VMBS Faculty Members Recognized For Dedication To Teaching By Association Of Former Students

Story by Courtney Price, VMBS Marketing & Communications

December 13, 2024

Two faculty members from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have been recognized for outstanding teaching and mentoring with College-Level Teaching Awards from the Texas A&M Association of Former Students (AFS).

Drs. Dana Kneese and Shannon Washburn were selected by their VMBS peers to receive the award, which honors teachers who maintain high expectations for their students and ensure academic rigor in the classroom; it also distinguishes educators who recognize their responsibility in motivating and contributing to the overall success of their students.

“It gives me immense pride to recognize Drs. Dana Kneese and Shannon Washburn, whose exceptional dedication to both their students and the field of veterinary medicine has truly set them apart,” said Dr. John August, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine in the VMBS. “Their innovative teaching methods, unwavering commitment, and profound impact on the next generation of veterinary professionals are deserving of the highest praise. We are fortunate to have them at our institution.”

Dr. Dana Kneese

Kneese is a clinical assistant professor in the VMBS’ Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences. Her teaching portfolio includes histology-related courses at the veterinary professional, graduate, and undergraduate levels in addition to contributing to a variety of other courses, including the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum’s Professional & Clinical Skills series.

One of Kneese’s most notable achievements is her coordination of the Veterinary Histology course, which she has solely managed since 2017, employing a variety of teaching methods to increase student understanding and enthusiasm for the subject.

“As someone who personally peer reviewed content in her course, I can attest to her ability to connect with her students,” one nominator said. “I found her classroom to be a respectful environment, with student questions answered without judgement.”

Kneese’s creative and collaborative classroom design has inspired many of her students, who credit her attentiveness to student learning with their overall academic and career success.

“She epitomizes all the core values of this institution though her exceptional dedication, integrity, and transformative impact on everyone around her,” wrote one of Kneese’s former students. “Her innovative teaching methods, genuine care for her students, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on my academic journey and life.”

Kneese’s dedication to student engagement and well-being also extends far beyond the classroom, as demonstrated by her participation in the DVM student faculty mentor program and as the faculty adviser for the DVM Class of 2025.

“Dr. Kneese takes the time and effort to mentor students,” a nominator shared. “Her door is always open to students, and they obviously respect her opinion and expertise. No matter the situation, Dr. Kneese always treats students as future colleagues.”

Dr. Shannon Washburn

Washburn, a clinical professor in the VMBS’ Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, is extremely active in teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. She is also a demonstrated leader in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning — a field of study undertaking systemic inquiry about student learning.

“Possibly the greatest thing Dr. Washburn provides students is the opportunity to be involved in, and ultimately take charge of and be responsible for, their own learning,” one nominator wrote. “This is evident by the long line of students I see requesting mentoring and guidance with life questions, far beyond faculty office hours.”

One feature that sets her apart is her dedication to not only improving her teaching methods but also publishing pedagogical research.

“Dr. Washburn’s determination to develop and implement novel teaching approaches and then to rigorously evaluate them and publish the results demonstrates her clear commitment to the scholarship of teaching as well as to her students,” a nominator shared.

Washburn’s commitment to teaching and mentorship doesn’t stop with her students, as one junior faculty member shared.

“I teach one of the sections in a course she coordinates, and during this time, she has been extremely supportive of my teaching ideas and has shared her expertise on achieving effective results,” they said. “More importantly, she offers support and helps me navigate challenges I face as a junior faculty member, helping my development and improvement at Texas A&M University.”

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

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