Ray Carroll

2009 Outstanding Alumni
Dr. Ray D. Carroll, '57

After graduating from high school in Italy, Texas, Dr. Ray D. Carroll served twice on active duty as a member of the United States Navy Reserve. In 1957, he graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences with his DVM. For over 50 years, he operated the Carroll and Harper Animal Hospital in Corsicana and became a widely respected food animal veterinarian. Outside of the day to day role as the cattle expert in a very busy mixed animal practice, Dr. Carroll emerged as a pioneer in beef cattle medicine early in his career.

In addition to private practice, Dr. Carroll made significant contributions to the profession as a mentor and teacher. He served as chairman and member of the Navarro County Extension Livestock Committee and was instrumental in the eradication of brucellosis and championed the beef referendum. His leadership in developing and implementing quality educational programming for livestock producers in the area was monumental. In 2005, he received the Navarro County Farmer of the Year award.

Dr. Carroll has been a member of several professional organizations, including the Three Rivers Veterinary Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Association of Bovine Practitioners, the Society of Veterinary Theriogenology, the American Hereford Association, the American Angus Association, the American Simmental Association, the Texas Polled Hereford Association, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Farm Bureau.

Throughout his career, Dr. Carroll has been an active part of many youth organizations, including 4-H and Future Farmers of America.  At Navarro College in Corsicana, he taught several classes, including animal health, animal science, reproduction of farm animals, and horse husbandry. He has also mentored several students who have gone on to graduate as veterinarians from Texas A&M University. From 1962 through 1973, Dr. Carroll was also a football official with the Southwestern Football Officials Association.

Through his research and practice, Dr. Carroll initiated aging and pregnancy testing of cows at sale barns in Texas, created the protocol for the use of terramycin for the prevention of anaplasmosis in cattle and was the first to recognize that the anaplasmosis vaccine caused neonatal iso-erythrolysis in newborn calves. He has field-tested medications for Merck and has presented numerous programs and demonstrations throughout central Texas.

In addition to his career in veterinary medicine, Dr. Carroll has made an impact on Texas politics. As a member of several campaigns, including those of Phil Gramm, Martin Frost, Forrest Green, and Lt. Governor Bob Bullock, he forged relationships that have helped to direct the agricultural extension budget as well to promote the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and the Texas Animal Health Commission. He is a member of the Navarro County Historical Society and a member and three-time president of the Navarro County A&M Club.

Dr. Carroll and his wife, Lou were married at All Faith's Chapel on the campus of Texas A&M almost 52 years ago. Their family is made up of all boys - they have two sons, five grandsons and two great grandsons