Two VMBS Faculty Members Recognized For Dedication To Teaching
Story by Rachel Knight, VMBS Communications
Two Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) faculty members were recognized with The Association of Former Students College-Level Teaching Awards for their dedication to their students’ education.
The award, which honors teachers who maintain high expectations for their students and ensure academic rigor in the classroom, distinguishes educators who recognize their responsibility in motivating and contributing to the overall development of their students.
In 2023, Dr. Amanda Davis, a clinical assistant professor, and Dr. Michelle Pine, a clinical associate professor, were nominated and selected by their VMBS colleagues to receive the award.
“There is no shortage of teaching talent at the VMBS, and outstanding instructors like Drs. Davis and Pine exemplify that,” said Dr. John August, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work with the Association of Former Students to recognize their distinguished abilities in the classroom and beyond as they continue to shape the future of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences one student at a time.”
Dr. Amanda Davis
Davis teaches a wide range of courses on anatomy and physiology to both undergraduate and graduate students.
“As a professor, Dr. Davis is focused on engaging students not only in the classroom but also in the course,” a nominator said. “Possibly the greatest thing Dr. Davis provides for students is the opportunity to be involved in, and ultimately take charge of, their own learning. This is truly transformational teaching that is exceptionally well-received and supported by student evaluations and by the long line of students I see requesting mentoring and guidance with life questions.”
Her dedication to student learning outcomes begins long before the first day of class each semester.
“Dr. Davis is an innovator with her own courses who carefully reviews the teaching literature and uses best practices in teaching, with an unrivaled willingness to assess the changes and be measured by that success,” a nominator shared. “These approaches are transformative for students and apply at every educational level.”
Davis’ dedication to her craft is both well received and greatly appreciated by her students, who credit her teaching and mentorship with contributing to their overall academic and career success.
“Her class was, without question, one of the most difficult yet most impactful classes of my undergraduate career,” one of Davis’ former students said. “It was Dr. Davis’ teaching method, kindness, and overall support of my ongoing education that made the transition to vet school more manageable.”
In addition to teaching, Davis also conducts research on exercise physiology and the role exercise plays in fighting breast cancer, presents at conferences and workshops, and serves as an adviser and mentor to both students and young faculty members.
Dr. Michelle Pine
Pine teaches courses in biomedical anatomy, biomedical neuroendocrinology, and neurotoxicology to undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary students.
“Biomedical and veterinary anatomy are vital but very difficult subjects to teach,” a nominator said. “Dr. Pine excels at making the subject understandable and interesting for her students, as evidenced by how much she is respected and admired by her students, who made sure she was selected as a Fish Camp namesake in 2017.”
Pine consistently receives exemplary student evaluations as students recognize her contributions to their success.
“Dr. Pine carefully provides building blocks of information concerning functional anatomy that allow students to comprehend different aspects of the field of gross anatomy that are relevant to students in her classes who are preparing to pursue professional programs, such as veterinary medicine, dentistry, and medical school,” her nominator shared. “She helps train future veterinarians and mentors future professional anatomy instructors with most earning a graduate degree.”
Her dedication to her student’s learning at every level of their academic careers is appreciated by those who have the opportunity to take Pine’s classes.
“A great professor develops and mentors students not only to improve academically but to think critically, excel past their own expectations, develop internally, and ultimately become a better person,” one of Pine’s former students and nominators said. “Dr. Pine embodies every one of these traits making her uniquely deserving of this prestigious recognition.”
Additionally, Pine conducts collaborative research with colleagues across campus to further develop innovative teaching methods for STEM education, writes book chapters on anatomy, and presents at conferences.
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Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216
