During the annual Employee Awards Ceremony this week, CVM leaders recognized employees who won external awards throughout the academic year, bestowed the college’s own annual awards and celebrated dozens of staff members’ years of service milestones.

“This is an amazing community,” said Dr. Kathryn Meurs, Randall B. Terry Jr. Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “This community is truly full of outstanding individuals that make this program as strong as it is, and I feel incredibly privileged to be here with you today and and throughout the year. So thanks to all of you.”

This Year’s Honorees

Zoetis Research Award

Awarded to a faculty member who has exhibited outstanding research effort and productivity.

Recipient: Dr. Ronald Li

The CVM Outstanding Collaboration Award

Awarded to groups that positively contribute to the mission of the CVM through a collaborative effort. The results of these activities could be in any realm of the college’s mission, including continuing education, public service, teaching or research.

Recipient: CVM IT with Mike Cush, Josh Gira, Chris Bettini, Nick Luther, Ben Daniels, Zac Hines, Jen Hill, Liora Tal, Peri Medlock, Wes Woody, Jarricka Smith, Holly Wintering, Sandra Horton, Sandy Sferrazza, Brayden Johnson, Nicole Barker Scoggins, Bill Derosier

The Ruth L. and Ned E. Huffman Leadership Award

Awarded to faculty or staff members who exemplify the qualities of leadership, vision and achievement that Mr. Huffman values.

Recipients: Olivia Stallings and Ronald Baynes

The Linda Manning Memorial Award for Veterinary Technicians 

Awarded to two veterinary technicians who display patience and compassion for animals through their care, provide exceptional patient care and treatment, anticipate the needs of the patients and veterinarians they work with, and encompass honesty and integrity.

Recipients: Kasey Henry and Lauren Strickland

The CVM Living Our Values Community Spirit Awards 

Awarded to individuals who positively demonstrate or model at least one of the CVM Core Values of community, innovation and passion in their work.

Recipients: Matthew Bishop, Adam Gamble, Emily O’Connor, Alyssa Hartzheim

The Outstanding Early Career Faculty Achievement Award

Awarded to early-stage faculty who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in education, research, clinical service or leadership and have significantly contributed to driving forward the mission of the CVM.

Recipient: Dr. Eric Brooks

The Faculty Award for Educational Excellence 

Awarded to educators who have demonstrated exemplary educational skills in classrooms, labs, workshops, selectives, continuing education or mentoring.

Recipient: Dr. Amy Lehman

The Gail Druley Award for Non-Faculty Educators 

Awarded to members or teams of the staff, administration, house officers or students who have demonstrated exemplary educational skills in classrooms, clinics, research and graduate development, continuing education or mentoring.

Recipient: Alyssa Hartzheim

Awards for Excellence

Awarded by NC State University to non-faculty employees in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and contributions.

Recipients: Jason Becker, Christian Jackson, Brayden Johnson, Sara McBride, Catherine McDonald

Outstanding Faculty Members

Class of 2026: Dr. Christine Shumka
Class of 2027: Dr. Amy Lehman
Class of 2028: Dr. David Dorman
Class of 2029: Dr. Jackson Spradley

University Faculty Scholars

Awarded by NC State University to faculty members for outstanding academic achievements and teaching, service and scholarship contributions.

Recipients: Dr. Monique Pairis-Garcia and Dr. Xinxia Peng

Faculty NC State University Awards

• Dr. Katie Sheats, Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Dr.  Michael Rahe, Goodnight Early Career Innovator Awards
• Dr. Melissa Srougi, Outstanding Teaching Award
• Dr. Melissa Srougi, Warwick A. Arden Interdisciplinary Teaching Excellence Award

Faculty External Awards

• Dr. Ronald Li, AVMA Career Achievement in Feline Research Award
• Dr. Liara Gonzalez, American Association of Equine Practitioners Research Award
• Dr. Ronald Baynes, American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics Research Award
• Dr. Ben Callahan, Stanford University Open Source Software Prize 
• Dr. Danielle Mzyk, Viticus Group Dr. W. Bruce Wren Food Animal Incentive Award
• Dr. Kathryn Meurs, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Service Alumni Award
• Brandon Moore, UNC System Janet B. Royster Memorial Staff Scholarship
• Dr. Duncan Lascelles, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Research Award
• Dr. Mike Sano, National Academy of Inventors Senior Member
• Dr. Glen Almond, American Association of Swine Veterinarians Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year 
• Sara McBride, Research Triangle Branch American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Manager of the Year Award
• Andrea Murr, Research Triangle Branch American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Research Technician of the Year
• Dr. Lauren Schnabel, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Presidential Pathway