Impact and Service Awards Presented

University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Carolyn J. Henry presented the 2018 Dean’s Impact Awards on June 1, honoring an individual from outside the college, a staff person and a faculty member for sustained and significant positive impact on CVM programs. The annual awards were established in 1993.

This year’s Impact Award winners were Lonny Dixon, DVM, MS, director of the University of Missouri Office of Animal Resources and attending veterinarian at MU and the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital; Becky Elias, office supervisor in the MU Veterinary Health Center’s Large Animal Hospital; and Craig Franklin, DVM, PhD, professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology.

Dixon, a member of the CVM Class of 1975, was recognized in part for his contribution to the education of more than 1,300 veterinarians who have graduated from the CVM since 2001. He has also served as a mentor to more than 30 post-doctoral fellows and residents pursuing advanced training in administrative, clinical and regulatory laboratory animal medicine.

Elias, who also received a service award for 10 years with the university, was honored for providing excellent customer service to VHC clients as both a receptionist at the Large Animal Hospital front desk and in billing services.

“She consistently impresses clients with her willingness to make sure they feel 150 percent taken care of at all times,” commented one of Elias’ co-workers in a note of support for Elias’ nomination. “She is incredibly efficient and truly pays attention to every single detail.”

Henry presented the third Impact Award, which is for a faculty member, to Franklin. Franklin earned a bachelor’s degree, DVM, master’s degree and doctorate, as well as completed a residency in laboratory animal medicine, at Mizzou. Franklin was commended for his extensive advocacy for veterinary and post-DVM students at his alma mater.

In addition to his roles as professor and director of the NIH-funded MU Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center, he serves as the co-director for the college’s Veterinary Research Scholars Program and director of the Comparative Medicine Program (CMP).

“Since the inception of the CMP, 100 individuals have completed residency training and 77 are board-certified by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM),” it was noted Franklin’s letter of nomination for the Impact Award. “The University of Missouri CMP has trained approximately 8 percent of the 800 active ACLAM diplomates in the country. Graduates of this program have pursued successful careers in academia, government and industry.”

This year’s honorees each received an engraved crystal plaque presented during a reception that also recognized staff members who achieved milestones in their years of service to the University of Missouri. The following staff members were recognized for their service to MU:

Dean’s Office:

Karen Clifford, 10 years, Sherri Sachdev, 15 years, Matt Keeler, 20 years, Charles Leezy, 20 years,  Janie Harmon, 30 years, Don Connor, 50 years

Biomedical Sciences:

Tommy Thompson, 30 years

Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory:

Rachel Newton, 5 years, Susan Helming, 10 years

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery:

Kelsey Brown, 5 years, Clarissa Frederking, 5 years, Joni Lunceford, 5 years, Davida Wade, 5 years,  Carla Zerbolio, 5 years, Rebecca Elias, 10 years, Debora Evans, 10 years, James Holland, 10 years, Melinda Jacobs, 10 years, Jeffrey March, 10 years, Amanda Willis, 10 years, Jason Brandow, 15 years, Morgan Keys, 15 years, Jane Ebben, 25 years, Connie Sievert, 25 years

Veterinary Pathobiology:

Sarah Huffman, 10 years, Mary Shaw, 10 years, Anne Chegwidden, 15 years,

Giedre Turner, 15 years