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the official newsletter of the college of veterinary medicine at msu - MARCH 2026

Dr. Jack Smith Named MVMA Vet of the Year

Dr. Jack Smith, associate dean for academic affairs in Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association’s 2026 Veterinarian of the Year.

Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association Hosts Winter Conference at CVM

The Mississippi State University of College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed more than 230 veterinary professionals to campus Feb. 26-28 for the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association's Winter Conference. The continuing education event attracted practitioners from across the region, providing them with learning and collaboration opportunities.

Dean's Message

Dear Friends, First, I am pleased to celebrate Dr. Jack Smith, associate dean for academic affairs, who was recently named Veterinarian of the Year by the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association during the organization’s winter conference that was held at the CVM. This honor is one of the most significant recognitions a veterinarian can receive in our state, and it reflects the profound impact Dr. Smith has had on both Mississippi and generations of veterinary students.  I would also like to recognize another remarkable faculty achievement, Dr. Barbara Kaplan’s election into the presidential chain of the Society of ToxicologyThis leadership position is an extraordinary national honor and reflects both her scientific contributions and her commitment to advancing public health through toxicology research. I am also pleased to highlight our Shelter Medicine Team, which recently received honorable mention for the MSU Excellence in Community Engagement Award. This recognition honors the team’s longstanding partnership with the Oktibbeha County Humane Society and their unwavering commitment to animal welfare, hands‑on student training, and service to the community. Their work embodies the best of who we are as a college. Many more things are happening at the CVM. Construction on the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center, the new entrance to our equine hospital, and the farm animal hospital are moving along now that the weather has improved. In just a few days, we will host our annual Open House event. Over the course of Friday and Saturday, we expect thousands of visitors to the Wise Center. Open House is always an exciting time, and we hope to see some of you there. All the best, Nicholas Frank, Dean

MSU CVM Doctoral Student Awarded Bernie Fried Research Grant by American Society of Parasitologists

Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine doctoral student Jonah Nguyen is receiving national recognition for his work on invasive apple snails and parasite transmission, earning the Bernie Fried Research Grant from the American Society of Parasitologists, or ASP.

Bertin, Inaugural Director of the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center, Takes Reins

Mississippi State University has appointed Dr. François René Bertin as the inaugural director of the newly established Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center, a transformative initiative aimed at combating one of the most debilitating diseases affecting horses.

Save the Dates

Save the dates and reconnect, network, and celebrate with fellow alumni.

CVM Open House Date: March 27, 28 Location: College of Veterinary Medicine

CVM Alumni Weekend Date: Oct. 24, 2026 Time: TBD Location: TBD

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The Vet Med Cast

This month on the "Vet Med Cast," the official podcast of the College of Veterinary Medicine, we speak with Mississippi State University veterinarian Dr. Bridget Willeford and associate clinical professor, Dr. Jake Shivley.