March 30, 2004 Baker, Hayes Named Distinguished Alumni The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine has named two of its graduates as the 2004 Wilford S. Bailey Distinguished Alumni in honor of their contributions to animal health and welfare. The recipients, announced March 25 during the college’s 97th Annual Conference, are Drs. Henry Baker of Auburn, Ala., and David Hayes of Hueytown, Ala. “They are to be commended for their great accomplishments in veterinary medicine,” said Dean Timothy Boosinger. “Each has been an excellent representative of Auburn for many years.” Dr. Baker, a 1960 graduate, has been director of the Scott-Ritchey Research Center in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine since 1991. Previously, he helped establish the Department of Comparative Medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1968 and served there until 1986, including the position of chairman for 11 years. He joined Wake Forest University before returning to Auburn in 1991 to direct the Scott-Ritchey Research Center. From 1992 to 1997 he was also Auburn's associate vice president for research and director of University Animal Resources. In 2004 he was presented with the Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence from the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hayes, a 1967 graduate, has been involved in operating three veterinary clinics and an emergency clinic in the Birmingham area for 35 years. He is past president of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, Jefferson County Veterinary Medical Association and Alabama Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. He was named the 1996 Veterinarian of the Year by the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and received its Distinguished Service Award in 2000. He wrote the 1998 Alabama Veterinary Wellness Bill and the 2001 bill that increased the size of the Alabama Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from five to eight members, adding a minority veterinarian, veterinary technician and layman. The Auburn award is named in honor of veterinary parasitologist Dr. Wilford Bailey who died in 2000. He held a 50-year appointment at Auburn after receiving his veterinary degree in 1942, serving in positions from instructor to university president. Return To News