AAVMC Expands Distinguished Veterinary Educator Awards to Recognize Career Achievement and Emerging Leaders

Washington, D.C. — The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and Zoetis are pleased to announce the expansion of the AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Awards, which celebrate excellence and leadership in veterinary medical education.

Presented by Zoetis, these annual awards will honor outstanding educators from AAVMC Institutional Member organizations worldwide at two career stages: Career Achievement and Emerging Leader.

“The Distinguished Veterinary Educator Awards celebrate the dedicated individuals whose work shapes the future of veterinary medicine,” said Ted Mashima, DVM, Interim Chief Executive Officer at AAVMC. “Award recipients will have demonstrated exceptional contributions to teaching, innovation, and academic leadership, thereby transforming student learning and elevating the standards of veterinary education worldwide.”

Richard Goldstein, DVM, Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Medical Affairs for Zoetis, noted, “Zoetis is proud to sponsor this award and support esteemed educators who are committed to excellence in veterinary medical education. These individuals are not only advancing knowledge and inspiring the next generation of veterinarians, but they are also contributing to a healthier future for animals, people, and the planet. Their work truly exemplifies the values we champion at Zoetis.”

Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award – Career Achievement

This award recognizes a seasoned educator who has demonstrated a sustained and transformative impact on veterinary education. Recipients of the Career Achievement Award are recognized for:

• Longstanding excellence in teaching and consistently strong student outcomes.
• Scholarly contributions to veterinary education through publications, presentations, and funded projects.
• Leadership in curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and educational innovation that extends beyond their home institution.

Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award – Emerging Leader

Designed to honor rising talent, this award highlights educators with a minimum of five years of teaching experience who have shown exceptional promise and achievement. Nominees are evaluated on:

• Quality of instruction and innovation in pedagogy.
• Early contributions to educational research and service.
• Demonstrated leadership within their institution and potential for broader influence in the field.

Award Nomination and Selection Process

Nominations for the 2026 awards will open September 11, 2025.

Nominees must be current faculty members at AAVMC Institutional Member organizations. Institutional members may submit only one nomination per year, choosing either the Career Achievement or Emerging Leader category.

Nomination packets must include:

• Up to two letters of support from institutional leadership.
• Up to two letters from current or former students.
• A personal statement outlining the nominee’s educational impact.
• A current educator’s CV.

Celebrating Educators Who Inspire

The Distinguished Veterinary Educator Awards are part of AAVMC’s ongoing mission to inspire innovation and promote excellence in academic veterinary medicine worldwide.

Award recipients will be honored at the AAVMC annual conference in Washington, D.C., where peers, students, and leaders in academic veterinary medicine will celebrate their achievements.

For more information on the awards and nomination process, or the AAVMC and its initiatives, visit www.aavmc.org.

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 Council on Education-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.