Veterinary college honors top faculty

“These four truly represent the high standards that make our entire faculty among the best in the country,” said Dean Timothy Boosinger, who presented the awards during the college’s annual awards night on Feb. 12, 2001.

The night’s highest teaching honor, the Norden Distinguished Teacher Award, went to Dr. Steven Kincaid, a professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. 

“It recognizes an outstanding teacher who promotes veterinary medicine through talent and dedication,” said Dr. Boosinger. “This is not the first time Dr. Kincaid has been recognized for his teaching ability. He received two Norden awards while teaching at the University of Tennessee, before bringing his talents to Auburn.”

Dr. Kincaid, who joined Auburn University in 1989, has also been honored for his research in the past, being presented with the Pfizer Research Award in 1995. He holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, master’s degree and doctorate in veterinary anatomy from Purdue University. 

The award is named in honor of Carl J. Norden, founder of Norden Laboratories, and it is sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health. It is given annually to a teacher at each veterinary college in the United States.

Dr. Gerald Hankes of the Department of Clinical Sciences accepted the Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence for his cardiovascular research project with CPI Corporation and the University of Alabama Birmingham Medical School. His work has brought more than $2 million to Auburn University for cardiovascular research in the form of National Institutes of Health funding, American Heart Association grants, Veteran’s Administration hospital grants, and corporate funding. 

“Dr. Hankes has been an influential clinical researcher at Auburn University since 1969,” Dr. Boosinger said. “He has written more than 60 referred articles and research abstracts, including 18 during the past three years as he served as an interim department head.” 

Professor Joseph Spano of the Department of Pathobiology was named the Student Government Association’s Outstanding Teacher. In addition to teaching sophomores and graduate students, he is responsible for the clinical pathology laboratory and he instructs seniors in their clinical pathology rotation.

“He emphasizes the importance of clinical pathology and its practical applications in a veterinarian's daily work,” Dr. Boosinger said. “He is a mentor to many of his peers and students.”

Dr. Spano received his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Colorado State University in 1966 and then went into private practice for four years, before returning to Colorado State to obtain his doctorate. He has been a member of the Auburn faculty since 1973. 

Dr. Dan Givens, also of the Department of Pathobiology, was named recipient of the Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching. “He is one our outstanding young faculty members,” Dr. Boosinger added. “It seems like he just graduated. He has excelled and is to be commended for his accomplishments.”

Dr. Givens obtained his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Auburn in 1994 and finished first in his class. He performed his theriogenology residency in large animal surgery and medicine and he obtained his doctorate in the Department of Pathobiology, where he is currently an assistant research professor.