Awards, Grants, and Scholarships

AAVMC Veterinary Faculty Awards

AAVMC Excellence in Research Award

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. This award also showcases the contributions of AAVMC member institutions to the scientific community, and the Award Committee seeks the most outstanding individuals for this recognition.

Past Recipients

Eligibility

Nominee Eligibility

Nominees must be affiliated with an AAVMC Institutional Member and be active researchers who are currently publishing, conducting research, and supervising graduate student training. Nominations are open internationally to individuals in any discipline of veterinary medicine.

Nominator Eligibility

An AAVMC Institutional Representative from an AAVMC Institutional Member may submit a nomination.

Nomination Limit

Each AAVMC member institution may submit no more than one nomination.

Nomination Materials

A nomination letter addressing the award criteria below.
Three supporting letters from individuals knowledgeable about the nominee’s achievements. At least two letters should be from colleagues at an institution other than the nominee’s current institution.
The nominee’s current CV.

Award Criteria

Originality
- Pioneered in the development of novel and significant areas of knowledge.
- Developed new knowledge in a creative manner and with independent insight.
- Created new knowledge to expand the understanding of veterinary medicine and/or extended the application of knowledge to veterinary practice/technology.
Experimental Practices
- Developed creative and innovative hypotheses during research.
- Developed new and superior experimental methodologies.
- Formulated experimental designs that enabled the derivation of unambiguous conclusions.
- Conveyed research results to the scientific community with clarity through timely presentation at scientific meetings and by publication in high quality journals.
Leadership
- Provided essential contributions in team research endeavors.
- Recognized as an innovator and scholar by peers as evidenced by other scientific awards and by invitations to participate in scholarly activities such as symposia.
- Shared their research experience willingly and unselfishly with the scientific community through activities such as providing expert advice, sharing new techniques, or providing unique reagents.
- Applied experimental results for the benefit of society.
Graduate Student/Residency Training
- Consistent track record of excellence in instruction/training of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, or interns.

Selection Committee

The AAVMC Research Committee appoints the selection committee from among its members. The award is presented annually if a suitable recipient is identified.

Submit a Nomination

AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award—Career Achievement

Presented by Zoetis

The AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award—Career Achievement, presented by Zoetis, recognizes an established educator whose sustained contributions have made a lasting impact on veterinary education.

Past Recipients

2025 – John J. Dascanio
2024 – Dean A. Hendrickson
2023 – Rance Sellon
2022 – Elizabeth Alvarez
2021 – Erin Malone
2020 – Steven Hines
2019 – Jerome Masty
2018 – Gayle B. Brown
2017 – Jennifer Hodgson
2016 – Steven Stockham
2015 – Pete Bill
2014 – Jon Patterson
2013 – Matthew Mellema
2012 – Mary Anna Thrall
2011 – Anton Hoffman
2010 – Richard Meadows
2009 – Larry Adams
2008 – Bonnie Smith
2007 – S. Kathleen Salisbury
2006 – L. Ray Whalen
2005 – Peter MacWilliams
2004 – Holly Bender
2003 – S. Dru Forrester
2002 – Scott Brown
2001 – Steven Kincaid
2000 – Bradley Klein
1999 – Sharon Patton
1998 – Steven Parish
1997 – Mary Christopher
1996 – Stephen Hines
1995 – Kent Ames
1994 – Michael Willard
1993 – Harold N. Engel, Jr.
1992 – Raymond Sweeney
1991 – David Tyler

Eligibility

Nominee Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to educators at AAVMC Institutional Member schools. Nominees no longer have to be the same individual nominated/selected for the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award.

Nominator Eligibility

An AAVMC Institutional Representative must submit the required nomination materials for the institution’s nominee.

Nomination Limit

In any given year, each AAVMC Institutional Member may submit a nomination for only one of the two Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award categories. Institutions may submit nominations for the same award category in consecutive years.

Nomination Materials

A maximum of two nomination letters from the dean, associate dean, department chair, or other individuals able to evaluate the nominee’s contributions as an educator. Letters should address the sustained quality of teaching and impact on student learning and veterinary medical education. Each letter must not exceed 450 words (approximately one single-spaced page in 12-point font). Additional letters will not be considered.
A maximum of two nomination letters from a current or former student, intern, resident, student organization (such as SAVMA), and/or committee, as appropriate. Letters should address the sustained quality of teaching, particularly Student Learning Outcomes. Each letter must not exceed 450 words (approximately one single-spaced page in 12-point font). Additional letters will not be considered.
A personal statement from the nominee describing their impact on veterinary medical education and expanding on information included in the Educator’s CV. The statement may address use of student or peer feedback for professional development; student or mentee outcomes; scholarship in teaching and learning; educational innovation or materials development; curricular or program development; and leadership or service in veterinary medical education. The statement must not exceed 450 words (approximately one single-spaced page in 12-point font).
The nominee’s current Educator’s CV. Use of the provided Educator’s CV template is recommended to support alignment with the award rubric. Note: The Educator’s CV template is adapted with permission from the Educator’s CV developed by the Consortium of West Region Colleges of Veterinary Medicine.

Award Criteria

This award is to recognize Career Achievement in veterinary education. The recipient will have demonstrated exemplary leadership in veterinary medical education and impact beyond their institution through educational accomplishment and innovations, scholarship, and/or service. Criteria that will be considered during review of the nominee include:

Student Learning Outcomes
Scholarship in Education
Leadership and Recognition

Recognition for Contributions to Veterinary Medical Education
Professional Development in Education

Guidelines for Scoring Categories

Student Learning Outcomes

Definition: This category assesses the nominee’s sustained impact on student learning and their overall teaching effectiveness.

Evidence May Include:

Teaching Load: Number of courses taught, variety of subjects, and level of responsibility in instruction.
Student and Peer Evaluations: Consistently high ratings and positive feedback from students and colleagues.
Mentoring and Advising: Evidence of supporting students beyond the classroom, including career guidance and mentorship.
Learner Assessment and Outcome Measurement: Innovative assessment strategies and demonstrated improvement in student learning outcomes.

Scoring Considerations:

Depth and consistency of impact on student learning.
Use of innovative or evidence-based teaching methodologies.
Contributions to student success, including mentorship and advising.

Scholarship in Education

Definition: This category evaluates contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning, including research and dissemination of educational advancements.

Evidence May Include:

Grants: External or internal funding obtained for educational research or curriculum development.
Presentations at Conferences and Symposia: Contributions to local, national, or international veterinary education events.
Publications: Peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, or white papers related to veterinary medical education.

Scoring Considerations:

Quality and impact of educational scholarship.
Contribution to advancing veterinary education through research or knowledge dissemination.
Recognition from peers or institutions for scholarly contributions.

Leadership and Service

Definition: Evaluates contributions to educational leadership, including curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and committee service.

Evidence May Include:

Curriculum and Program Development: Leadership in designing or refining veterinary education programs.
Educational Leadership and Administration: Roles in leading educational initiatives (e.g., department chair, course director, faculty advisor).
Committee Involvement: Service on committees focused on veterinary education, accreditation, or academic affairs.

Scoring Considerations:

Influence on veterinary education programs or policies.
Leadership roles and effectiveness in shaping educational initiatives.
Mentorship and contributions to faculty or institutional development.

Recognition for Contributions to Veterinary Medical Education

Definition: This category considers external recognition of the nominee’s contributions to veterinary medical education.

Evidence May Include:

Teaching Honors and Awards: Local, national, or international recognition for teaching excellence.
Innovation and Development of Educational Materials: Creation of widely used educational resources, including textbooks, online learning tools, or simulations.

Scoring Considerations:

Prestige and significance of awards or recognition received.
Sustainability and impact of contributions to veterinary medical education.
Innovations that have improved teaching and learning experiences.

Professional Development in Education

Definition: Evaluates the nominee’s efforts in personal professional development and contributions to faculty development in veterinary medical education.

Evidence May Include:

Personal Professional Development: Participation in teaching workshops, faculty development programs, or advanced training in education (e.g., earning a graduate certificate or degree in education).
Contributions to Faculty Development: Leading faculty training sessions, mentoring new educators, or serving as a role model in veterinary teaching.

Scoring Considerations:

Active engagement in lifelong learning related to teaching and education.
Impact on faculty peers and educational development at the institution or beyond.
Demonstrated commitment to improving veterinary education at the institutional, national, or international level.

Submit a Nomination

AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award—Emerging Leader

Presented by Zoetis

The AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award—Emerging Leader, presented by Zoetis, recognizes a talented veterinary medical educator with at least 5 years of teaching experience. This award serves to recognize and inspire an individual in veterinary medical education who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the educational mission within their own institution and has the potential for increased leadership and sphere of impact on the profession.

Past Recipients

Eligibility

Nominee Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to educators at AAVMC Institutional Member schools. Nominees no longer have to be the same individual nominated/selected for the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award.

Nominator Eligibility

An AAVMC Institutional Representative must submit the required nomination materials for the institution’s nominee.

Nomination Limit

Nomination Materials

A maximum of two nomination letters from the dean, associate dean, department chair, or other individuals able to evaluate the nominee’s contributions as an educator. Letters should address the sustained quality of teaching and impact on student learning and veterinary medical education. Each letter must not exceed 450 words (approximately one single-spaced page in 12-point font). Additional letters will not be considered.
A maximum of two nomination letters from a current or former student, intern, resident, student organization (such as SAVMA), and/or committee, as appropriate. Letters should address the sustained quality of teaching, particularly Student Learning Outcomes. Each letter must not exceed 450 words (approximately one single-spaced page in 12-point font). Additional letters will not be considered.
A personal statement from the nominee describing their impact on veterinary medical education and expanding on information included in the Educator’s CV. The statement may address use of student or peer feedback for professional development; student or mentee outcomes; scholarship in teaching and learning; educational innovation or materials development; curricular or program development; and leadership or service in veterinary medical education. The statement must not exceed 450 words (approximately one single-spaced page in 12-point font).
The nominee’s current Educator’s CV. Use of the provided Educator’s CV template is recommended to support alignment with the award rubric. Note: The Educator’s CV template is adapted with permission from the Educator’s CV developed by the Consortium of West Region Colleges of Veterinary Medicine.

Selection Criteria

Criteria that will be considered during review of the nominee include:

Student Learning Outcomes
Scholarship in Education
Leadership and Recognition
Recognition for Contributions to Veterinary Medical Education
Professional Development in Education

Selection Committee

Selection is conducted in accordance with the AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Awards review process.

Guidelines for Scoring Categories

Student Learning Outcomes

Definition: This category assesses the nominee’s sustained impact on student learning and their overall teaching effectiveness.

Evidence May Include:

Teaching Load: Number of courses taught, variety of subjects, and level of responsibility in instruction.
Student and Peer Evaluations: Consistently high ratings and positive feedback from students and colleagues.
Mentoring and Advising: Evidence of supporting students beyond the classroom, including career guidance and mentorship.
Learner Assessment and Outcome Measurement: Innovative assessment strategies and demonstrated improvement in student learning outcomes.

Scoring Considerations:

Depth and consistency of impact on student learning.
Use of innovative or evidence-based teaching methodologies.
Contributions to student success, including mentorship and advising.

Scholarship in Education

Definition: This category evaluates contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning, including research and dissemination of educational advancements.

Evidence May Include:

Grants: External or internal funding obtained for educational research or curriculum development.
Presentations at Conferences and Symposia: Contributions to local, national, or international veterinary education events.
Publications: Peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, or white papers related to veterinary medical education.

Scoring Considerations:

Quality and impact of educational scholarship.
Contribution to advancing veterinary education through research or knowledge dissemination.
Recognition from peers or institutions for scholarly contributions.

Leadership and Service

Definition: Evaluates contributions to educational leadership, including curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and committee service.

Evidence May Include:

Curriculum and Program Development: Leadership in designing or refining veterinary education programs.
Educational Leadership and Administration: Roles in leading educational initiatives (e.g., department chair, course director, faculty advisor).
Committee Involvement: Service on committees focused on veterinary education, accreditation, or academic affairs.

Scoring Considerations:

Influence on veterinary education programs or policies.
Leadership roles and effectiveness in shaping educational initiatives.
Mentorship and contributions to faculty or institutional development.

Recognition for Contributions to Veterinary Medical Education

Definition: This category considers external recognition of the nominee’s contributions to veterinary medical education.

Evidence May Include:

Teaching Honors and Awards: Local, national, or international recognition for teaching excellence.
Innovation and Development of Educational Materials: Creation of widely used educational resources, including textbooks, online learning tools, or simulations.

Scoring Considerations:

Prestige and significance of awards or recognition received.
Sustainability and impact of contributions to veterinary medical education.
Innovations that have improved teaching and learning experiences.

Professional Development in Education

Definition: Evaluates the nominee’s efforts in personal professional development and contributions to faculty development in veterinary medical education.

Evidence May Include:

Personal Professional Development: Participation in teaching workshops, faculty development programs, or advanced training in education (e.g., earning a graduate certificate or degree in education).
Contributions to Faculty Development: Leading faculty training sessions, mentoring new educators, or serving as a role model in veterinary teaching.

Scoring Considerations:

Active engagement in lifelong learning related to teaching and education.
Impact on faculty peers and educational development at the institution or beyond.
Demonstrated commitment to improving veterinary education at the institutional, national, or international level.

Submit a Nomination

Iverson Bell Award

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.

Past Recipients

2026 - John R. Welser (posthumous)
2025 – Susan Williams
2024 – Hilda Mejia Abreu and Monica Howard
2023 – Rustin Moore
2022 – Lorrie Gaschen
2021 – Ruby Perry
2020 – Daime Gongora and Sandra San Miguel
2019 – Kenita S. Rogers
2017 – Allen Cannedy
2015 – K. Paige Carmichael
2013 – Ronnie Elmore
2011 – Willie Reed
2009 – Tracy Hanner
2007 – Halcyon Watkins
2005 – James Coffman
2003 – Alfonza Atkinson
2001 – Louis Archbold
1999 – Eugene Adams
1997 – Sylvia Graham
1995 – Albert Dade
1993 – Walter Bowie
1991 – Patricia Lowrie
1989 – Billy Hooper

Eligibility

Nominee Eligibility

Nominees may be affiliated with or external to a college or school of veterinary medicine. Nominees are not required to be veterinarians. Posthumous nominations are not eligible for consideration.

Nominator Eligibility

Any individual employed at an AAVMC member institution may submit a nomination.

Nomination Materials

A nomination letter addressing the award criteria below.
Supporting documentation, including the nominee’s CV and any letters of recommendation, limited to 10 single-sided pages.

Award Criteria

A demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in academic veterinary medicine through contributions that may have impact in any area–college, local area or region, state and/or national arenas.
Played a significant role in the recruitment, development, and retention of pre-vet and DVM students, faculty, residents and interns from underrepresented or disadvantaged and/or marginalized groups.
Included and promoted diversity in the veterinary medical profession through the inclusion/infusion of diversity issues in the college environment through programming and curriculum additions.

Selection Committee

The AAVMC Thrive Committee appoints the selection committee from among its members.

Submit a Nomination

Billy E. Hooper Award for Distinguished Service

The Billy E. Hooper Award for Distinguished Service is an annual honor that recognizes an individual whose leadership and vision have made a significant contribution to academic veterinary medicine and the veterinary profession.

Past Recipients

2026 - Lorin D. Warnick
2025 – Oscar Fletcher
2024 – India Lane
2023 – John R. Pascoe
2022 – Daryl D. Buss
2021 – Corrie Brown
2020 – Eleanor Green
2019 – Elizabeth Strand
2018 – Norman B. Williamson
2017 – Francisco J. Trigo Tavera
2016 – Ralph Richardson
2015 – Lance Perryman
2014 – Joe Kornegay
2013 – James Coffman
2012 – Malcom Getz
2011 – Peter Eyre
2010 – Patricia Lowrie
2009 – Keith Prasse
2008 – J.T. Vaughn
2007 – John Shadduck
2006 – Richard Dierks
2005 – W. R. Pritchard
2004 – N. Ole Nielsen
2003 – Bill Jenkins
2002 – Lester Crawford

Eligibility

Nominee Eligibility

Nominees should be active members of the veterinary community with a demonstrated record of service, research, education, or engagement. Individuals whose contributions to the veterinary medical profession or academic veterinary medical education have been limited should not be considered. Posthumous nominations are not eligible for consideration.

Nominator Eligibility

Any individual employed at an AAVMC Institutional Member may submit a nomination.

Nomination Materials

A nomination letter addressing the award criteria below.

Award Criteria

The nominee’s contribution made should be to academic veterinary medical education, not the profession at large or
education generally.
2.   The contribution may be a fundamental one-time contribution, or incremental over time (“a body of work”).
3.   Areas in which the contribution might be made include, but are not limited to:
a.   Leadership of an AAVMC member institution
b.   Development of a curriculum, or a curricular model
c.   Development of clinical teaching methods, or a clinical model
d.   Advancement of the science of veterinary medical practice
e.   Advancement of the business of veterinary medical practice
f.   Advancement in fundamental concepts of the veterinary profession (e.g., the development of the concept of One Health)
g.   Advancement in the non-clinical practice of the veterinary profession (e.g., advancing the public’s understanding of the scope of veterinary practice)
h. Advancement in the research of pedagogy of veterinary medical education
i.   Advancement in the understanding of the economics of, political support for, educational milieu, or physical plant of academic veterinary medical education.
j.   Advancement in concepts of recruitment or admissions
k.   Advancement in the understanding of concepts of or promotion of diversity (in all its forms) in academic veterinary medical education
l. Advancement in concepts or promotion of leadership, or in providing leadership training, in academic veterinary medical education
m. The provision of information, knowledge, or solutions to AAVMC members’ work
n.   Acting as an effective catalyst or convener of issues of importance to academic veterinary medical education
4.   The significance of the contribution should be major. “Major” is contextual. In under-developed fields, minor advances may be considered major. Advancement in a well-developed field would need to be much more significant.
5.   Contributions need not be recent, as it may take time before the significance of an advance becomes recognized.
6.   The goal of this award is to recognize those who have helped to transform academic veterinary medical education in some way. Mere effectiveness or popularity should not be enough.
7.   Controversy over the contribution should not disqualify an individual from receiving the Billy Hooper Award, although the contribution made should not be in conflict with the publicly published AAVMC mission statement, vision statement, values statement, or strategic goals and objectives.

Selection Committee

The AAVMC Executive Committee serves as the selection committee.

Submit a Nomination

Veterinary Student Scholarships*

Patricia M. Lowrie Organizational Health Scholarship

The Patricia M. Lowrie Organizational Health Scholarship recognizes veterinary students who have demonstrated exemplary promise as future leaders and have made significant contributions to advancing an organizational culture of belonging and broad participation in academic veterinary medicine.

The scholarship recipient will be awarded a one-time payment in the amount of $10,000, applied to the Fall 2027 semester. U.S. and International AAVMC Institutional Members may nominate one eligible student.

Learn more here.(opens in new tab)

Important Update: The awardee of the Lowrie Organizational Health Scholarship was previously selected from the Merck Animal Health Diversity Scholarship nominations pool but will now require its own nomination.

Nominees for the Patricia M. Lowrie Organizational Health Scholarship cannot also be nominated for the Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program.

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Submit Your Application

Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program

Presented by Chewy Health

The Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program recognizes second-year veterinary students from backgrounds with limited access to veterinary careers and who have shown an interest in developing their leadership skills.

Individuals selected for the program will receive financial assistance as well as resources to support them through their final years of veterinary school and into the next phase of their careers.

Fifteen students will be selected for a $20,000 scholarship for the Fall 2027 semester. Each U.S. AAVMC Institutional Member may nominate one eligible student for the program. Learn more(opens in new tab)

Nominees for the Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program cannot also be nominated for the Patricia M. Lowrie Organizational Health Scholarship.

Submit Your Application

* The following student scholarship programs have been archived and are no longer accepting applications: Zoetis Foundation/AAVMC Veterinary Research Scholarship, Zoetis Foundation/AAVMC Veterinary Student Scholarship, and Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship.

AAVMC Grants**

CIVME Research Grant

The Council on International Veterinary Medical Education (CIVME) promotes and shares best practices in veterinary medical education worldwide. CIVME Research Grants support initiatives that align with one of the council's goals:

Communication and collaboration that advances veterinary medical education around the world
Collaboration among educational researchers
Dissemination of innovations and other educational advances to magnify the impact of projects by outreach to educators and their respective organizations

Apply for a Grant

View Grant Outputs

** The AAVMC/FFAR Veterinary Student Research Fellowship Grant is currently paused for the 2026 cycle.

Awards, Grants, and Scholarships

AAVMC Veterinary Faculty Awards

AAVMC Excellence in Research Award

AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award—Career Achievement

Presented by Zoetis

AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Educator Award—Emerging Leader

Presented by Zoetis

Iverson Bell Award

Billy E. Hooper Award for Distinguished Service

Veterinary Student Scholarships*

Patricia M. Lowrie Organizational Health Scholarship

Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program

Presented by Chewy Health

AAVMC Grants**

CIVME Research Grant

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