AAVMC Announces 2026–2027 Board of Directors

North Carolina State’s Kathryn Meurs to Lead AAVMC Board

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2026) — AAVMC is pleased to announce its 2026–2027 Board of Directors.

Kathryn Meurs, DVM, PhD, Randall B. Terry Jr. Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University (NC State University), began her term as AAVMC President and Board Chair at AAVMC’s annual conference yesterday.

An esteemed leader, researcher, and educator in veterinary medicine, Meurs brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She joined NC State as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Students in 2011. Before that she served on the faculty of the colleges of veterinary medicine at Washington State University and The Ohio State University. At each university, she was involved with not only teaching, but also mentoring and advising undergraduate, professional, and graduate students. She is board certified in cardiology and holds doctorates in veterinary medicine and genetics, with expertise in the genetic basis of feline and canine cardiac diseases.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with this outstanding community of veterinary college leaders. The AAVMC community’s dedication to excellence, compassion, and discovery is a constant source of inspiration, and I am privileged to help guide that mission forward,” Meurs says. “I look forward to working with AAVMC members to nurture the next generation of veterinarians, advance transformative research, and elevate veterinary education.”

AAVMC’s mission is to inspire innovation and promote excellence in academic veterinary medicine worldwide. Joining Meurs on the 2026–2027 Board to help AAVMC carry out its mission are:

President-elect
M. Daniel Givens, DVM, PhD, Dean, Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Immediate Past President
Bonnie Rush, DVM, Dean, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Secretary
Stacy Anderson, DVM, PhD, Executive Dean, Lincoln Memorial University Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine

Treasurer
Lorin D. Warnick, DVM, PhD, Austin O. Hooey Dean, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

At-Large Directors, Region I
Julie Funk, DVM, PhD, Dean, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine
Carla Gartrell, DVM, JD, Dean, Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine
Guy Loneragan, BVSc, PhD, Dean and Professor, Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine

At-Large Director, Region II
Dominique Griffon, DVM, PhD, Dean of Veterinary Medicine, University of Prince Edward Island

At-Large Director, Region III
Christopher Loughrey, BVMS, PhD, Head of School, Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine Professional Services, University of Glasgow

At-Large Director, Region IV
C. Henry Annandale, BVSc, PhD, Dean and Head of School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University

Liaison Representing AAVC *
Roger Fingland, DVM, Vice Dean and Professor, The Ohio State University

Liaison Representing AVTE *
Tricia Gorham, Program Director, St. Petersburg College School of Veterinary Technology

Liaison Representing SAVMA *
Marty Kacsh, Veterinary Student, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

AAVMC Chief Executive Officer *
Emma Read, DVM

* non-voting

AAVMC extends its gratitude to all Board members and volunteers for their dedication and service to academic veterinary medicine.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: To schedule an interview with a member of the AAVMC team, contact AAVMC Media Relations. Find more news in our Newsroom.

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About AAVMC
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) advances the health and wellbeing of humans, animals, and the environment by strengthening veterinary medical education. Working with its member institutions at accredited colleges and schools worldwide, AAVMC develops educational standards, facilitates research collaboration, and supports curriculum innovation to prepare veterinarians who can address critical challenges, including emerging zoonotic diseases, food safety and security, antimicrobial resistance, and the changing role of animals in society.