Three outstanding Tigers — Elizabeth Bryda, Karen Clifford and Cot Fox — have been honored with the College of Veterinary Medicine’s 2025 Dean’s Impact Awards, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the college’s mission and community.

Published 5/22/25
Contact: Nicholas Childress, CVMMarCom@missouri.edu

Each year, the Dean’s Impact Awards shine a spotlight on the people who go above and beyond to strengthen the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Selected by Dean Srinand Sreevatsan from nominations submitted by faculty and staff, this year’s recipients exemplify the dedication, innovation and service that move the college forward.

Meet the 2025 honorees:

Faculty Award: Elizabeth Bryda, MS, PhD

Elizabeth Bryda, MS, PhD, a professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, is a nationally recognized leader in molecular genetics and animal modeling. As director of the NIH-funded Rat Resource and Research Center and co-director of the Comparative Medicine Program, she has helped position Mizzou as a hub for translational research and biomedical training. 

Bryda has developed more than 150 genetically engineered models and secured more than $31 million in research funding as a principal investigator. A dedicated mentor, she has guided more than 80 students and served on more than 45 thesis committees. 

She created Mizzou’s first graduate-level course in grant and manuscript writing, which is now a requirement for multiple programs. She also continues to drive innovation in genome editing technologies and infrastructure.

“Her impact on the biomedical research community, both nationally and internationally, is undeniable,” wrote one of her nominators. “Her dedication and accomplishments make her a highly deserving candidate.”

Faculty Award: Staff Award: Karen Clifford

Karen Clifford, a strategic communications associate and photographer at the college, is known for her unmatched skill, humility and quiet leadership. For more than a decade, she has helped define and elevate the college’s visual identity — not just through compelling images, but by capturing the heart and history of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

As a key member of the college’s communications and marketing team, Clifford is known for her calm, steady presence and unwavering dedication. During a leadership vacancy, she stepped up without hesitation — taking on extra responsibilities with no complaints, no shortcuts and no expectation of recognition. “She is the glue that holds our team together,” one nominator wrote. 

Her work ethic and professionalism are matched by her generosity. Clifford is quick to lend her support across the college, whether someone needs technical expertise, creative collaboration or simply a kind and thoughtful ear. “Karen brings a ray of light to the college, in both her photography skills and her demeanor,” another nominator wrote.

Her contributions — often behind the scenes — have been essential in shaping how the college presents itself to the world and connects with its community. “Karen makes us all better,” a nominator wrote. “And it’s time she’s celebrated.”

External Award: Cot Fox

Cot Fox, a 1971 graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, has made a lasting and transformative impact on the College of Veterinary Medicine through his extraordinary generosity and steadfast support.

Fox and his late wife, Kay, developed a deep connection to the college after their beloved dog received cancer treatment at the Veterinary Health Center. The experience — and the life-extending care their pet received — inspired their first major gift: a $5 million donation in 2013 to establish the Cot and Kay Fox Family Oncology Research Laboratory.

Since then, the Fox family’s contributions have exceeded $10 million, supporting translational oncology research, clinical care and state-of-the-art facility improvements. Their philanthropy has expanded cancer services for animal patients while advancing discoveries that benefit both veterinary and human medicine.

In his most recent commitment, Fox provided significant funding to support the renovation and modernization of the Veterinary Health Center — a vital hub that serves more than 30,000 animals each year and anchors the college’s clinical training, research and outreach.

“Mr. Fox’s generosity reflects a belief in the future of veterinary medicine and the role it plays in improving lives,” said Dean Srinand Sreevatsan. “His support is helping us reimagine the Veterinary Health Center for generations to come.”