LMU-CVM Announces Advisory Board Appointments

The Lincoln Memorial University-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) has appointed an esteemed group of veterinary professionals and industry leaders to serve on its advisory board for the 2025-2027 term. This diverse panel will provide strategic guidance, industry insight, and professional expertise to support LMU-CVM’s mission of training the next generation of veterinarians.

The newly appointed members include:

• Brenda Andresen – Co-Chief Executive Officer, Stephens & Associates Advertising, Inc.
• Stacy Burdick, DVM, MBA, DACVIM – Chief Medical Officer, Ethos, NVA
• Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) – Veterinary Nurse Editor in Chief (NAVC), Founder (AVNT)
• Andrea Crum, DVM – Vice President of Professional Relations, Community Vet Partners
• Mark Cushing, JD – Founder & CEO, Animal Policy Group
• David Haworth, DVM, PhD – Executive Vice President, Science & Business Development, Embark Veterinary, Inc.
• Jason Johnson, DVM - Vice President & Global Chief Medical Officer at IDEXX
• Bob Lester, DVM – Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer, WellHaven; Past President, NAVC
• Andrew Maccabe, JD, MPH – Global Vice President, Veterinary Education, Mars Veterinary Health
• Jimmy Murphy, DVM – Director of University Partnerships, Thrive
• Brett Sponseller, DVM – Director of Veterinary Science, Univ. of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center
• Apryl Steele, DVM – President and CEO, Dumb Friends League

The advisory board will work closely with LMU-CVM faculty and leadership to advance veterinary education, enhance student opportunities, and address industry challenges. Their collective experience spans clinical practice, corporate leadership, policy development, and veterinary education.

“These individuals bring a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to the veterinary profession,” said LMU-CVM Dean Stacy Anderson, DVM, PhD, DACVS-LA. “Their guidance will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our programs and prepare students for successful careers in veterinary medicine.”

The board’s responsibilities include providing insight into industry trends, fostering professional connections for students and faculty, and advising on curriculum enhancements to align with the evolving needs of the veterinary profession.

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is located on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, with additional academic facilities in nearby Lee County, Virginia. LMU-CVM is an integral part of the University’s medical programs and provides real-world, community-based education in a collaborative learning environment. For more information about LMU-CVM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 6600 or visit us online at vetmed.LMUnet.edu.