College recognizes 2025 Distinguished and Honorary Distinguished Alumni

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine recognized several Distinguished and Honorary Distinguished Alumni at a ceremony held on September 12, 2025.

Distinguished Alumni

A 1989 graduate of Ohio State’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, Karen L. Kline, DVM, MS, DACVIM, has built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in veterinary neurology. She is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology) and holds a master’s degree from Iowa State University.

Her career includes impactful roles in both academia and private practice, with faculty appointments at Iowa State University and Washington State University, as well as leadership positions at Veterinary Specialty Care of Seattle and VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists.

Kline is a celebrated educator, having received multiple “Teacher of the Year” awards and the prestigious Norden Distinguished Teaching Award. She has mentored countless veterinary students, interns and residents, and currently serves as associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at Washington State University.

Her scholarly contributions include numerous publications in leading veterinary journals and chapters in major textbooks. She is also a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. In addition to her academic and clinical achievements, Kline serves as president of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), guiding one of the world’s foremost veterinary continuing education organizations.

Bill Minton, DVM earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State in 1985 after completing a Bachelor of Science in animal nutrition. He began his career in large-animal practice in Mercer County, Ohio, eventually transforming his business into a swine-exclusive consulting practice. In 2005, he co-founded Four Star Veterinary Service, which now includes 29 veterinarians across eight clinics in six states, serving clients in more than 30 states.
Today, Dr Minton’s practice in Chickasaw continues to focus on food animal medicine through his staff of 10 veterinarians specializing in Swine, Beef and Poultry production.

With a focus on population and preventive medicine, Minton has led efforts in biosecurity, disease surveillance, production analysis and employee training. His practice is a model of innovation and excellence in swine health management.

Beyond clinical care, Minton is a respected educator and mentor. He regularly presents at industry conferences and collaborates with researchers, including co-authoring peer-reviewed publications. His practice also hosts veterinary students from Ohio State for off-site electives, helping shape the next generation of food animal veterinarians.

He exemplifies servant leadership, serving on numerous advisory boards and committees, including Osgood Bank Board of Directors, the Ohio Pork Council Swine Health Committee, the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, and Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Agriculture Advancement Board.

Timothy Trayer, DVM, earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State in 1979 and returned to his hometown of Hershey, Pennsylvania, to begin his career in mixed-animal practice. His early work with a pioneering swine production system sparked a passion for food animal medicine leading him to found Agricultural Veterinary Associates, LLC, a practice that now employs nine veterinarians focused on food animal health.

A recognized leader in swine medicine, Trayer co-authored the Boar Stud Isolation and Health Guidelines for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), a foundational document for biosecurity and health practices in artificial insemination. He has presented at major conferences, including AASV and the Leman Conference, and collaborated on research into infectious swine respiratory diseases. His expertise is frequently sought by the biological and pharmaceutical industries for advisory roles and field studies.

Trayer is also a passionate advocate for veterinary education and rural practice. He established a two-week internship program to attract students to food animal medicine and has actively supported the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, which helps veterinarians serve in shortage areas.

His professional service includes roles as AASV delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and membership on the AVMA Council on Veterinary Services and Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee. He received the AASV Meritorious Service Award in 2003 and became an AVMA Honor Roll Member in 2024.

Honorary Distinguished Alumna

Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council, was recognized as a 2025 Distinguished Honorary Alumna. The award honors individuals who are not graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine but who demonstrate exceptional commitment to animal welfare, excellence in veterinary education, service and outreach.

Day, a ninth-generation farm owner, began her agricultural journey raising Angus cattle  and remains deeply connected to her family’s farming legacy in Illinois. As a landowner and active steward of the family farm, which produces corn, soybeans and livestock, she brings both heritage and perspective to the agricultural community. Her deep-rooted commitment to agriculture and strategic leadership has made her a respected voice in the industry.

Since joining the Ohio Pork Council in 2020, Day has worked closely with producers, policymakers and educators to advance the council’s mission of serving and benefiting Ohio pork producers. Under her leadership, the council has expanded its outreach, strengthened youth engagement programs and elevated the visibility of Ohio’s pork industry at both the state and national levels.

Day is a passionate advocate for swine health, helping position Ohio as a national leader in biosecurity and foreign animal disease (FAD) preparedness. She has strengthened youth education, supported sustainable pork production and advanced research at the College of Veterinary Medicine focused on FAD prevention and response. Her leadership in organizing multi-sector FAD exercises has ensured Ohio’s readiness to respond to potential outbreaks.

One of Day’s key policy achievements was leading the successful effort to ban feral swine in Ohio—protecting commercial herds from diseases carried by wild populations. Her strategic vision and tireless advocacy continue to shape the future of swine health and veterinary collaboration across the state.

Day has been a vital partner to the College of Veterinary Medicine in addressing Ohio’s rural veterinary shortage—an issue critical to the sustainability of the state’s pork industry. Through her leadership, she has championed efforts to ensure pork producers across Ohio have consistent access to the veterinary care necessary to maintain healthy, productive farms.

As a passionate advocate for the college, Day has used her platform to elevate awareness among Ohio legislators about the far-reaching impacts of veterinary shortages. Her advocacy has helped policymakers understand the risks these shortages pose to animal health, food security and rural economies.

Beyond policy, Day has played a key role in bridging the gap between rural communities and urban audiences. Her outreach efforts have fostered greater public understanding and appreciation for Ohio agriculture, strengthening the connection between producers and consumers across the state.

This honor recognizes her exceptional leadership tireless advocacy, and contributions to Ohio’s pork industry and agricultural communities.