VMBS’ Glennon Mays Recognized With ‘Visionary of the Year’ Award

Dr. Glennon Mays, a clinical professor and director of recruitment and student services at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), has been named the 2026 Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS) Visionary of the Year.

The award recognizes an individual whose contributions elevate the standards and goals of veterinary medicine. Mays — who was nominated by Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) executive director Dr. Lori Teller — was formally presented with the award at the SWVS President’s VIP Reception on Sept. 18.

“The TVMA Executive Committee considered many worthy individuals for this award and decided that Dr. Mays has made a tremendous impact on so many veterinarians in Texas that this is his time to be recognized,” Teller said. “His foresight and mentorship have launched so many veterinarians into the world and helped them understand what it takes to be successful.”

Mays’ nearly 50-year career spans private practice, academic medicine, and veterinary workforce development, all of which brought him closer to the people who were in need of veterinary care and, thus, allowed him to be a public servant, Mays said. 

A fourth-generation rancher from Texas, Mays graduated from the Texas A&M Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program in 1976. He spent two years practicing mixed animal medicine in Coleman before transitioning to a practice in Brady, where he became a partner in a private practice alongside his older brother. 

He stayed at the Brady Veterinary Hospital for the remainder of his private practice career before returning to Texas A&M as a faculty member in 2008.

“I credit my rural background for my passion for providing veterinary services in smaller communities, which was demonstrated through my private practice career,” Mays said.

Upon joining the VMBS faculty, Mays first directed the Texas Department of Criminal Justice clinical rotation, guiding fourth-year veterinary students in providing hands-on care for state-owned livestock, poultry, and working dogs. 

In his current position, he focuses heavily on student recruitment, although providing mentorship and being accessible to current and prospective students are most important to him, Mays said. 

“One of the things that influences what I hope is impactful in my current position is being accessible to students,” Mays said. “I love watching light bulbs come on.”

Light bulb moments come from real-world problem solving, Mays explained.

“Working with students is a wonderful opportunity to help them navigate through whatever the case presentation is, whether it’s an individual animal or a herd or a flock of animals, to help them problem solve, if that’s what is needed,” Mays said. “I enjoy helping them figure out how we’re going to do whatever the job requires that day.”

His dedication to students is a hallmark of his career. 

According to Teller, Mays is frequently asked to participate in hooding ceremonies at graduation and serves as a faculty mentor for the Class of 2028.

“His most enduring legacy will be his exponential impact on students,” Teller said. “Dr. Mays has contact with hundreds of students each year, from elementary school through veterinary school, and those students go on to impact others involved in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, public health, and biosecurity. Dr. Mays’ impact is like tossing a stone in a pond; the ripples spread far and wide.”

Reflecting on the future of the profession, Mays remains enthusiastically optimistic about the next generation of practitioners and emphasizes the importance of public service in veterinary medicine.

“This profession is consumer driven,” Mays said. “The animals are what bring us to the party, but we’re public servants.”

Despite his extensive legacy, Mays expressed surprise at his selection for the award.

“I’m still stunned with the news of this announcement,” Mays said. “To be classified as a visionary, there are so many colleagues who are much more influential, much more deserving, in my opinion. So, I’m beyond humbled.”