Prestigious Veterinary Teaching Award Presented to PVM Alumnus

March 13, 2020

Purdue Veterinary Medicine graduate Jerome Masty (PU DVM ’78), a member of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, recently was honored as the recipient of the 2019 AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award.  Considered as one of the most prestigious teaching awards in international academic veterinary medicine, the award recognizes excellence in professional veterinary medical education.

Dr. Masty is presented with his award plaque on stage at AAVMC
PVM alumnus Jerome Masty (far right), a faculty member at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, received the prestigious AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award at the 2020 AAVMC Annual Conference earlier this month in Washington, D.C.

Sponsored by Zoetis, the AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award is presented to an educator whose sustained record of teaching excellence and ability, dedication, character, and leadership has contributed significantly to the advancement of the veterinary medical profession.  After graduating in the Purdue DVM Class of 1978, Dr. Masty went on to earn both his master’s and PhD degrees in veterinary anatomy at Purdue.  Currently an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences at Ohio State University (OSU), Dr. Masty primarily teaches first-year gross anatomy, second-year neuroanatomy of the nervous system, and three second-year elective classes in surgical anatomy, feline anatomy, and neuroanatomy.

Dr. Masty has received numerous teaching awards during his tenure on the OSU faculty.  He describes his teaching approach as one that goes beyond passive listening to engage students through interactive notes and illustrative diagrams that help students to visualize and remember how different parts of the body work together. He also continuously solicits and responds to student feedback.

Dr. Masty also has fulfilled the role of mentor to numerous other instructors throughout various disciplines at OSU.  Assistant Vice Provost Alan Kalish, who has worked with Dr. Masty on numerous teaching enhancement projects for nearly two decades, wrote that he is “one of the most popular and innovative instructors at Ohio State.”

“Zoetis is proud to sponsor the prestigious AAVMC Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award,” said Dr. Christine C. Jenkins, Zoetis U.S. Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Veterinary Medical Services and Outcomes Research. “Recipients like Dr. Masty represent the very best of veterinary medical education, and we are honored to celebrate his achievement and dedication to excellence in preparing future generations of veterinary professionals.”

The award was presented during the AAVMC 2020 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. March 6-8. Click here to view a complete news release about the award.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern, and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.

In Memory – Dr. Raymond Backe (PU DVM ’66)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of Dr. Ray Backe, an alumnus who was a member of the college’s fourth graduating class – the Class of 1966. Dr. Backe, of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, formerly of Greendale, Wisconsin, passed away January 19, 2025. He was 84.

Purdue Veterinary Alumni Meet up in Las Vegas at WVC Annual Conference

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni stood out from the large crowds of veterinary professionals attending the Viticus Group 2025 WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada as they gathered for the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Reception held in conjunction with the conference. The event Monday evening, March 3, attracted close to 70 alumni who met up at the Rhythm and Rifts lounge located just off the Mandalay Bay casino floor.

Purdue Veterinary Student and Small Animal Surgery Resident Achieve Recognition at Major Specialty Conference

A Purdue second-year veterinary student and a third-year small animal surgery resident helped put the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spotlight at the 52nd Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) this year.

PVM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Announces Plans to Retire

An esteemed and dedicated Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member and administrator, Dr. S. Kathleen Salisbury, has announced that she will conclude her Purdue career of more than 40 years when she retires effective June 30, 2025. Her decision was shared with the college’s faculty, staff and students by Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, Wednesday (3/12).