Two VMBS Faculty Earn Distinguished Achievement Awards For Teaching

Two faculty members at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have been named recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Achievement Award from The Association of Former Students.

Shannon Washburn, a clinical professor in the Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, and Sara Lawhon, a professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, were recognized for excellence in teaching.

The Distinguished Achievement Award is among the most prestigious honors presented to faculty and staff at Texas A&M University. Recipients are selected by a campuswide committee of faculty, staff, and former students.

The honorees will be recognized during the Academic Awards Ceremony on April 24 in the Memorial Student Center’s Bethancourt Ballroom. Each recipient will receive a commemorative plaque and an engraved watch.

Shannon Washburn

Washburn plays a vital role in shaping the physiology curriculum within the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. She guides first-year veterinary students through foundational coursework, fostering accountability, critical thinking, and professional growth as they prepare to become leaders in veterinary medicine.

“Dr. Washburn’s enthusiasm and passion for teaching are evident in her ability to inspire deep engagement and foster the development of lifelong learners,” her nominator said. “Her range of disciplinary expertise, combined with clear communication and intentional instructional design, creates a rigorous yet supportive learning environment in which students are challenged to think critically, connect concepts, and apply knowledge with confidence.”

In addition to teaching and coordinating large, first-year DVM physiology courses, Washburn’s portfolio includes foundational physiology, clinically integrated case-based learning, professional and clinical skills development, bioengineering physiology, graduate-level vascular physiology, emergency medicine, and international veterinary education programs. She played a significant role in redesigning the DVM curriculum by integrating case-based learning and expanding interactive, evidence-based instructional approaches.

By collecting and analyzing student feedback and performance data, she continues to refine her teaching strategies to ensure meaningful engagement and support for all learners.

“Every student pursuing a medical field hopes to have an instructor as kind, caring, and creative as Dr. Washburn, and if you ask other students who have had the privilege of being her pupil, they’ll agree,” said one of her former students.

Washburn earned her DVM degree from Texas A&M University and spent time in private clinical practice before returning to the university in 2010 to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and joining the VMBS faculty.

Sara Lawhon

Lawhon’s contributions to VMBS reflect a deep commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship. She has developed innovative instructional tools and equipped students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success, particularly in antimicrobial stewardship education.

“Dr. Sara Lawhon is consistently recognized by students as an extraordinary educator who makes a lasting difference in their academic and professional development,” her nominator said. “Renowned for her ability to demystify complex subjects such as antibiotic selection, Dr. Lawhon employs a clear, approachable, and engaging teaching style that fosters a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

“Her commitment to student-centered teaching sets her apart and consistently earns her ratings above departmental averages in teaching evaluations.”

Mentorship is central to Lawhon’s impact, with her guidance extending well beyond the classroom through research programs and laboratory training experiences. Throughout her career, Lawhon has supervised 56 clinical and bench research trainees, providing individualized mentorship tailored to students’ professional goals, preparing them to become future leaders.

Former mentees have gone on to faculty appointments at Texas A&M and Duke University, demonstrating the lasting impact of her mentorship.

“Students frequently mention her genuine investment in their well-being and professional growth,” a nominator said. “She is approachable and responsive, always willing to offer guidance, mentorship, and support both inside and outside the classroom. This rapport builds trust and motivates students to excel.”

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Lawhon directs the Clinical Microbiology & Immunology Laboratory at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She also has played a significant role in shaping policies and strengthening the DVM and biomedical sciences programs at Texas A&M.

Lawhon earned dual bachelor’s degrees in biomedical sciences (1991) and veterinary sciences (1993), as well as her DVM degree (1997), from Texas A&M University. She completed a residency in infectious diseases, earned a Ph.D. in comparative biomedical sciences from North Carolina State University in 2003, and completed postdoctoral training at Texas A&M.