CVM News

May 1, 2026

Vaughan Award winner reflects on AU preparation for unexpected career

During Auburn University’s DVM orientation 25 years ago, Dr. Brad Tanner remembers he and his classmates being told that the veterinary profession might offer unanticipated avenues for talented and open-minded students.

Apr 27, 2026

Serving at the intersection of purpose and public good

As a high school student, Sydney Rookes took courses that exposed her to plant and animal science and fueled her interest in solving food insecurity through her work on an urban farm.

Apr 27, 2026

CVM graduate students earn honors from AU Graduate School

Four Biomedical Sciences graduate students earned accolades during the 2026 Graduate Awards Ceremony hosted by the Auburn University Graduate School.

Apr 24, 2026

Meet the CVM’s ‘Mr. Fix-It’

Affectionately called “Mr. Vern,” Vernon Beitzel came to Auburn to retire after spending more than 40 years in higher education. Now serving as the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s accommodation specialist, he spends even more of his time helping students.

Apr 21, 2026

From uncertain to unstoppable: CVM graduation marshal finds her calling

When was the last time you checked your email? For Ashley Duncan, a fourth-year DVM candidate, checking emails has revealed new experiences, learning opportunities and the highest honor of an Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine student. 

Apr 17, 2026

CVM students recognized with Algernon Sydney Sullivan, President’s awards

Two soon-to-be College of Veterinary Medicine graduates were recognized with university-level awards on Wednesday, highlighting their leadership and community impact during their time as students.  

Apr 16, 2026

Chasing the Why: Backstrom’s 4-H Past Helping Write Veterinary Future

Kaleigh Backstrom has always wanted to know the why behind everything. This curiosity made one moment as a teenager especially difficult. Waiting on the veterinarian to come treat a sick calf, Backstrom stood there, unsure about what was wrong or how to help. From the goats she loved as a child to the cattle and pigs she showed through 4-H, animals were a big part of her life. So, not having the answers in that instance did not sit right with her.

Apr 16, 2026

Fifteen CVM faculty members earn promotion and tenure

Auburn University’s Office of the Provost recently announced newly promoted and tenured faculty members from across the university. Fifteen CVM faculty members earned tenure and/or promotion.

Apr 16, 2026

On a wing and a Jordan-Hare

For a raptor in the wild, the inability to fly isn’t just an injury—it’s an emergency. Ten years ago, a female Golden Eagle was found severely hurt on the ground near Selma, Alabama.

Apr 10, 2026

Future dentist learning through serving others

Caroline Burrows’ volunteer work is two-fold: her commitment to helping others through outreach is also preparing her for a career in dentistry.

Apr 10, 2026

DVM students earn Phi Kappa Phi induction

Eight DVM students were inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective honor society, on April 9.

Apr 3, 2026

CVM Communications & Marketing team earns accolades

The College of Veterinary Medicine’s Communications & Marketing team earned recognition during the Public Relations Council of Alabama’s state conference in March. The team earned three Awards of Excellence in PRCA’s Medallion Awards judging for short-term public relations campaigns.

Mar 31, 2026

Paws or claws? Uncovering veterinary ‘cattitudes’ to provide better care 

Getting to know someone usually starts with the basics. What kind of movies are they into? Are they an early bird or a night owl? Or the ever-polarizing question: cats or dogs? For ages, people have tied their identities to whether they prefer paws or claws. But what about veterinarians? Do clinicians who care for our furry friends have preferences, too?

Mar 27, 2026

Veterinary Scholars Program combines student inquiry, mentorship

Sixteen College of Veterinary Medicine students have been selected to participate in the 2026 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program. From May 11-July 17, the program will enable scholars to engage in hypothesis-driven research in a faculty mentor’s laboratory and weekly seminars and journal clubs on scientific topics.

Mar 27, 2026

Boshell Research Day showcases range of diabetes research

Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will host the 17th Annual Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research Day on Friday, April 17, at the Auburn-Opelika Marriott Resort at Grand National.

Mar 26, 2026

Precision, practice and 1,400-pound patients: CVM palpation team builds on championship legacy

As expected, members of one of Auburn University’s most prolific championship-winning teams devote considerable time to their craft. They often awaken when it’s still dark outside and train through the thick summer humidity and numbing winter chill. Like their counterparts in intercollegiate sports, they aren’t afraid to get dirty in pursuit of excellence. A few key factors differentiate these Auburn competitors from their peers in football, basketball, baseball or gymnastics, however.

Mar 26, 2026

Storm-swept bald eaglets now on the road to recovery at Auburn

As heavy storms swept through lower Alabama earlier this month, two bald eaglets and their nest fell from a tree in Gulf State Park. Orange Beach Wildlife Center staff and park residents — who kept a close eye on the well-known eagle nest — immediately launched a search. Thanks to their efforts, both chicks were located and brought to the wildlife center for initial care.

Mar 23, 2026

CVM Tiger Giving Day projects emphasize innovation, Auburn spirit

Auburn University’s upcoming Tiger Giving Day features a pair of College of Veterinary Medicine projects that connect to “Innovation & the Auburn Spirit.” During the annual 24-hour giving extravaganza on Wednesday, March 25, members of the Auburn Family can support the CVM Blood Bank’s efforts to maximize the life-saving potential of its donor dogs and the Auburn University Raptor Center’s efforts to provide safe transit for its feathered ambassadors.

Mar 18, 2026

Vet Fest 2026 welcomes community for free family fun

Vet Fest, a family-friendly event hosted by Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the college’s Wire Road campus. Focused on STEM and veterinary educational programming, this free event is open to all ages for live animal encounters, hands-on experiences and more.

Mar 18, 2026

CVM to welcome Donlin as commencement speaker

Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will welcome American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Janet Donlin as its Spring 2026 commencement speaker. Donlin will address the CVM’s 131-member graduating class during its commencement ceremony on Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in Neville Arena.

Mar 9, 2026

From Auburn to the Arctic: Veterinary medicine at minus-60

Having competed in marathons and triathlons, Dr. Mary Beth Hannon respects the interplay between proper training, nutrition and sports medicine in athletic performance. As a professor of practice in the College of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on small animal emergency medicine, Hannon has applied her clinical skills and knowledge of endurance sports to help a unique group of four-legged athletes in one of the most extreme competitive environments imaginable.

Mar 2, 2026

A major mile marker: Class of 2027 earns white coats

Before enrolling at Auburn to pursue her DVM, Abigail Gaston had heard of veterinary school being compared to a marathon. After three years of rigorous coursework, she has decided a new description is in order. “Now, I think it’s more like one of those 100-mile cross country races that you’ve got to be absolutely insane to sign up for,” joked Gaston, the Class of 2027 president from Guntersville, Ala.

Mar 2, 2026

The power of passion: Sierra Ott’s journey to equine medicine

Despite the physical toll and 24/7 on-call nature of equine medicine, there are still dedicated students who are eager to join the herd. Fourth-year DVM candidate Sierra Ott has always been inspired by equine medicine, but it took some time for her to view it as a realistic goal.

Feb 23, 2026

Researchers study swine immunity to unlock better flu vaccines

Since September 2025, more than 24 million Americans have come down with the flu. Most of those cases were caused by a highly mutated version of influenza A, the H3N2 K subclade, that showed up last summer, long after the strains of flu used to formulate this year’s flu shot were chosen.