Ames, N. Kent
2010 Distinbuished Alumni Awardee
Dr. N. Kent Ames is an Ohio native who received his DVM from our College in 1974. Following graduation, Dr. Ames entered an internship in large animal surgery and medicine at Kansas State University. Post internship, Dr. Ames stayed at Kansas State where he completed a residency in the Department of Surgery and Medicine and received his Master Degree. In 1977 Dr. Ames joined the faculty at Michigan State University as an assistant professor of large animal surgery and medicine, rising to the rank of associate professor in 1984 and the rank of professor in 1995. At MSU he has served as Section Head of the Food Animal Program for 18 years and also is the Michigan State University Farm Veterinarian. Dr. Ames is the author or coauthor of 29 refereed scientific publications, 16 non-refereed scientific publications, and 14 book chapters. He has been the major advisor for three clinical residents and a committee member for an additional nine. As a graduate advisor, Dr. Ames has provided guidance for over 20 students as major advisor and committee member.
Dr. Ames is held in high esteem at Michigan State, nationally, and internationally as an educator. At Michigan State he received the Norden Award for Distinguished Teaching on two occasions and received the National Norden Teaching Award from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges in 1995. Further teaching honors include his being given the Outstanding Teacher Award three times by the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Merck Ag-Vet Award for Teaching Creativity. His teaching has been recognized by the State of Michigan with a Teaching Excellence Award and by the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association with a Distinguished Faculty Award. On four occasions, Dr. Ames was selected by the graduating veterinary class to give their commencement address, a high honor.
Dr. Ames is a highly sought after continuing education speaker, both nationally and internationally. He has made extensive service contributions to his university and profession, including serving on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and a term as president in 2001. He is also active in 4-H and has served on various committees for the American Veterinary Medical Association in addition to being their Congressional Science Fellow in Washington, D.C in 2004.
Dr. Kent Ames is a distinguished graduate of our College who has had an outstanding career as a veterinary educator. His outstanding teaching record, extensive service contributions and international reputation make him most deserving of the honor of Distinguished Alumnus of our College.
