January 2, 2020
College of Veterinary Medicine presents annual preclinical teaching awards
Three faculty members have been recognized for preclinical teaching excellence in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University.
Matt Basel, Ryane Englar and Dan Thomson were each named as the respective top teachers for the first, second and third years of instruction, as voted on by each respective class of students for their teaching efforts in the 2018-2019 school year.
"Beginning in 2004, the college has utilized these annual awards to recognize faculty for their exceptional teaching efforts in the preclinical stages of the veterinary curriculum," said Peggy Schmidt, associate dean for academic programs and student affairs. "Award recipients are chosen by students reflecting faculty dedication to student success inside and outside of the classroom. These recipients are outstanding educators and well-deserving of this recognition."
Basel was presented with the 2019 Boehringer Ingelheim Teaching Excellence in the First Year Award in recognition of outstanding instruction of first-year veterinary students. He earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry and biology at Kansas State University in 2007. He completed a doctorate in biological chemistry at Kansas State University in 2010 and a graduate certificate in teaching and learning the same year. Basel is a clinical assistant professor in the anatomy and physiology department.
"I really enjoy teaching in the first-year curriculum and the veterinary students at Kansas State are some of the best students I've ever met," Basel said. "It's very gratifying to know that the students appreciate my efforts and I appreciate them just as much."
Englar, clinical assistant professor and clinical education coordinator for clinical skills, was named recipient of the 2019 Bayer Teaching Excellence Award, which is presented in recognition of outstanding instruction of second-year veterinary students. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Englar joined the faculty at K-State in May 2017. She was hired to help fulfill a priority in the college's strategic plan of providing clinical experiences and skills in all years of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum. Englar is a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
"Working with students is my greatest passion," Englar said. "From the moment they matriculate into the program, they are our colleagues and leaders of the veterinary profession. It is exciting to see their inner spark ignite as they discover their greatest strengths and contributions as future doctors of veterinary medicine. Each day, every day, they are my inspiration. Over the past three years, we have experienced 'The Journey' together, and they have taught me as much, if not more, than I could have ever taught them about life and all of its adventures. They are a reminder that character, courage, and tenacity speak volumes and power us to the finish line. I thank them for being a gift to this profession and want them to know that my door is open to them, always."
Thomson was chosen as recipient of the 2019 Teaching Excellence in the Third Year Award sponsored by Zoetis. He earned a bachelor's degree in animal science in 1990 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2000, both from Iowa State University. Thomson has also completed a master's degree in ruminant nutrition from South Dakota State University in 1993 and a doctorate in ruminant nutrition from Texas Tech University in 1996. He is the Jones professor of production medicine and epidemiology.
"Teaching students is a privilege and an honor," Thomson said. "This is such a humbling award. We are blessed to have the best students and alumni in the world. It is an honor to be a part of this great faculty. We all have so much to be thankful for at Kansas State University."