AU Professor Named Nation’s Top Veterinary Teacher

An Auburn University veterinary professor has been named the nation’s top veterinary teacher for his “dad-like” presence in and outside the classroom, as aptly described by one of his students.

Dr. Steven Kincaid, professor of histology, accepted the 2002 National Carl J. Norden Award on July 15 from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges at a convention in Nashville. He was chosen by a national selection committee from among 28 finalists, one from each North American veterinary college.

“He truly cares about you and is very aware of the students’ lives outside of the classroom,” said veterinary sophomore Michelle Goree of Deatsville, Ala. “More than anyone else I know, he goes out of his way to help. ‘Dad like’ would be a good description.”

According to his colleagues, Dr. Kincaid has a gift for presenting complex subject matters in a clear, concise, and understanding manner that is effective in bridging clinical and basic sciences.

“He is the consummate instructor,”said Professor Edward Morrison. “His lectures are sharp, organized and tinged with humor. His compassion for teaching is honest and his impact on students is obvious, long lasting and it instills a life-long learning experience. He treats our students with respect for the professionals they are.”

Those attributes are among the reasons Dr. Kincaid has been named the nation’s best, and even though it is an individual award, Dr. Kincaid is quick to praise others.

“Actually the award should be in recognition of Auburn’s entire teaching ability,” he said. “Many people work really hard and this should go to all of our outstanding faculty, staff and students.” 

Dr. Kincaid, who joined Auburn in 1989, has been honored three times with the Norden Distinguished Teacher Award presented annually at each veterinary college. He received the honor at Auburn in 2001 and at the University of Tennessee in 1979 and 1982. The recipients are selected by students.

Dr. Kincaid says certain aspects are key in conveying material to students.

“For class, I try to make sure everything is well organized, and I let them know that I am available to them anytime outside of class,” Dr. Kincaid said. “And I try to remember what it was like when I was a student. They are in whole different environment from faculty and sometimes we forget, because we can be distracted by research and committees.”

His students can testify to his dedication.

“He is great at explaining and helping us at the microscope, and it’s not a nine-to-five job for him,” Goree said. “He is more than happy to meet at our convenience after five.”

Dr. Kincaid earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1969 from Purdue University, where he later obtained master’s and doctorate degrees in veterinary anatomy. He discovered Auburn to be similar in its approach to teaching anatomy.

“I was attracted to Auburn because of a great environment for teaching anatomy and histology, reminding me of when I was in school,” he said. “I have had wonderful colleagues since joining Auburn.”

Dr. Morrison adds, “He is truly an asset to our college, university and profession. It has been a pleasure to work with him these past years and an honor to call him my colleague.”

The award is named in honor of Carl J. Norden, founder of Norden Laboratories, and is sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health. The company donates more than $1.5 million each year to veterinary colleges in the form of scholarships, research grants and products.