Spencer A. Johnston, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and former professor of veterinary medicine at Virginia Tech, has been appointed as the Edward H. Gunst Professor in the department of small animal medicine and surgery at UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Johnston, who completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at UGA in 1987, graduated summa cum laude with a VMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1986.
He completed a residency in small animal surgery at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990 and served on the faculty in small animal clinical sciences at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, in Blacksburg, Va., for 13 years.
He is the recipient of numerous awards from VMRCVM, including the Norden Distinguished Teaching Award, VMRCVM Teaching Award and the Wine Award, which is a university-level award for outstanding teaching.
He also is a five-time recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award by the student body and Veterinarian of the Year by St. Francis of Assisi Service Dog Organization in 2000.
“The Edward H. Gunst Professorship greatly enhances our efforts to recruit a renowned scholar in small animal clinical studies,” said Dean Sheila W. Allen. “The professorship provides support for the holder’s teaching and research programs.
“Dr. Johnston is recognized internationally as an outstanding clinician, teacher, and scholar” Allens added. “His expertise will add to our many areas of excellence in small animal medicine and surgery.”
Established in 1995 by Richard and Joanne Moyer of Richmond, Va., the Gunst Professorship has been occupied by only one other faculty member, Craig Greene, who retired in 2006.
