AAVMC Announces 2026 Award Recipients

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 11, 2026) — AAVMC is pleased to announce its 2026 award winners, recognizing exceptional contributions to academic veterinary medicine through excellence in research, leadership, teaching, and advancing diversity.

“We extend warm congratulations to all the awardees,” says Emma Read, DVM, Chief Executive Officer at AAVMC. “Each recipient has made remarkable contributions that strengthen veterinary education as a whole and inspire future generations of veterinary professionals. Their passion for academic veterinary medicine and their achievements have set the bar high for others in the field. We appreciate their efforts on behalf of our member institutions and their learners.”

2026 Award Recipients

The AVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award – Career Achievement, presented by Zoetis, recognizes excellence in professional veterinary medical education. It is the most prestigious teaching award in veterinary medicine and is presented to an educator whose sustained record of teaching excellence and ability, dedication, character, and leadership has contributed significantly to the advancement of the profession.
Recipient: John J. Dascanio, VMD, Professor of Theriogenology, Texas Tech University

The AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award – Emerging Leader, presented by Zoetis, honors educators with a minimum of five years of teaching experience who have shown exceptional promise and achievement. Recipients demonstrate leadership within their institution and potential for broader influence in the field.
Recipient: Christianne Magee, DVM, PhD, Associate Department Head and Director of Undergraduate Programs, Colorado State University

The AAVMC Excellence in Research Award recognizes outstanding research and scholarly achievements in veterinary medicine. The award honors those who demonstrate excellence in original research, leadership in the scientific community, and exceptional mentoring of trainees and colleagues in any discipline of veterinary medicine.
Recipient: B. Duncan X. Lascelles, BSc, BVSc, PhD, Professor of Translational Research in Pain and Surgery, North Carolina State University

The Iverson Bell Award is presented in memory and recognition of Iverson Bell’s outstanding leadership in and contributions to promoting diversity in veterinary medical education.
Recipient: John R. Welser, DVM, PhD (posthumous)

The Billy E. Hooper Award for Distinguished Service recognizes an individual whose leadership and vision have made a significant contribution to academic veterinary medicine and the veterinary profession.
Recipient: Lorin D. Warnick, DVM, PhD, Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University

Awards will be presented at Catalyze 2026, AAVMC’s annual conference, in April in Washington, D.C.

For more information about AAVMC awards, visit https://www.aavmc.org/resources/awards-grants-scholarships/

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.