increased to 16.9%, which stimulated us to start discussing a plan on how we could begin to participate in this area.” Zoom and other online meeting platforms became more widely used during and after the pandemic, which may have contributed to the growth in popularity for an online platform for CE opportunities. “In 2022, 50.8% of our clients listed webinars as a preferred CE mode.” Dr. Hanzlicek says.
The first five cover multiple hot topics So, in 2023, the KSVDL started offering a series of webinars for its clients. These webinars deliver a variety 46 | wildcatveterinarian
of topics and utilize the wealth of subject-matter experts — faculty members — who are available in the College of Veterinary Medicine. As of November, the KSVDL has offered five different webinar programs. Each of the professors are in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, except as indicated below. • • • • •
•
“Trends in Small Animal Intestinal Parasites” with Dr. Brian Herrin, associate professor “Small Animal Toxicology” with Dr. Steve Ensley, professor “Common Backyard Poultry Diseases” with Dr. Kristen Hill-Thimmesch, clinical assistant professor “Bovine Theileria: A Review” with Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek, clinical associate professor “Bovine Lead Poisoning” with Dr. Scott Fritz, clinical assistant professor of toxicology (in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology) “A practical guide to food-animal and companionanimal parasite diagnostics: test choice and result interpretation” with Dr. Jeba Chelladurai, assistant professor
A view from behind-the-scenes during Dr. Jeba Chelladurai’s webinar. KSVDL’s live production is a collaborative effort between the college’s video, IT and marketing teams. From left: Scott Morrill, Dr. Chelladuarai, Bryan Kraus, Kelsey Grimm and Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek. Photo by Joe Montgomery.
Benefits for practitioners — and their staff
So far Dr. Hanzlicek says the webinars have been “a great success.” The number of viewers has ranged from 85 to a high of 267. Some of the future webinars, each beginning at noon, include:
“These webinars provide a great opportunity for clinics to train staff members who may not get to attend in-person CE each year,” Dr. Herrin says. “When the whole team has received similar training, it allows for very consistent • March 20: Reading Antimicrobial Susceptibilities: messaging in the clinic, from the front desk to the doctor. Dr. Hatem Kittana We know that consistent messaging and education is • May 15: Backyard Poultry Diseases, Part II: Dr. Kristen key to getting our pet owners on board with medical Hill-Thimesch recommendations. Overall, it’s about empowering the staff to be a major part of the medical team!” Official titles for each seminar will be decided Within a day or two after the webinar, later. registered attendees will receive an email “For those who attend the seminar, we to confirm one hour of continuing In 2022, 50.8% of send out an evaluation after each session,” education credit has been gained. our clients listed Dr. Hanzlicek says. “We ask what topics they Webinars are recorded and posted on webinars as a would like to see us present in the future. the KSVDL YouTube channel: https:// preferred CE mode. Clients and practitioners are also welcome to www.youtube.com/@KStateVDL. email, call or text me and to email KSVDL Watching the videos on YouTube will not client care with suggestions.” qualify for CE credit, so clients can go The KSVDL phone numbers are 785-532to the College of Veterinary Medicine’s 5650 or 866-512-5650. Emails can be sent Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek Continuing Education web page, watch to clientcare@vet.k-state.edu. Find more the video and take a quiz to fulfill the CE information on the KSVDL website: https:// requirements. https://www.vet.k-state. ksvdl.org/ edu/onlinece/index.aspx
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Dr. Kenneth Burton at NBAF. Courtesy photo.
Trust the Path Dr. Kenneth Burton applies lessons to new career path. Story by Rylee Coy, student writer. Operating a veterinary practice in Lyons, Kansas, provided a good life for Dr. Kenneth Burton and his wife, Joan. After raising their family, the Burtons decided if an opportunity presented itself to take on a new professional adventure, they were going to seriously consider it. In 2010 they did just that, making the move back to Manhattan, Kansas.
Early days Dr. Burton always knew he wanted to be a veterinarian. Recalling the influences that led him to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine, he says, “Growing up I had a wide variety of pets. In high school and college, I spent time working for and shadowing a number of veterinarians in both companion and mixed animal practices.” 48 | wildcatveterinarian
Upon receiving his DVM at K-State in 1981, Dr. Burton went to Ralston, Nebraska, for his first job as a veterinary associate in a five-person mixed practice. After a year, he joined a mixed-practice partnership at the Lyons Veterinary Clinic, where he practiced for 28 years. In this rural community practice, he saw a mix of everything from companion animals, horses and livestock to emus, elk and mountain lions. He found an additional interest when a foreign animal disease was introduced into the United States.
Questions about the future “In 1999, the West Nile virus outbreak began on the East Coast,” Dr. Burton says. “Discovered in the Bronx Zoo, West Nile virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It started affecting birds and horses first but it had the potential
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to affect humans too. In the fall of 2002, we saw our first case of West Nile virus in our practice and by the next year, cases in horses and humans were occurring all over Kansas. The combination of it being a foreign animal disease with a commonly found vector and easily transmissible to humans triggered my interest in those types of diseases.” This interest led Dr. Burton to start participating in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trainings online. “After 9/11, out in rural communities, people were concerned about how biological agents might be used against agriculture,” Dr. Burton says. “There was a lot of uncertainty at that point, and no one knew what was going to happen.” Dr. Burton reached out to the K-State CVM, who then sent Dr. George Kennedy to talk to their producers about biosecurity and biosafety on agricultural operations, such as farms and feedlots. “In the practice, we started promoting biosecurity measures,” Dr. Burton says. “Then I had the opportunity to go to Alabama for a training by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Domestic Preparedness about weapons of mass destruction focused on agriculture.”
A change of direction At this training, there were not only veterinarians, but also first responders, and others who worked in agriculture emergency response. While taking opportunities to learn about biosecurity, Dr. Burton reached out to K-State’s National Agricultural Biosecurity Center (NABC) to see if there might be a career opportunity there. Two years later he began work on a NABC project, first as a contractor then hired as its program director. Not long after beginning work with NABC, Dr. Burton and his wife sold their practice and home and made the move to Manhattan, which is where they have lived since 2010. “At NABC, we focused on planning, training and education,” Dr. Burton says. “We worked with various states across the nation on their foreign animal disease emergency response plans. During that time, the director of the Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) asked me if I would be interested in going through the training to work in containment with some research groups and help with projects and necropsies in high containment. It was an opportunity that I took advantage of and was able to work in biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) containment.” In addition to NABC responsibilities, Burton also served as director of BRI project coordination, providing oversight for
research scheduling, research transition to containment, and pre-project coordination prior to containment.
Protecting the food supply In 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was tasked with owning and operating the new National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF), in Manhattan, Kansas. NBAF is a state-of-the-art facility that will research foreign animal diseases that threaten the agriculture industry. “NBAF’s focus is on foreign animal diseases that aren’t currently found in the United States,” Dr. Burton says. “If the diseases are introduced, they would have a devastating effect on our livestock industry, which is the source of our food supply. Many of the diseases we will work with have the potential to be zoonotic, so our mission also serves to help protect public health. All the research we will do is between biosafety level-2 and biosafety level-4, with BSL-4 being the highest level of containment. There is no other facility in the U.S. that has the capability to do BSL-4 research with large livestock, which makes NBAF unique.” Dr. Burton started this phase of his career in 2018 as the NBAF coordinator, facilitating the initial startup of NBAF
Dr. Burton pictured with his wife, Joan. Courtesy photo. wildcatveterinarian | 49
operational activities. He then transferred to his current role as NBAF’s deputy director. “There are two agencies at NBAF: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS),” Dr. Burton says. “Neither program can accomplish its missions at NBAF without the other. The facilities team at NBAF, which is the largest group, reports to me. So does our biorisk-management group and our animal-resource unit. I am a member of the NBAF senior leadership group with both APHIS and ARS leaders that is tasked to make sure we are all working together to develop a culture of safety, security and excellence while protecting our nation’s livestock from transboundary animal diseases through diagnostics, research, training and education.”
Sum of all experiences Each of Dr. Burton’s experiences helped him reach this point in his career — and are still relevant.
“It’s all a journey,” Dr. Burton says. “My career opportunities are a result of a great undergraduate and veterinary education, memorable experiences in veterinary practice, caring mentors and a strong support network. Lessons learned from each of these have led me to this point in my career.” Something just as important is the support from his family. “There is no way veterinarians can be as good as they are or do what they need to do without a supportive team,” Dr. Burton says. “My support comes from my wife and our children. Joan has been tremendous throughout the years, especially taking the jump back to K-State with me. She currently works for the KSU Foundation as the executive development officer for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her role is to visit with K-State veterinary alumni to explore philanthropic opportunities to support the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. It’s great to work doing something that we each care so much about!”
86th
ANNUAL CONFERENCE for Veterinarians 17 CE s Credit
June 2 - June 4, 2024 Hilton Garden Inn, 410 3rd Street Manhattan, Kansas
Reunions will be held on June 1, 2024 for classes that end in 4 and 9 Stay tuned for information about a potential pre-conference event and post-conference wet lab! Watch for updates at: www.vet.k-state.edu/academics/continuing/conferences/ Kansas State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence), sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military status, or veteran status, in the university's programs and activities as required by applicable laws and regulations. The person designated with responsibility for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning the nondiscrimination policy is the university's Title IX Coordinator: the Director of the Office of Institutional Equity, equity@k-state.edu, 103 Edwards Hall, 1810 Kerr Drive, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506-4801. Telephone: 785-532-6220 | TTY or TRS: 711. The campus ADA Coordinator is the Director of Employee Relations and Engagement, who may be reached at charlott@k-state.edu or 103 Edwards Hall, 1810 Kerr Drive, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506-4801, 785-532-6277 and TTY or TRS 711.
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Caring for its own The K-State College of Veterinary Medicine community gives extra support to its students. Story by Rylee Coy, student writer. “We started thinking about the issue of food security around 2019 and created the ‘Purple Pantry,’” says Dr. Adryanna Siqueira Drake, clinical assistant professor in counseling services at the college. For this program, food was provided and placed in the cabinets in the Student Success Center for any students in need. The Purple Pantry concept has been embraced and has now expanded into the basement of Trotter Hall. “Student debt has been part of our conversation for a long time,” Dr. Drake says. “We wanted a better way to support our students without them needing to go to another of part of campus to receive services.” While the college hosts a food drive once a year, donations can be made at any time. Monetary donations are also accepted to support the Purple Pantry and are used to buy special items as needed. The funds also provide produce once a month and a limited number of vouchers to Call Hall Dairy Bar for buying animal-protein products such as meat, eggs and milk. Students are regularly invited to submit wellness proposals to improve support services. One of the ideas prompted the creation of the Purple Threads concept. “The proposal for Purple Threads was originally for business professional clothes so students could work in clinics, go to job interviews, attend white coat ceremony, and find whatever is needed for professional attire,” Dr. Drake says. “That was definitely one idea we were excited about and felt like it could impact a lot of people.” Purple Threads has business clothing, coats, scrubs and more. It operates entirely on clothing donations from supporters within the college. The goal is to try to take the stress off of students when they need business clothes or scrubs because of the expenses. Upon donation, items are checked. If it is a quality garment, it is then put out on the racks for students to access. After finding clothing to use, the students are not required to bring it back. Another enhancement to the Purple Pantry, based on a wellness proposal, were the addition of hygiene and health
supplies. There are feminine hygiene supplies, cough drops, Tylenol and other things to help students in a bind. Students are able to access these services at any time with their college badges. The services are on a “take what you need, leave what you don’t” basis. There are no other requirements besides being a College of Veterinary Medicine student. Most donations and support comes from students, friends of the college, faculty and staff. Donations for these three programs can be taken to the basement of Trotter Hall, right outside of room 001. Monetary donations can be made through the QR code or online for Purple Pantry.
scan with your smartphone to help support Purple pantry
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EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING | IMPACTFUL RESEARCH | OUTSTANDING SERVICE | EXTRAORDINARY GRADUATES
connecting the dots Dr. Sarah Wilson retraces veterinary ventures and adventures leading to a satisfying career. Story by Anna Harris the persistence of a young girl who would one day become the lead veterinarian at the Lee Richardson Zoo and perhaps a set of worn-down parents. “They caved,” she says with a smile. On Christmas 2005, Sarah’s parents gifted her Buddy, a wonderful pony that now prances in Sarah’s extensive backyard just outside of Garden City, Kansas. Buddy can frolic on 42 acres along with two pigs, two sheep, and two dogs where Sarah resides with her fiancé, Chris. It’s not where Sarah imagined ending up. “I had no idea where Kansas was,” she says. “I had to look it up on a map.”
From Massachusetts to Kansas
Dr. Sarah Wilson’s days as a student included the creation of a summer day camp experience called Vet Med ROCKS, where she introduced campers to exoitc pets. Photo by Shelby Mettlen.
It’s a long way from Whitman, Massachusetts, to Garden City, Kansas. Animals helped span this distance for a journey that led to the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Sarah Wilson grew up with her mom, dad, younger brother and a family cat — just a cat, not a pony. But that would change through 52 | wildcatveterinarian
Dr. Wilson’s journey to becoming a veterinarian began with a biology class that combined her interests in animals and science. She credits taking advanced placement courses in high school which gave her the opportunity to explore more options while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. She deems the programs as tough — she remembers only 200 graduated out of the original 500 enrolled. When the time came to apply to veterinary schools, Sarah applied to Tufts and K-State. She expected her K-State interview to be good practice for Tufts, but what she did not expect was to be blown away and impressed with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. After a short stint on the waitlist, Dr. Wilson received a call. “One of the most exciting moments in my life was receiving that phone call telling me I was in,” she remembers. While enrolled at K-State Dr. Wilson was an on-call radiology technician and a member of the exotics club, eventually becoming the club president and fundraising chair for the shelter medicine club. She obtained a work-study position in zoological medicine with Dr. James Carpenter,
professor emeritus, who said to her, “So that you know, I don’t mentor master’s degree students” — words Dr. Carpenter would eventually eat. Spearheading the Vet Med ROCKS Camp is one of her proudest accomplishments at K-State. Vet Med ROCKS began in 2018. It is a veterinarian camp for grade school through college students. This issue of Wildcat Veterinarian features a special story about Vet Med ROCKS. See that on Page 8. Looking back on her time as a student, one of Dr. Wilson’s favorite memories from workstudy was when the third-year students held a “casino” night. Despite not knowing how to play, Dr. Carpenter had been asked to help host as a dealer. One night, her fiancé, Chris, taught Dr. Wilson performs surgery on a lion at the Lee Richardson Zoo. Courtesy photo. Dr. Carpenter how to play poker. At the same time, she taught him how to use Facebook walked up to her all curled up and says, “That looks like a cat — all giggling at the thought of Hodes Family Dean Rush with kidney problems.” It indeed was a kidney infection. walking by. Originally, Dr. Wilson and her team thought they would After her work-study position ended, Dr. Wilson found need to euthanize the bobcat. Instead, while in Manhattan herself wandering to the exotics ward during her free time. defending her master’s thesis about long-acting pain When considering obtaining a master’s degree, and who to medication in rabbits, she received a text saying the bobcat complete it with, Dr. Carpenter had a change of heart and was doing well, something she describes as the “best feeling!” asked if she’d like to complete her master’s with him. Dr. Wilson says she has found herself picking the brains of Dr. Wilson earned her DVM degree in 2020 and completed current Kansas State University faculty and former mentors to a master’s degree in veterinary biomedical science in 2022. help work through some of her cases.
Life after K-State Dr. Wilson is the first full-time veterinarian at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas, in two decades. With over 200 animals residing there, it is no small feat. She realizes it has been an accomplishment and testament to her education to quickly earn the trust of zookeepers and animals alike. Something she feels she has done in her short time there. She also loves the good work culture at the zoo. The zookeepers are thrilled to have a full-time veterinarian. Dr. Wilson went through and examined all 200 animals. She also created a book of preventative protocols for each and every animal hosted at the zoo. A few bring a glimmer of excitement to her eyes and joy to her voice. “Rhinos are some of the best patients,” Dr. Wilson says. “They love belly rubs!” Dr. Wilson admits she has slept at the zoo more than once. Once involved a tornado warning, pouring rain and newborn Addax. She says her first scary case at the zoo involved a female bobcat. Upon first seeing the bobcat, Dr. Wilson
“Kansas State University goes above and beyond what other schools offer,” Dr. Wilson says.
Sage advice from a young alumna Like most veterinarians who are lifelong learners, Dr. Wilson is currently working on a study on anxiety medication for flamingos. Her message to current and future veterinary school students: “Get all the experience in veterinary school you can.” She recommends current students go to conferences every chance they can get because, she says, conferences are wonderful for building connections with other veterinarians. In fact, just prior to starting her role at the Garden City Zoo, Dr. Wilson had the opportunity to join a trip to Italy to the International Mobility of Veterinary Students (iMoves) program at the University of Padova. Dr. Justin Kastner and Dr. Ellyn Mulcahy facilitated K-State’s involvement in the trip. According to Dr. Kastner, this was a chance for her and other students to explore public health, seafood, food safety and welfare issues for aquatic and land animals. wildcatveterinarian | 53
“Dr. Wilson was clearly a leader among her peers because she already has competence about exotic veterinary issues,” he says. “K-State takes seriously our responsibility to serve the state with our graduates,” Dr. Kastner adds. “Dr. Wilson, as a K-State DVM and master’s graduate, is doing exactly that in Southwest Kansas.”
A special note Dr. Wilson mentions is how many lectures are recorded these days and can be accessed online. She has notebooks filled with the notes and information she still uses to this day from the conferences she has attended. “Make connections,” Dr. Wilson says. “It never hurts to ask.”
Dr. Sarah Wilson (third from right) during a visit to Italy for the iMoves program at the University of Padova facilitated by Dr. Justin Kastner in July 2022. Courtesy photo. 54 | wildcatveterinarian
Meet Your
PATHOLOGISTS
Pictured l-r: Drs. Jamie Retallick, Daniela Hernandez Muguiro, Timothy Walsh, Brandon Plattner, Tawfik Aboellail, Yianelly Rodriguez Ruiz, Franco Matias Ferreyra, Brittany Rasche and Kristen Hill-Thimmesch
Our Team of anatomic and clinical pathologists are highly skilled in a diversified range of specialties, including but not limited to: poultry, hepatic, ocular and dermatology to name a few.
Interests also lie in domestic, nondomestic, production and companion animal pathology.
DEVELOP. DEFEND. DELIVER. 1800 Denison Ave. • Manhattan, Kansas 785-532-5650 or 866-512-5650 • clientcare@vet.k-state.edu www.ksvdl.org
Test Catalog
85th annual veterinarians conference for
2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award
Dr. Gordon L. Coppoc, DVM 1963
2023 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Dr. Tera Barnhardt, DVM 2014
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Dr. Gordon L. Coppoc, West Lafeyette, Indiana, is an emeritus professor of Basic Medical Sciences; former head of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and emeritus adjunct professor of pharmacology and associate dean, Indiana University School of Medicine and director of the Indiana University School of Medicine Lafayette. He was previously honored by K-State with a 2004 Alumni Recognition Award presented during the alumni reception held at the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has received other recognitions including being named a Sagamore of the Wabash by the governor of the State of Indiana. In 2015, Dr. Coppoc and his wife, Harriet, endowed the Coppoc One-Health Lecture Series in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology at K-State. The objective of the Coppoc lecture series is to bring internationally acclaimed scientists to K-State to discuss their research interests with students and faculty throughout the university, focusing specifically on One Health, which are issues that emphasize the connections between animal and human health. Dr. Coppoc especially appreciated the connections because of his career in both veterinary and human medicine.
Dr. Tera Barnhardt, Johnson City, Kansas, earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2012, her DVM in 2014 and a master’s degree in biological and biomedical sciences in 2015, all at Kansas State University. After finishing college, Dr. Barnhardt completed the Executive Veterinary Program in Beef from the University of Illinois in 2018. She served as an associate veterinarian at Collingwood Animal Hospital in Johnson City from 2014 to 2016. She was coordinator of animal health and welfare with Cattle Empire LLC in Satanta, Kansas, for two years and then began working for herself as an animal welfare and research consultant since 2019. Dr. Barnhardt is a member of Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), Academy of Veterinary Consultants and Animal Ag Alliance.
alumni news
2023 E.R. Frank Award
Dr. T.G. Nagaraja CVM faculty with 25 years of service to the college and 43 years of service overall to Kansas State University
Dr. Robert Larson, DVM 1987 CVM faculty 17 years of service to the college
Dr. T.G. Nagaraja, Manhattan, Kansas, earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree in 1970, and a Master of Veterinary Sciences in Veterinary Microbiology in 1972, both from Mysore Veterinary College, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. He earned a Ph.D. in microbiology from the Division of Biology at K-State in 1979, and joined the faculty in the Department of Animal sciences in 1980 and joined the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998. His research expertise is in gut microbiology, focused primarily on the role of rumen microbes in function and dysfunctions of the rumen, and on foodborne pathogens, particularly Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and salmonella in cattle. Dr. Nagaraja was appointed as a University Distinguished Professor in 2008, received the Dr. Ron and Rae Iman Outstanding Faculty Award for research from the K-State Alumni Association in 2012.
Dr. Robert Larson, Manhattan, Kansas, earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1987 and a doctorate in 1992, both from K-State. He has been a professor of food animal production medicine since 2006 and holds the Coleman chair in food animal/ production medicine. In 2017, Dr. Larson was chosen as the recipient of the Boehringer Ingelheim Teaching Excellence Award, which is presented in recognition of outstanding instruction of firstyear veterinary students; and in 2016 he receive the Dr. Ron and Rae Iman Outstanding Faculty Award for teaching by the K-State Alumni Association. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenology and American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine — Epidemiology specialty, and American College of Animal Nutrition. He is a faculty member with the Beef Cattle Institute and regularly provides guidance through the Cattle Chat and Bovine Science podcasts addressing important issues in the beef cattle industry.
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alumni news
2022-2023
Alumni recognition awards Veterinary Meeting & Expo 2023
Western Veterinary Conference 2023
Dr. Walter Colon, DVM 1967
Dr.Roger Knighton, DVM 1984
Dr. Walter Colon, Tallahassee, Florida, originally from Santurce, Puerto Rico, Dr. Colon earned his DVM degree at K-State in 1967. After graduating he worked at a practice in Tampa, Florida, and then opened his own practice in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which he ran for 37 years. He also worked as regulatory veterinarian for the Puerto Rico Horse Racing Commission at the Camarero racetrack. He retired in 2020 and moved to Florida. Dr. Colon was a past member of the board of director of the Association of the Professions of Puerto Rico, past affiliate member of the American Animal Hospital Associations, past secretary of the Hillsborough County Veterinary Medical Association in Florida, and member of the American Veterinary Radiology Society. He was honored in 1991 for his work as chair of the legislative commission at the annual convention of the Colegio de Medicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico (CMVPR).
Dr. Roger Knighton, Las Vegas, Nevada, was born and raised in McGill, Nevada, He attended White Pine High School in Ely, Nevada. He received a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1976 and a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science in 1980, both from the University of Nevada, Reno. He then earned his DVM degree in 1984 from K-State. Dr. Knighton began his career with the Spring Mountain Animal Hospital in 1984, which later became the VCA Spring Mountain Animal Hospital as part of the VCA animal hospital network in 1993. Dr. Knighton specializes in small animal medicine with an interest in veterinary dentistry. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Nevada Veterinary Medical Association, serving as the president of the latter in 2008.
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alumni news
American Veterinary Medical Association 2022 Dr. Luis Montaner DVM 1991
Dr. Luis Montaner, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and master of veterinary pathology degrees from Kansas State University, both in 1991, and a doctorate in experimental pathology from the University of Oxford, UK, in 1995. He joined The Wistar Institute in 1995 as an assistant professor and was promoted to professor in 2007. Dr. Montaner is currently vice president for scientific operations; associate director for Shared Resources, Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center; Herbert Kean, M.D., Family Endowed Chair Professor; director, HIV-1 Immunopathogenesis Laboratory; and professor, Immunology, Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, at The Wistar Institute.
Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association 2022 Dr. David Biehl, DVM 1976
Dr. David L. Biehl, Elkhorn, Nebraska, was born on a farm/ranch north of Lexington, Nebraska. From a very early age he wanted to be a veterinarian. In 1976, he graduated from Kansas State University with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Dr. Biehl practiced his entire veterinary career in Hastings, Nebraska, until 2015, when he and his wife Cindy moved to Elkhorn where he has begun a second career as a sculptor. Dr. Biehl began sculpting in 2003, saying he was always “drawn” to art — and especially sculpture. He is self-taught, paying great attention to movement, detail and emotion as is shown in his sculptures. Dr. Biehl has produced more than 20 monument pieces and over 60 table-sized sculptures. He has bronze sculptures on display in several museums, schools and parks, including the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
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alumni news
2022-2023
Alumni recognition awards American Association of Equine Practitioners 2022
American Association of Bovine Practitioners 2023
Dr. Jeffrey Foland, Weatherford, Texas, a native of Wyoming, Dr. Foland attended the University of Wyoming for three years of pre-veterinary instruction. He graduated with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University in 1987. Upon completing a one-year internship at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, California, Dr. Foland stayed for an additional year as an associate veterinarian. He was accepted into a surgical residency program at Colorado State University in 1989, completing it in June 1992. Dr. Foland moved to Oakdale, California, in July 1992 and took a position as surgeon at Pioneer Equine Hospital. He became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1994. The following year, he moved to Texas in 1995 to start a new practice. In June 2001, he started the Weatherford Equine Medical Center with two other doctors, which has become one of the largest practices in north Texas.
Dr. Wilfred “Wil” Schuler, Hazel Green, Wisconsin, earned a Doctor Veterinary Medicine degree in 1987 from Kansas State University. Immediately following graduation he joined Veterinary Associates SC located in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, and Galena, Illinois, where he continues to practice today. Dr. Schuler is the immediate past president of Veterinary Associates and continues to serve dairy and beef clients in southwest Wisconsin and northwest Illinois. Dr. Schuler is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, National Mastitis Council (NMC), and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA). He is vice chair of the milk quality and udder health committee of the AABP. Dr. Schuler is past president of the South Western Wisconsin Veterinary Medicine Association (SWWVMA), past district representative to the WVMA
Dr. Jeffrey Foland, DVM 1987
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Dr. Wilfred Schuler, DVM 1987
alumni news Dr. Terry Engleken, DVM 1987 In October, Merck Animal Health recognized Dr. Terry Engelken as the AABP Mentor of the Year. This annual award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond in educating, supporting and advancing the careers of future bovine veterinarians. He is now a professor at the Iowa State veterinary college. He started his academic career at Mississippi State University in 1991 and has been with Iowa State University for more than 17 years.
Dr. Steve Smith, DVM 1990 Dr. Steve Smith was awarded the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association’s Veterinarian of the Year award. This award Dr. Terry Engelken, DVM class of 1987, was named AABP’s Mentor of the Year. He is is made annually to an SDVMA member joined at the right by K-State classmate, Dr. Wilfred Schuler, AABP district 5 director. who has significantly contributed to the On the left is Dr. Patrick Gorden, AABP president. veterinary profession and to the animals and clients they serve. Dr. Smith has an Minnesota. Dr. Petznick practices in the Omaha, Nebraska, undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University area. Dr. Petznick was cited for successfully meeting his and received his DVM in 1990 from K-State. After clients’ needs over the past 25 years through a balance of graduating, he practiced in both Harrisburg and Plankinton, science-based and practical approaches to livestock health. South Dakota, developing a thriving equine practice. His tireless efforts led to recognition of the widespread and Dr. Smith moved to Groton, South Dakota, in 1996 to largely unknown role of sapovirus in pig production systems. establish his current practice. Along with Dr. Neil Lund and Dr. Petznick was also credited for his expertise in managing his Kansas State University classmate, Dr. Jeff Stolle ‘90, purebred sows, which has made him an in-demand consulting he established a practice that has since grown to four swine veterinarian. Since 2010, he has been in private practice veterinarians and nine support employees. The practice serves focusing on swine health and production and servicing swine clients across northeastern South Dakota. In addition to his clients of all sizes and types throughout the Great Plains and equine medicine work, he has also developed a dairy practice Hawaii. and an interest in small animal orthopedic surgery. Dr. Smith is an active member of his community. He is a Dr. Tara Donovan, DVM 1998 volunteer for many local organizations including the local Dr. Tara Donovan was named the 2023 Swine Practitioner school board, and he has served in several positions in his of the Year. The award is given to the swine practitioner church. Dr. Smith has been as a member of the South Dakota who has demonstrated an unusual degree of proficiency and Veterinary Exam Board and as a member of the SDSU effectiveness in the delivery of veterinary service to clients. Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory advisory Growing up on a diversified livestock farm near Loup City, committee. Nebraska, Dr. Donovan never wavered in her desire to work with farm animals later in life. Her advocacy for agriculture Dr. Tom Petznick DVM 1995 started early as a member of 4-H, a Nebraska State FFA Dr. Tom Petznick was chosen for the 2023 Science in officer and a recipient of the American FFA degree. Practice Award presented during the Allan D. Leman Swine Conference hosted in September by the University of wildcatveterinarian | 61
alumni news Dr. Donovan earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and DVM from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She also completed a food-animal medicine internship at K-State. She is currently enrolled in the master of veterinary science program at the University of Illinois. Dr. Donovan is vice president of health and management for HANOR Company, where she oversees the veterinary management for 85,000 sows and 1.9 million grow-finish pigs. She is responsible for preventive health programs, pharmaceutical management and compliance, animal caregiver training and on-farm swine health practices. She was cited for her ability to provide and communicate sciencebased and realistic recommendations for the animals under her care. She is known for networking with her peers to share knowledge about diseases and on-farm animal care practices.
Dr. Micah Kohles, DVM 2001 Dr. Kohles was recently appointed chief veterinary officer for Compana Pet Brands. In January 2022, he joined Compana, when the company acquired Oxbow Animal Health, where he served as vice president — technical services & research. Dr. Kohles owns and actively practices at Woodland Animal Hospital and is as an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Additionally, he is a regular lecturer at veterinary schools and conferences across the globe. He serves on the World Pet Association and Pet Advocacy Network Board of Directors and is also an active member of various professional organizations, including American Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Avian Veterinarians, Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, where he is a past president.
Dr. Aaron Stohs, DVM 2004 Dr. Aaron Stohs opened a new location of Paola Veterinary Clinic in Paola’s Industrial Park in December 2022. The clinic spent the previous five years located in a smaller building. Dr. Stohs told the Miami County Republic newspaper that the previous location was about 2,200 square feet, while the new clinic is 6,500 square feet, along with a 3,000-square-foot large-animal facility. The clinic offers a wide range of services for cattle, horses, pigs and small animals like dogs and cats. 62 | wildcatveterinarian
Dr. Tara Donovan, DVM class of 1998, is the AASV’s Swine Practitioner of the Year.
Services include fracture repairs and artificial insemination on horses and dogs. The clinic also features digital X-ray, ultrasound and in-house blood machines. Dr. Stohs worked at the Drexel Veterinary Clinic in 2006, and the following year he purchased the clinic from longtime owner Dr. Kenneth Hatten.
Dr. Kellie Triplett (Major US Army), DVM 2008 In November 2022, Dr. Kellie Triplett, a Pittsburg, Kansas, native was the keynote speaker at Pittsburg State University’s Veterans Day ceremony. She has had a varied and impactful career as a veterinarian in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, where she has earned the rank of major. Dr. Triplett initially enlisted in the Army as a parachute rigger and packed for jump school at Ft. Benning, Georgia. She was a member of The Silver Wings, the Command Exhibition Skydiving Team. Dr. Triplett holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Pittsburg State University (‘95) and a master’s in public health from the University of South Florida
alumni news in addition to her DVM from K-State. After retirement from the Army in 2019, Dr. Triplett started working for Happy Paws Mobile Vet Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado — a nonprofit spay and neuter clinic that supports the 501(c)3 registered rescue groups in the Colorado Springs area.
Dr. Daniel Christensen, DVM 2011 The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) announced the hiring of Dr. Daniel W. Christensen as the new Utah state veterinarian, taking the place of Dr. Dean Taylor who retired from UDAF on December 30, 2022. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Christensen to our department and are confident that he will serve the people of Utah well,” says Craig Buttars, UDAF Commissioner. “We would also like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Taylor for his dedication and service as the state veterinarian for the past three years, managing an unprecedented number of animal disease outbreaks and helping provide stability to animal health regulation.” After Dr. Christensen received his DVM from K-State, he spent several years with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute. He was the attending veterinarian at Tripler Army Medical Center. His background in infectious disease research and veterinary practices make him well-qualified to oversee the industry’s needs as state veterinarian. Dr. Christensen officially joined UDAF in August 2023.
Dr. Todd Askren, DVM 2015 Dr. Todd Askren joined Overland Park Veterinary Center in August. He has been practicing in the metro area since 2013. He lives with his wife Melissa in Overland Park. Melissa and Todd met in the K-State marching band while they were in college. “My grandpa was a veterinarian,” Dr. Askren says. “I spent a lot of time with him going on farm calls. I watched him and decided at 7 years old that is what I wanted to do.”
Dr. Amanda Brown-Goltra, DVM 2015 Dr. Amanda Brown-Goltra opened the Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic in Fort Scott, Kansas, in January. She is a 2008 Fort Scott High School graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 2013. She earned her DVM from K-State in 2015. “Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic will be a mixed animal practice with a focus on medicine and wellness,” Dr. Brown-
Goltra says to FortScott.biz. “We will be able to see small animals in the clinic and large animals on the (clients) farm.” She worked at the Animal Care Center in Fort Scott for over five years right after graduation and she worked at a busy, fast paced clinic in Webb City for two years. “I became a veterinarian to help people and their pets live their longest, healthiest life,” she says. “As my career has continued, it has transformed into furthering education of owners to give their pet the best medical care.”
Dr. Trista Mills, DVM 2015 In January, Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo announced the hiring of Dr. Trista Mills as assistant professor of general veterinary practice. “In joining the faculty, I’m hoping I can inspire others to develop a passion and enthusiasm for rural veterinary practice,” Dr. Mills says. “I hope I can help them embrace the challenges, and know that they have mentors who are happy to encourage and bounce ideas around when they’re faced with new and interesting problems to solve.” She worked at Carlsbad Animal Clinic in New Mexico as an associate veterinarian after graduating from K-State.
Dr. Anna Hickert, DVM 2020 Dr. Anna Hickert, also known as Dr. Red, works at Solomon Valley Veterinary Hospital in Beloit, Kansas. She was featured in a video news report, syndicated in Denver, about her involvement in the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas. Beloit is about a two-hour drive west of Manhattan. “I knew from the get-go that where I wanted to end up long term was in a rural practice, in rural America, basically giving back and serving the people that got me to where I am today,” Dr. Hickert says in the video. The CVM’s Dr. Brad White was also featured in the report along with a student who was then in her fourth-year, Dr. Rachel Miner, DVM class of 2023. Scan the QR code to read the full story, “Rural training program in Kansas shines light on veterinarian shortage”
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alumni news
Alumni Fellow Award 2023 recipient Dr. Jay Merriam, DVM 1969 Combining a concern for equine welfare and a love for teaching, Dr. Jay Merriam has prioritized both in his 50-plus years in private sport horse practice. As president of the Massachusetts VMA in 1993, Dr. Merriam co-founded Project Samana, a charitable health care project that has taken over 300 veterinarians, students, and technicians to the Samana area of the Dominican Republic on twiceyearly visits for the last 30 years. Participants have treated thousands of animals and provided training for local veterinarians, students, and caregivers. Integrating welfare and humane care into his growing practice was key to becoming an adjunct instructor at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, where he chaired a private practice/academic internship within the Department of Large Animal Medicine. Dr. Merriam graduated from Kansas State University in 1969, interned at University of Missouri, and performed graduate studies and obtained an master’s degree in equine surgery in 1974 from Auburn University. He worked in a racetrack/surgical practice in New England before founding Massachusetts Equine Clinic in 1985. He later co-founded the Equitarian Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainably improve the health of working equids by harnessing the passion and expertise of volunteer veterinarians -— Philanthropic Veterinary Care for Working Horses of the Developing World. Dr. Merriam coordinates and deploys hundreds of highly skilled equine veterinarians (including himself ) to provide basic veterinary care to pack animals in remote regions of the world. In addition, the organization works with regional veterinary resources to provide owner education to strengthen the long-term impact of their efforts. Dr. Merriam has provided training for veterinarians in India, Morocco, Haiti, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. He is the founder and director of the Wind Walkers Therapeutic Riding Center in Colorado. Dr. Merriam received the George T. Angell Humanitarian Award from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
In memoriam 1942 Dr. George Teddy Dalziel Dec. 4, 2022 Rockville, Maryland
1951 Dr. John Harold Vogel March 10, 2023 Norman, Oklahoma
1955 Dr. D.L. “Ferd” Waddell Sept. 10, 2022 Kingston, Oklahoma
1946 Dr. Kenneth E. Taylor Jan. 22, 2022 Williamsburg, Virginia
1952 Dr. Howard E. Gill Feb. 7, 2022 Perdido Key, Florida
1956 Dr. Jack Dee Railsback March 20, 2023 Humboldt, Nebraska
1949 Dr. Darrell C. Phillips May 9, 2023 WaKeeney, Kansas
Dr. Richard A. Heise April 23, 2023 Albuquerque, New Mexico
1957 Dr. Robert F. Frank May 11, 2022 Fancy Farm, Kentucky
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Dr. Irvin M. Schwalm May 18, 2023 Hiawatha, Kansas 1958 Dr. Hal Richard Sinclair June 1, 2022 Kansas City, Missouri Dr. Irwin Boyden Wood Oct. 27, 2022 Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Dr. Thomas W. Swerczek Jan. 9, 2022 Lexington, Kentucky
Dr. Nicholas Patrick Schoeder March 18, 2022 Wakeeney, Kansas
Dr. Elmer R. Reich Oct. 12, 2022 Carlsbad, California
1965 Dr. William G. McConnell March 12, 2019 Pleasant Hill, Tennessee
1971 Dr. Ralph Edward Jewell Oct. 28, 2021 Cushing, Oklahoma
Dr. Jim Smart April 13, 2023 Abilene, Kansas
Dr. Emma Katherine Smith Feb. 18, 2022 St. Louis, Missouri
Dr. Thomas E. Nightingale Nov. 26, 2021 Poolesville, Maryland
Dr. Bernard C. Zecha Dec. 21, 2021 Cheyenne, Wyoming
1966 Dr. Stuart James Burns April 8, 2023 Paris, Kentucky
1973 Dr. Richard Eugene Bramlage Dec. 15, 2022 Marysville, Kansas
Dr. Steve Mosier Sept. 11, 2022 Hays, Kansas
Dr. Richard Doyle Jamison May 1, 2022 Sidney, Iowa
1967 Dr. Richard J. Cortesi Aug. 3, 2021 Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dr. Lennis Craig Knight Aug. 12, 2022 Chatham, Illinois and Gann Valley, South Dakota
Dr. Ben Bradford Dow June 8, 2023 South Burlington, Vermont
Dr. Andrew “Andy” Martinsen Oct. 17, 2022 Saint Paul, Nebraska
Dr. F.T. Satalowich Feb. 9, 2022 Columbia, Missouri
Dr. Cesar Gonzalez Dec. 14, 2022 San Juan, Puerto Rico
1962 Dr. Jay Arnold Anderson June 1, 2022 Oberlin, Kansas
Dr. Charles E. Knudsen Oct. 29, 2017 Maricopa, California
1974 Dr. Robert Arthur Griffin Dec. 2, 2022 Frankfort, Kansas
1959 Dr. David E. McClun Sept. 9, 2022 Walnut Creek, California
1960 Dr. Arthur W. Gillum Feb. 11, 2022 Little Rock, Arkansas Dr. Phil Lukert Oct. 5, 2022 Colbert, Georgia 1961 Dr. Gerald D. Hanneman Dec. 24, 2021 Edmond, Oklahoma
Dr. Duance Edward Cole Jan. 9, 2022 Lincoln, Kansas
Dr. Byron Lee Wilson Aug. 28, 2021 Cedar Park, Texas
Dr. Thomas William Parks April 13, 2023 Lincoln, Nebraska
1968 Dr. Lewis Hugh Brogan Dec. 20, 2021 Chico, California
1963 Dr. Dewey Fredrick Gillett Feb. 7, 2022 Leavenworth, Kansas
1969 Dr. Kenneth H. Rockwood April 3, 2023 Falmouth, Maine
1964 Dr. Bryan “Doc” Barr Nov. 29, 2022 Emporia, Kansas
1970 Dr. William N. Bendure Nov. 5, 2022 Independence, Missouri Dr. Max R. Russell March 11, 2022 Wamego, Kansas
1976 Dr. Darrel Lloyd Smith Jan. 19, 2022 Friona, Texas 1977 Dr. Rodney Craig Brown Nov. 3, 2022 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 1981 Dr. Tommy L. Mah Dec. 25, 2021 Topeka, Kansas Dr. Jack Reynolds, Ph.D. 1981 Oct. 10, 2022 Clearwater, Kansas Dr. Jeffrey A. Schreiber July 19, 2023 Basehor, Kansas
1982 Dr. Fred Lee Beeman June 3, 2022 Washington, Kansas Dr. Cassius M. Tucker March 20, 2022 Schoolcraft, Michigan 1985 Dr. Stephen H. White Jan. 28, 2022 Leawood, Kansas 1987 Dr. Joe A. Kubicek May 5, 2023 Dubuque, Iowa 1995 Dr. Thomas Alvin Edwards March 24, 2022 Manhattan, Kansas 1998 Dr. Robert Joe Keener Sept. 23, 2021 La Crosse, Kansas 2006 Dr. Janelle Dewey Nov. 29, 2022 Savannah, Missouri 2008 Dr. Micah Erin-Sharp Sabey Dec. 30, 2020 Redmond, Washington 2010 Scott David Morey Sept. 30, 2022 Stafford Springs, Connecticut Dr. Christopher Paul Potanas Jan. 15, 2022 Naples, Florida Friends of the college Barbara Jean Strahm (Spouse of the late Dr. Samuel Strahm, DVM 1959 (deceased 2009) Oct. 17, 2022 Pawhuska, Oklahoma
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development focus
Reaching new heights In the past six years, successful fundraising has elevated the college, leading to more opportunities for growth Story by Marisa Larson, KSU Foundation “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” This Maya Angelou quote speaks to the past six years of fundraising success at the College of Veterinary Medicine. With generous gifts from individuals and industry partners, the college has gratefully enhanced facilities, supported students and invested in program success. When Hodes Family Dean Dr. Bonnie Rush was named interim dean of the college in 2017 and then appointed dean in 2019, she came with a list of goals that included increasing scholarship support, improving facilities, advancing student wellness and increasing the college’s endowment. Through the generosity of alumni, friends of the college and industry partners, those goals have been met. “We’ve more than doubled the scholarship endowment,” Dean Rush says. “That is really important to keep the degree as affordable as possible so students graduate with less debt. Corporate and private gifts have allowed us to transform the college into a more contemporary and functional space. This has helped us with recruiting students and retaining faculty.”
Dr. Wayne ‘75 and Jane Ingmire surprised Dr. Jana Gigliotti ‘22, with a scholarship when she was a veteerinary student.
The Wellness on Wheels mobile unit brings care to those without access to a veterinarian. 66 | wildcatveterinarian
Impact of philanthropy over the past six years Scholarships and financial support • $26.8M scholarship endowment • Tuition frozen from fall 2016 through spring 2023 • $32.4K/student decrease in in-state student debt • $76.9K/student decrease in out-of-state student debt • Increased state support for rural scholarships
Facilities
Veterinary students, faculty and staff provide services at Everybody Counts community fair where healthcare services are offered to people and their pets.
• 103,900 square feet renovated or added • $32.6M raised for enhanced facilities • Service, research and teaching spaces improved
Programs • $20M+ support for the shelter medicine program, including two new mobile surgery vehicles • Feedyard visit and student training in Food Animal Medicine with the Beef Cattle Institute • Treatment expense coverage for those in need through the Miles Fund and Pet Tribute fund
Student wellness
The Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Auditorium is the primary classroom for third-year veterinary students and serves as the principal space for all-college meetings, continuing education and after-hours activities.
• Comprehensive wellness program and in-house fitness center • Purple Pantry food and hygiene products • Purple Threads work clothing closet • Free counseling • Testing center to support academic success • Financial literacy education
Endowment growth = future support and success • $54.2M endowment — a $24M increase
Continued growth The college has come a long way in six years, but there’s more to do. • Renovation of Trotter Hall’s second floor • Support for all programs to enhance research and learning experiences • Technology upgrades, such as a new linear accelerator • Stand-alone KSVDL building • Renovation of small animal surgery will begin this fall and will expand the space from 5,000 sf to 8,800 sf.
Veterinary students, faculty and staff support the local community and their pets at Everybody Counts.
You can help Thanks to your generosity, the College of Veterinary Medicine has exceeded its fundraising goal every year since 2015-16. Our goal this year is $15 million. To invest in the college, contact Austin Schilling at austins@ksufoundation.org or 785-775-2082. wildcatveterinarian | 67
College of Veterinary Medicine
101 Trotter Hall Manhattan, KS 66506-5604 785-532-5660
Looking through to spring - a newborn foal at the Veterinary Health Center. Photo by Audrey Hambright.
