Tuskegee University
07/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2024 15:25
Tuskegee Veterinary Dean, and Alumni Honored
Tuskegee Veterinary Dean, and Alumni Honored
July 17, 2024
Contact: Anissa Riley, College of Veterinary Medicine
Historic honors for our veterinary alumni are nothing new for Tuskegee University and this was once again recently noted during the 2024 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention held in Austin, Texas last month.
Dr. Ruby L. Perry '77, dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and the first African American woman board-certified veterinary radiologist, was named the second recipient of the AVMA's Lifetime Achievement Award. The AVMA's first recipient last year was also a Tuskegee veterinary alumnus, Dr. Willie Reed '78.
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey '82, also a board-certified veterinary radiologist, was elected the first Black president-elect for the AVMA.
"Over the years, (Dr. Perry) has set a benchmark for excellence," said Dr. Janet Donlin, Executive Vice President and CEO of the AVMA. "Much like Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson, Dr. Perry has been a beacon of hope and guidance through her mentorship of underrepresented groups and has also exemplified unparalleled leadership across various veterinary committees and organizations. Steadfast commitment has allowed her to bring about meaningful change in the veterinary profession."
The recognition was meaningful for a variety of reasons for Dr. Perry.
"Upon learning of my selection as the 2024 recipient of the AVMA Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award, l was humbled and extremely honored to be the second recipient of this award following my colleague and fellow Tuskegee veterinary alum, Dr. Willie Reed," she said. "Dr. Patterson was a profound man in the history of Tuskegee University and specifically in the establishment of the veterinary medical program as well as a visionary leader. I consider it a privilege to serve in the leadership role as dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, now in existence 79 years since its opening in 1945. I do not take this honor or responsibility lightly because Dr. Patterson was a leader to be admired by us all and has left a legacy example for all future leaders. Thank you AVMA for this honor."
Tuskegee alumnus to lead AVMA again
Dr. Bailey was named the AVMA's first Black president-elect for 2024-25 by the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD). He has pledged to offer "robust, effective and diverse leadership that inspires innovation and will begin serving his term as the Association's president next July.
Dr. Bailey works for IDEXX Laboratories as a veterinary radiologist and medical director. He pioneered Ohio's inaugural private practice advanced veterinary CT imaging services and launched referral and emergency imaging facilities in Pittsburgh. He also serves as the director of medical innovations in telemedicine for a global telemedicine consultant business, where he brings his extensive telemedicine expertise to the forefront. Previously he served on the veterinary faculties of Michigan State University, The Ohio State University, and Tuskegee University.
Dr. Bailey has been engaged in organized veterinary volunteer leadership at the state and national levels to include serving as the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association president and recently completed a six-year term on the AVMA Board of Directors.
Also worth noting, with the election of Dr. Bailey as the AVMA president-elect, Tuskegee University will have two veterinary alumni to have served as president of the AVMA. Dr. Theodore (Ted) Cohn, '75 veterinary alumnus, served as AVMA president from 2014-15.
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