Michael Groves

2007 Outstanding Alumni
Dr. Michael G. Groves '64

Dr. Michael Groves spent the first 26 years of his career as a soldier scientist with the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps where he was active in infectious disease research. His military assignments include: five years at the army's tropical disease research unit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he served as commander of the unit from 1989-92; five years as director of the army/navy consolidated infectious disease research program; and three years as Deputy Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, DC. In the latter two positions, Dr. Groves played a central role in guiding research on the protection of deployed military personnel from infectious diseases.

Following his retirement from the army as a colonel in 1990, he joined the faculty at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine as the Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health. In 1996, Dr. Groves was appointed as director of the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory. He served as both department head and diagnostic laboratory director until April 1999 when he was chosen to be the dean of the veterinary school in April 1999. He served in this position until his retirement in June 2006. Upon retirement, he was granted the title of Dean Emeritus in recognition of his exemplary service to LSU.

Dr. Groves earned a masters degree in public health and a doctorate in microbiology and received specialty certification from the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists and the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine (ACVPM). Dr. Groves' military awards include three Legion of Merit decorations and the James A. McCallum Award for outstanding contributions to military medical research. The ACVPM honored Dr. Groves with its Distinguished Diplomate Award for significant contributions to veterinary preventive medicine and the Helwig-Jennings Award for outstanding and prolonged service to the College. He has published over 60 scientific articles and book chapters.

He currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with his wife of 42 years, Matilda (Tillie) Groves. Together, they have one daughter, Amy G. Stewart and two granddaughters, Emma and Kate Stewart.