A team of 11 faculty and staff members from the Lincoln Memorial University-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) and the LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine at Orange Park (LMU-OPCVM), attended the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Catalyze 2025 Annual Conference, one of the premier global gatherings for academic leaders in veterinary medicine.
Held in Washington D.C., April 10-12, Catalyze drew hundreds of educators, researchers, and policy advocates from across the world. The three-day symposium emphasizes professional development, collaboration, and innovation, with focused discussions on issues such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and the future of veterinary education.
LMU veterinary faculty and staff were active participants in both the academic sessions and AAVMC’s Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, where they met with members of Congress and legislative staff to champion policies that benefit veterinary medicine. Drs. Elizabeth Devine, Kit Kelly, Ashutosh Verma, and Kim Carney, Dean of LMU-CVM at Orange Park, represented the university during Advocacy Day, emphasizing the importance of federal support for the veterinary workforce and rural animal care access.
“We’re proud of our faculty and staff engagement not just in academic leadership, but also in helping shape national policy for the veterinary profession,” said Dr. Stacy Anderson, executive dean of LMU-CVM. “Their presence in Washington underscores LMU’s growing influence in veterinary education and advocacy.”
During the conference, Carney and Dr. James Little delivered a presentation on veterinary colleges that implement a distributive model for clinical rotations—a structure both veterinary schools employ—and its correlation with student success on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Dr. Julie Hunt delivered a presentation about the faculty qualifications necessary for effective surgical skills training.
In addition to academic contributions, the LMU-CVM community was recognized during a highlight moment of the conference. Gabriella Lopez, a student at LMU-CVM, was named a recipient of a $10,000 Merck Scholarship, awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to advancing the field. Lopez is a member of the DVM Class of 2026 and a part of the DVM/MBA dual-degree program. Gabriella has worked with organizations such as the Rural Area Veterinary Services and co-founded the LMU-CVM American Association of Feline Practitioners student chapter.
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.
