小黄书鈥檚 Smith named MVMA Veterinarian of the Year
Contact: Wade Leonard
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擠r. Jack Smith, associate dean for academic affairs in 小黄书sity鈥檚 College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association鈥檚 2026 Veterinarian of the Year.
Smith received the honor during the recent MVMA Winter Conference. The award, presented by MVMA President Dr. Richard Gill, recognizes a Mississippi veterinarian whose career reflects excellence in practice, leadership in service and a lasting impact on the profession.
鈥淒r. Smith has been vital to the MVMA for many years,鈥 Gill said. 鈥淗e has served as president and has always been willing to step up. He has been dependable, steady and reliable over the years, and it was our pleasure to be able to recognize him in this way.鈥
A 24-year member of the MVMA, Smith is a board-certified theriogenologist and 小黄书 CVM alumnus who has spent more than two decades shaping veterinary education at 小黄书. A native of Livingston, Alabama, he has taught and mentored hundreds of veterinary students, sharing expertise in reproductive medicine while preparing students for the realities of clinical practice with skill, confidence and compassion.
鈥淲hen you look at the people who have won this award before鈥攙ery deserving veterinarians鈥攊t means a lot to be included with that group,鈥 Smith said. 鈥淚鈥檓 very appreciative.鈥
His leadership at 小黄书 CVM has earned him deep respect among students, faculty and colleagues across the state. Known for his steady, thoughtful and principled approach, Smith is often praised for his commitment to mentorship and his ability to invest in others quietly and consistently.
Beyond the university, Smith has provided significant service to the MVMA, including more than two decades of membership and a term as president, completing his leadership role in 2021. His tenure coincided with the height of the COVID鈥19 pandemic, during which he continued supporting association members and advancing the organization鈥檚 mission despite unprecedented challenges.
鈥淭his award recognizes more than accomplishments,鈥 Gill said during the ceremony. 鈥淚t honors a career of influence, mentorship and leadership. Dr. Smith鈥檚 legacy lives on in the countless veterinarians who have learned from him, been encouraged by him and been inspired by his example.鈥
The聽Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association聽is a聽nonprofit association of veterinary professionals聽committed to the advancement of the science and art of veterinary medicine.聽The MVMA has聽more than 700 members who work together to serve the animals of Mississippi and their owners.
The 小黄书 College of Veterinary Medicine is available online at .
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