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Spencer Johnston

Johnston named Edward H. Gunst Professor at UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine

Friday, September 14, 2007

Athens, Ga. – Spencer A. Johnston, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and former professor of veterinary medicine at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM), has been appointed as the Edward H. Gunst Professor in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Georgia 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 VMRCVM in Blacksburg, Va., for thirteen 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. His expertise will add to our many areas of excellence in small animal medicine and surgery.”

The Gunst Professorship was established in 1995 by Richard and Joanne Moyer of Richmond, Va., honoring a long-standing relationship the Gunsts have had with the College of Veterinary Medicine. Edward Gunst, father of Joanne Gunst Moyer, owned a pet care supply business called Polk Miller Company out of Richmond. In 1962 the company entered into an agreement with the College in which veterinarians worked closely with Polk Miller’s chemist to develop the first flea collar. This popular household product was marketed by Polk Miller under the well-known Sergeant’s Pet Care line. Polk Miller also funded construction of dog kennels for the College during that time.

The Gunsts have entrusted their pets’ health to the College for several decades, often times driving all the way from Virginia to receive specialized care.

“Our family has had an extensive 45-year history with UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Richard Moyer. “We have been received on each visit with kindness, genuine concern for our animal’s betterment, and a highly skilled approach to their respective problems. We are extremely honored to support the College and animal health with this professorship.”

Since 1995 the Gunst Professorship has been occupied by only one other faculty member, Craig Greene, who retired in 2006.

“Dr. Johnston’s work will benefit the field of veterinary medicine,” adds Allen. “The residents and graduate students who work with him will use the skills they gain under Dr. Johnston’s tutelage to care for animals and further enhance knowledge in small animal veterinary studies.”

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The College benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services.

Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the College is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health. The College enrolls 96 students each fall out of more than 500 who apply. It has more than 130 faculty members.

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Note to editors: a high-resolution photograph of Spencer Johnston is available for download here: http://www.vet.uga.edu/PR/photos.php


This page was last updated September 26, 2007.