Wilson-Robles Named First Dr. Fred A. and Vola N. Palmer Chair in Comparative Oncology

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Dr. Heather Wilson-Robles, a veterinary oncologist and associate professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (VSCS) at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), has recently been appointed as chair holder of the Dr. Fred A. and Vola N. Palmer Chair in Comparative Oncology.

Dr. Heather Wilson-Robles
Dr. Heather Wilson-Robles

A chair is established to support and enhance the professional activities of an accomplished faculty member, usually created by a donation that is placed into an endowment. The principal amount from the donation is not spent, but remains in place to provide support.“We are enormously grateful for the support the Palmers have provided our college through the establishment of the Dr. Fred A. and Vola N. Palmer Chair in Comparative Oncology,” said Dr. Eleanor M. Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “This chair recognizes Dr. Wilson-Robles’ contributions to veterinary oncology through scholarly research and the development of multiple clinical trials within our teaching hospital. Her efforts have led to the development of new approaches to diagnose and treat cancer in animals that will eventually lead to similar advances in the treatment of cancer in people, and are indicative of why she is so deserving of this recognition. It is notable that Dr. Fred A. Palmer is not only an Outstanding Alumnus of CVM, but he is also a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M University.”

“The beauty of an endowment is that the funds are invested, and the earnings from the investment are used to support the faculty member’s work,” said Dr. Guy Sheppard, director of Development at the CVM. “The support from endowed chairs allows us to recruit and retain the finest faculty members.”

Dr. Fred A. Palmer, a 1969 graduate of the CVM, was a successful veterinary practitioner in Fort Worth for many years and served as president of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. Fred and Vola, who are great friends of the CVM and of Texas A&M University, serve on the CVM Development Council, the Friends of the Libraries Council, 12th Man Foundation Board, and the Association of Former Students Board. Fred was also named an Outstanding Alumnus of the CVM, as well as being one of only three veterinarians named as a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M.

“The Palmers are stellar college advocates and tremendously gracious donors to the college, and we are truly grateful for their generosity in establishing a chair in comparative oncology,” Green said.

“Dr. Wilson-Robles has distinguished herself in the field of Comparative Oncology, a field for which the Palmers are very passionate,” said Sheppard. “Her clinical and research work in the field make her well suited for this honor.”

“I am both honored and thrilled to be given this opportunity to further develop our comparative oncology program at Texas A&M,” said Dr. Wilson-Robles. “The Palmers have been very supportive of the oncology department here at Texas A&M and I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to advance this very important area of research in their name.”


Print
Show Buttons
Hide Buttons