Employee of the Month Rebecca Mackey

Congratulations to Rebecca Mackey, CVM's Employee of the Month for November!  Becky is a Laboratory Technologist who has worked at the Poultry Research and Diagnostic Lab for three years.  Before she held her current position, she worked in Fish Immunology as a Research Associate.  She and her husband Chris, a pilot with the MS Air National Guard, have three children:  Kate, 16; Lauren, 13; and Ethan, 8.  When she's not at the lab, Becky enjoys watching her children's activities.  She is also a seamstress and volunteers as head of costumes for the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet. 

Employee of the Month August

Congratulations to Michael Dawkins, CVM's August Employee of the Month!

In his 13 months here at the CVM, most everyone has encountered Michael either directly or indirectly - he and his team are the ones who answer the call when you dial 5-1082.  Before becoming Manager of Information Technology here at the CVM, Michael was IT Manager at MSU's Meridian campus for 10 years.  Although he says IT work itself is about the same everywhere, being here at the CVM has been a unique experience.  "Everything I've experienced here has been new in some shape or form, and a really good challenge," he said, adding that he has come to feel at home here at the CVM.  Michael and his wife Cynthia have four children, three boys and a girl who range in age from 13 to six.  When he's not saving the day technologically, he enjoys fishing, hunting, coaching youth sports, and spending time with his children. 

Champ photo shoot for "ESPN The Magazine".

Bully XX, also known as Champ, poses for his handler Lisa Pritchard during a photo shoot with photographer Jamie Chung at MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. The shot will be included in an "ESPN The Magazine" article about the live mascots of the Southeastern Conference.   State Snapshots

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Susan Heath, CVM's Employee of the Month for July!  Susan has been at the CVM only a little over a year, but it feels like she's been here a lot longer (in a good way!). Susan came to the CVM from the MSU Controller's office, where she had been since 1994.  As CVM's Academic Affairs Manager, Susan's role is high-touch with our students, and that's what she likes best.  "Helping them reminds me why this University is here," she says.  "In my previous job on campus, I worked more with individuals in each department and had very little contact with students . . . I love working with the students at CVM!"  Outside of work, Susan enjoys reading and spending time with her family, including daughters Courtney (17) and Camryn (9).  She is an active member of First Baptist Church here in Starkville.

Class of 2016 Coating Ceremony

Welcome Class of 2016

Emergency shelter options exist for pet owners, helpers

By Kaitlyn Byrne
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Pet owners should make finding pet-friendly emergency shelters a priority, as these shelters are safe havens for all “family” members during evacuations caused by hurricanes or other threats.

Dr. Diana Eubanks, an associate clinical professor at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, is a member of MSU’s Disaster Animal Response Team. She said concern for pets should never keep people in harm’s way when disasters strike. Planning a disaster strategy for pets can prevent fatalities if a disaster does occur.  more

Keep kids and pets free from parasites

By Keri Collins Lewis MSU Ag Communications MISSISSIPPI STATE – When the school bell rings for the last time, many children have furry friends eagerly awaiting summertime outdoor adventures. Proper veterinary care and good hygiene can help keep pets and kids parasite-free. more

CVM research aims to fast-track discoveries

By Keri Collins Lewis
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – New medical breakthroughs offer hope to those who suffer from health problems, and researchers at Mississippi State University are trying to reduce the time it takes for scientific advances to get from the laboratory to the patient. more

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Kyle Smith, CVM's June Employee of the Month!

If you've ever had a technology problem here at the CVM, chances are you've encountered Kyle Smith, IT Consultant.  And, once Kyle left your office and your problem was fixed, you can probably imagine why he was chosen Employee of the Month for June.  Kyle has been at the CVM a total of 12 years, the first two of which were as a student worker.  Apparently the experience of working in IT at a veterinary school didn't scare him away, because he chose to stick with us.   "There's definitely something different here each day," says Kyle.  "Yesterday I installed and set up a machine while they were giving a jugular catheter to a dog."  Kyle has learned to roll with the punches and says he appreciates the uniqueness of practicing his profession here at the CVM.  When he's not rescuing the less technology-savvy, Kyle enjoys spending time with sons Brody (6) and Jaxson (2), playing baseball, hunting, and fishing.   The Starkville native also enjoys coaching baseball, and was proud to be the assistant coach of the 2009 State Championship Team from Ackerman.

Live CVM imaging allows noninvasive intervention

By Bonnie Coblentz
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE – With specialized training and equipment and several years of experience behind them, a team of Mississippi State University veterinarians are ready to use interventional radiology to aid patients suffering from some difficult-to-treat conditions. more

CVM Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Michael Bassett, CVM’s May Employee of the Month!
If there’s such a thing as “founding staff” at the CVM, Michael Bassett would be in that group.  At the CVM since 1983 (with just one small interruption of four years), Michael has always been ready and willing to help just about anyone with just about anything.  As manager of LARAC, he supervises the day to day operations of the animal care group, but his role also finds him doing lots of problem solving and unusual duties.  “I like to be able to help the faculty out and solve problems for them, and I’m glad to try to lead my staff in a positive direction,” he says.  Michael and his wife Becky have two children (Presley, 7 and Hatcher, 6 weeks) and a yellow lab named River.  In his spare time, he likes to do the “usual Southern things:” hunting, fishing, working outside, and playing softball with his daughter.

Congratulations Class of 2012

Program

If you would like to order photos from the 2012 graduation events or portraits from the program, please visit: http://cvm-photo-services.photoreflect.com

Graduation ceremony in Lee Hall Bettersworth auditorium 

 If you would like to order photos from the 2012 graduation events or portraits from the program, please visit: http://cvm-photo-services.photoreflect.com

Awards ceremony and white coat group photo

  If you would like to order photos from the 2012 graduation events or portraits from the program, please visit: http://cvm-photo-services.photoreflect.com

MSU’s First Veterinary Technologists to Graduate

Back Row: Lindsey Turbyfill Smith, Cyndi Harvey, Andi Hannigan, David Eldridge, Tina Bloxsom, Chelsea Egbert, Kerry Centini.  Front Row: Michela Koppens, Kayla Jaynes, Paige Simpson, Abril Bernal
Photo by Tom Thompson

By Keri Collins Lewis 

MSU Ag Communications 

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine honored its first graduating class in the four-year veterinary medical technology degree program with a special pinning ceremony April 27. Dr. Allison Gardner, clinical instructor in CVM’s veterinary medical technology program, said veterinary technologists make important contributions in the field of animal care. “Veterinary technologists are a critical component of the animal health care team,” Gardner said. “A trained veterinary technologist can perform diagnostic tests such as radiographs, run lab work and conduct examinations to check for parasites. more...

2012 CVM Graduation and Awards Ceremony

Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine class of 2012 will be celebrating their commencement in Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium April 26th at 2pm following the awards ceremony which will be held in the Wise Center main auditorium at 10am.

Live streams of each event can be seen at these locations and times.

Awards Ceremony-10am  click here
Graduation Ceremony-2pm  click here

Thousands of Children Visit MSU Vet School

Jillian Garrigues | April 15, 2012 / 01:11pm | Local News

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) - Cows, horses, pigs and chickens are just a few of the animals students encounter every day at MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. And now community members get to interact with the creatures too. With a petting zoo, hospital tours and animal demonstrations, the vet school's open house gave families an inside look at what happens when their pets visit the vet. more

Click here to view Video

Employee of the Month

You’ve probably seen Kathy Akins around the College—she’s been a familiar, smiling face in Custodial for a year and eight months, and that smile is due to a love of her work.  Kathy maintains that a positive attitude is important.  “I know what my standards are, and I’ve been committed to what I am supposed to do,” she says, adding: “ I like my work!”  An MSU employee for six years, Kathy and her husband have two daughters and one grandson, Zarmarion.  An avid fisher, Kathy also enjoys her church.

Retired veterinary educator enters MVMA Hall of Fame

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A charter faculty member of Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has been inducted into the state’s veterinary profession’s Hall of Fame.
Dr. Clyde Taylor, a native of Natchez, was named to the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association’s Hall of Fame at their recent winter meeting in Starkville. He spent his entire career in Mississippi, working first in the Department of Agriculture, then in private practice in Brandon and finally on the faculty at MSU. more

Overseer of the "Bushby Bus,"

Dr. Bushby's profile in MSU's "Our People"

Many know Dr. Phil Bushby for his different roles in MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. Teacher, administrator, and overseer of the "Bushby Bus," (a name his students fondly call the Mobile Veterinary Unit) are among his titles. If thousands of animals could give him a title, it would be "life saver."
Bushby's father raised pure-bred Dalmatian puppies in a day when people ordered dogs from the Spiegel catalog. He was a supplier, and when a puppy wasn't doing well, he'd give young Phil caretaking responsibility. Once the dog improved, Phil earned half the money from the pup's sale. More

CVM associate dean wins diversity award

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Dr. Mark Lawrence, associate dean and professor at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has been honored for his efforts to increase diversity within the veterinary profession.
 The Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning recently presented Lawrence with the Black History Month Educator of the Year award for MSU’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine. more

College of Veterinary Medicine Alpha Psi Dog Dash 2012

The Alpha Psi Veterinary Fraternity is hosting the 1^st annual Dog Dash Saturday April 7, 2012 at North Farm 

The 5K run and 1 mile walk will begin promptly at 7:30am,  Registration fee is $25 

All proceeds from the race will be donated to The David Ball HLK Project to benefit "Safe Haven for Animals". This fund is used to provide shelter and health care to pets owned by women who leave their homes to find safety at the Women's Shelter in Meridian, MS.

PLEASE bring a hard copy of your pet’s vaccination history on race day or send in a hard copy along with your payment. If you DO NOT provide us with a hard copy, you WILL NOT be able to run in this event with your dog.

If you are unable to participate, but would still like to donate money, please send check payment to Brandi Van Ormer at P.O. Box 6100, Mississippi State, MS 39762


Registration Form 

More Information on Safe Haven

Annual CVM Spring Golf Outing to Benefit Safe Haven Women's Shelter

The annual CVM spring golf outing will be held March 31, 2012 at the Mississippi State University golf course.

All proceeds from this year's outing will go toward the Safe Haven Women's Shelter David Ball HLK Project.  This fund is used to care for the pets of women who stay at the shelter.  To play in this outing, golfers should be sure to sign up by Friday, March 23 at noon.

Alpha Psi is organizing this year's event, which officially begins with a shotgun start at 9 am on the 31st.  After a fun day on the links, golfers are invited to a banquet at Little Dooeys at 6pm.  Cost for this year's outing is $60 per person or $240 per team.  Your money goes toward your round of golf at the MSU golf course, a packed lunch during the round, dinner at Little Dooeys for you and a guest, and skill prizes.  Alpha Psi will also be selling Mulligans. Alpha Psi will also be selling tickets to just the dinner 12 p.m. Wednesday through Friday outside the cafeteria.  Tickets will be $10 for one ticket or $15 for two.  This covers the buffet line and the provided refreshments.

Join us as we golf for a good cause!  Sign up sheets are available on the bulletin board by the Operator's Desk at the CVM, or, contact Matt Friend (Class of 2014 and Alpha Psi VP) at mfriend@cvm.msstate.edu  Golfers should bring fees to the event during the registration hour from 7:30-8:30 on March 31.

More Information on Safe Haven

Huston named MVMA veterinarian of the year

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A veterinarian at Mississippi State University has been named the state’s top veterinarian, an honor that has now come to MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine three times.
 Dr. Carla Huston, associate professor in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, was named the Mississippi Veterinarian of the Year by the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association. The award was announced at the 2012 MVMA winter meeting in Starkville.
The MVMA executive board selects the Veterinarian of the Year from member nominations. To be eligible, award nominees must be members for five years and attend a majority of the organization’s meetings. more

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Anita Phillips, CVM's March Employee of the Month!

A familiar and helpful presence around the CVM for nearly 10 years, Anita Phillips works in the Dean's Office as the Business Manager.  Anita has been at Mississippi State for a total of 24 years, but she jumped at the chance to come to the CVM because she already knew so many great people who worked here.  Anita is a key contact for new employees at CVM, and she says she especially enjoys assisting these folks and welcoming them into the "family atmosphere" here at the CVM.  According to Anita, the best part of her job is interacting with the staff, faculty and students.  When she's not behind her desk, Anita enjoys camping, reading, playing cards and board games with friends, and spending time with her family, especially her four year old grandson, Jace. 

Open House at CVM returns

click here for  Schedule of Events

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine will open its doors from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on April 13 and 14 for its annual Open House at the Wise Center, located on the south side of campus off Spring Street. The April 13th program is for pre-registered school groups and on April 14th, anyone in the community is welcome to attend.
The Open House, celebrating its 26th year, allows children and their families to learn about animal health and behavior while having fun. One of the primary goals of the program is to open the world of veterinary medicine through exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations.

Family-friendly activities to look forward to include:

·      Public Health Demonstrations: learning how to collect samples and use protective equipment; disaster response info, decontamination demonstrations

·      Canine Activities:  Demonstrations in microchipping, dog restraint, and basic dog care.  Examples of radiographs and healthy body structures.

·      Equine Activities:  Horses available for petting; Displays on horse food and horse breeds; horse shoeing demonstration and “Painted Horse” demonstration

·      Bovine Activities: Milking demonstration; Displays of cow tools, stomach structure, and cow products; “Holey Cow” demonstration

·      Animal Shows:  Dog Parade, Exotic Animal Show, Agility demonstration, Herding demonstration

·      Lots of great Displays on veterinary medicine, animal behavior, career options, and much more!

·      Petting Zoo

New this year is the Teddy Bear Suture program – children are encouraged to bring in their “injured” stuffed animals for repair.
Please contact Brandi Van Ormer at (662) 325-0465 to learn more about this free event or to pre-register a school group.

Open House slide show 

Schedule of Events

MSU poultry expert given top recognition

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Dr. Kelli Jones of Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has won the World Veterinary Poultry Association Young Veterinarian of the Year award.

Jones, who is a Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians and an assistant clinical professor in CVM’s Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, is an expert in avian medicine and poultry disease diagnostics. She serves Mississippi’s $2.21 billion poultry industry through her work at CVM’s Poultry Research and Diagnostic Laboratory in Pearl. more...

MSU researcher finds link to H5N1 bird flu

By Keri Collins Lewis
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE – A Mississippi State University researcher has uncovered the first molecular evidence linking live poultry markets in China to human H5N1 avian influenza.

Henry Wan, an assistant professor in systems biology at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, collaborated with scientists in the World Health Organization Collaborative Centers for Influenza in China and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to investigate the connection.
“Although conceptually we knew... more

2012 CVM Alumnus of the Year Locke Karriker

Dr. Locke Karriker spoke to faculty and students at the CVM auditorium, Friday, February 10 as our 2012 Alumnus of the Year.  He is originally from North Carolina and earned DVM (1999) and Masters in Veterinary Medical Sciences (2000) degrees from MSU-CVM.  He is a diplomate of The American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and has been on the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University since 2003.  He currently serves as the Director of the Swine Medicine Education Center at Iowa State.  Dr. Karriker has supervised over $3 million of extramural funded research related to improving health and well-being of swine. More photos...

The College of Veterinary Medicine Alumnus of the Year Program recognizes alumni who have made a significant contribution to human or institutional progress in which a situation, institution, or movement has been materially changed for the better because of their participation. This award recognized the achievements of outstanding alumni whose personal lives, professional accomplishments and community service best exemplify the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Previous Alumni of the Year

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Ms. Leslie Reed, CVM’s  Employee of the Month!

Leslie, a Certified Veterinary Technician and Supervisor of the ICU,  has worked at The College of Veterinary Medicine for six years. With her background working in an animal clinic, Leslie is able to share some of the "tricks of the trade" with students, which she enjoys.  "Every day is different here," Leslie says of her work.  "You never know what you are going to see, and that makes things exciting."  Outside of the CVM, Leslie enjoys spending time with friends and family, including her two children, Dixon (5) and Lily (2).

Military Dog Recovering at MSU

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) - Lex is a wounded military veteran. He's the first military dog to be granted early retirement for adoption. The German Shepherd starts every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in an indoor, underwater doggie treadmill.  "It releases pressure on a lot of their joints. It allows him to get the exercise without having to bare the full weight of his body," says MSU Veterinarian Dr. John Thomason.

The doctors at Mississippi State's College at Veterinary Medicine say each patient is special but not all of them are a commemorative Purple Heart recipient.

"He's very easy going and he does have a unique story that's allowed him actually to come here for us to meet him," explains MSU Veterinarian Dr. Christine Bryan. more

Veterinary camp gives inside look at career

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Youth with an interest in animals and veterinary medicine are invited to attend a camp offered by Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
MSU Veterinary Camp will provide a hands-on experience to youth ages 13 to 15. Campers will participate in interactive labs and learn about veterinary medicine from CVM instructors. Students considering a career in veterinary medicine, scientific research or an animal-related field are encouraged to apply. more



 Vet Camp Information

Parasitology research impacts multiple species

By Linda Breazeale
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Research, teaching and diagnostic efforts focused on parasites, such as worms, fleas and ticks, are important for all of the clients served by Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Andrea Varela-Stokes is an assistant professor in basic sciences, teaching veterinary parasitology and helminthology and researching tick-borne diseases. She said there are many applications for parasitology in research and service.  more

Small Animal Dentistry Conference

March 10th and 11th, the College of Veterinary Medicine will host a Small Animal Dentistry Conference for continuing education credits.  With both lectures and labs, this conference is a must for DVMs and Veterinary Technicians who want to learn more about building a successful dental program.  Topics covered include dental radiology, pain management, instrumentation and equipment, and helping clients to understand the importance of dental health for animals.  Speakers include Sue Berryhill, BS, RVT of Pfizer's Veterinary Specialty Team and Paul Mitchell, DVM, of Pfizer Animal Health.  Don't miss out -- space is limited and registration is underway! 

Click here for a downloadable brochure. 
Register online at www.cvm.msstate.edu/dentistry/