College of Veterinary Medicine

2009 Distinguished Alumni Awardee

Dr. Charles Neer graduated with a DVM from our College in 1963. Following graduation he served for two years as a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp. He went on to own a mixed and companion animal veterinary practice in Bellevue, Ohio for 17 years. From 1982 until 1985, Dr. Neer was an instructor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine where he received a Master of Science degree. From 1985 to 1990 he was an assistant professor and director of outpatients for Veterinary Clinical Sciences. He became a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine in 1987. In 1990 Dr. Neer became an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at Ohio State.

Dr. Neer was a hard working member of the Veterinary Preventive Medicine Department where he contributed to the various rotations primarily focused on public health. He carried a large teaching and service load while also serving as an advisor to 140 veterinary students. This included one-on-one personal counseling, advising on employment strategies including cover letters, resumes, reviewing contracts, interviewing and negotiation techniques, and how to buy a veterinary practice. He was also the advisor for the Pre-Vet Club, the Veterinary Business Management Association, Student Human Animal Bond Club, and the Auxiliary Student SCAVMA.

Although very active in service both at the College and outside the University, Dr. Neer's greatest contribution to our College has been his development of core and elective courses in career development and business practices for veterinary students and undergraduates. Dr. Neer was instrumental in the visioning of the "Professional Development Curriculum", which has been an integral part of the OSU veterinary curriculum for many years. He was a member of the national task force which developed the concepts and content and instituted it at OSU.

Dr. Neer has been recognized regionally and nationally for his contributions to the profession, serving as president of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), being named Veterinarian of the Year by the OVMA in 1976 and 2007, and receiving the Leo Bustad Award Companion Animal Veterinarian Award for Ohio in 1986 and 1987. In 2001 he was award the Ohio State University Career Services Award; the Dean's Award for Creativity in Teaching in 2006; and the College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society Alumni Recognition Award in 2008.