CVM News

May 5, 2026

Caps off to the CVM’s Blood Bank donor canines

As is the case with many commencement ceremonies, the graduates really wanted to get to the after party. Molly tried on multiple occasions to wriggle out of the blue mortarboard atop her head, while Wiley enthusiastically sought out onlookers for hugs. Gumbo sat upright and dignified, patiently posing for photos. And Stella? Stella just wanted a cookie.

May 1, 2026

Maxwell earns 2026 El Toro Award for Excellence in Food Animal Science

Fifty years ago, Dr. Herris Maxwell `78 received a piece of mail from Auburn University that changed the course of his life. It was a letter informing him that he had been accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine.

May 1, 2026

2026 Bailey Awards honor ‘turtles on fence’ for career exceptionalism

Turtles (order Testudines) are remarkable for several reasons, with shells formed from more than 50 fused bones, toothless beaks, and gender influenced by temperature of the nest during incubation. While holding their breath for incredibly long periods of time certainly qualifies as a superpower, turtles cannot fly and are not known for being climbers.

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 on Friday, April 24: Distinguished Dissertation Award Biological & Life Sciences Huifei Sophia Zheng “The role of hormones in the development of the adrenal gland”Dissertation Advisors: Jeff Huang and Ya-Xiong Tao Outstanding Master’s Students […]

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.