Source: Ralph Richardson, dean@vet.k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Joe Montgomery, 785-532-4194, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu

Friday, Oct. 15, 2010

CASH TO SERVE IN UPHAM ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

MANHATTAN -- Dr. Walter C. Cash, veterinarian and professor of anatomy and physiology, has been appointed to Kansas State University's Dr. Roy Walter Upham Endowed Professorship in Veterinary Medicine.

The Upham professorship was established in 2002 under the Kansas Faculty of Distinction program. It is awarded to a faculty member in K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine who exemplifies senior leadership. The professorship is a three-year appointment. It was previously held by Dr. David Biller, professor of clinical sciences, and Dr. Howard Erickson, professor of physiology.

Upham, a Junction City native, graduated from K-State with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in January 1943. He was a member of the K-State track team. Upham served as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Veterinary Corps in the early 1950s. He went on to earn a master's degree in food technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1960. He was the director of food, drugs and dairy for the Illinois Department of Public Health from 1966-1983. Upham died in 1999.

"This is quite an honor," Dr. Cash said. "I was born after Dr. Upham attended K-State, so I didn't know him, but it is interesting that we both have common backgrounds through K-State and the state of Illinois, where I had previously been in private practice. My hope is to honor his name by educating future veterinarians."

"Dr. Roy Upham's vision for the future and love for his profession allowed us to create a professorship that serves as a wonderful role model for our students, colleagues and staff," said Dr. Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "Dr. Cash shares the same vision and respect for the profession as Dr. Upham, so we are quite pleased to announce this professorship to a very deserving educator."

Cash, a Wichita native, earned his bachelor's degree in biological sciences in 1969, doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1971 and doctorate in anatomy/physiology/pathology in 1982, all from K-State. From 1971 to 1974 Cash was in private veterinary practice in Rockford, Ill. He returned to K-State in 1974 as a temporary instructor, but stayed on, eventually becoming a full professor in the department of anatomy and physiology.

Cash has been a member of more than 15 graduate student committees. He has authored or co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications; produced more than 20 videotapes for use in his anatomy classes; and has served on many college and university committees.

His many honors include the College of Veterinary Medicine's Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teaching Award in 1980 and 2000, the Merial Award for Teaching Excellence in the First Year in 2005 and 2009, and the Professional Performance Award in 2007. He also received the E.R. Frank Award from the College of Veterinary Medicine and the K-State Veterinary Medical Alumni Association in June 2010.

Cash is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Veterinary Anatomists, American Association of Anatomists, World Association of Anatomists, Society for Neuroscience and the American Association for the Advancement for Science. A charter member of the Sigma Chapter of Phi Zeta, the honor society of veterinary medicine, he also is a member of Phi Kappa Phi collegiate honor society and Gamma Sigma Delta, the honor society for agricultural sciences.