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.

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. 

John Mossbarger, DVM ’77, has shown unwavering dedication to equine and food animal medicine with a decades-long career. A partner and primary veterinarian at Midland Acres, a leading Standardbred horse farm in Bloomingburg, Ohio, Mossbarger has profoundly contributed to the Standardbred racing industry. He has accomplished this not only through his work at Midland Acres but also by serving in prominent leadership roles. 

Mossbarger’s appointments include serving as President of both the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association and the Ohio Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, as well as the Fayette County Farm Bureau. 

A respected voice in agricultural policy, Mossbarger has been an elected member of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s State Board of Trustees for four consecutive terms, chaired the Political Action Committee for the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association, and served on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Equine Industry Task Force. Nationally, he is a director of the United States Trotting Association, a board member of the Hambletonian Society, and has represented independent business interests as a Director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

Mossbarger’s dedication to the field has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the 2005 Rambling Willie Achievement Award from the Ohio Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, the 2021 Maynard and Stella Hagemeyer Significant Contribution Award, and induction into the 2024 Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame. His deep engagement in the Ohio equine community and his advocacy for the Standardbred industry continue to influence both state and national equine policies and practices.

Upholding a strong commitment to education and research at Ohio State, Mossbarger collaborates with faculty by providing access to resources for research, hosting students at Midland Acres, and referring cases that contribute to hands-on learning at the Veterinary Medical Center. His efforts have greatly enriched the educational experience of students in the areas of equine medicine, neonatology and reproduction.
 

Kimberly Stewart, DVM ’89, is a distinguished leader and advocate for compassionate care with over 30 years of exemplary service to companion animal medicine, mentorship, and public safety. 

After earning her DVM, Stewart began as an associate veterinarian in San Antonio before establishing College Hills Veterinary Hospital in College Station, Texas, in 1994. Under her leadership, College Hills has flourished, becoming a three-doctor practice that employs a dedicated team and offers aspiring veterinarians hands-on experience. Stewart’s commitment to mentorship has seen more than 40 former student assistants and technicians advance to veterinary school, with many becoming board-certified specialists and educators.

Stewart’s practice is a model of empathy, emphasizing grief counseling and thoughtful euthanasia policies, which are central to its mission of preserving the human-animal bond. In recognition of her community impact, College Hills was awarded the 2023 Neighborhood Favorite Award in College Station/Bryan, Texas.

In 2016, Stewart expanded her service to public safety by joining Search Dog Network, a nonprofit that supports law enforcement with certified canine search teams. Working with her black Labrador Retriever, Seamus, she specializes in human remains detection, holding wilderness and water search certifications. Together, they’ve completed over 50 missions with 10 successful finds, supporting the FBI, Texas Rangers, and Homeland Security in critical investigations. In 2023, Stewart became the first veterinarian certified as a Working Dog Practitioner, showcasing her commitment to both veterinary and public service.
 

Jack Advent, CAE, served as the Executive Director of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) from 1998 to 2023. His 43 years in association management and dedication to the veterinary field have led to numerous impactful initiatives benefiting current students and the wider veterinary community.

Advent’s commitment to Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine students is evident in programs such as the Ohio Veterinary Student Loan Repayment Program, the Veterinary Student Debt Assistance Program, and the 5 for 5 program, which has provided critical scholarships through Midwest Veterinary Conference funds. He also mentors veterinary students in mock contract negotiations, guiding them with his wealth of experience and practical insights.

Under Advent's leadership, the OVMA became a respected and influential voice on animal welfare issues in the Ohio General Assembly, addressing matters ranging from livestock care to exotic animal ownership. His advocacy and legislative expertise drove forward-thinking solutions on complex topics, such as proposed sales taxes on veterinary services. His dedication significantly advanced OVMA’s role in public policy and strengthened the profession's influence at the state level.

Advent’s leadership goes beyond OVMA. As past President of the Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE) and a former member of the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee, he has championed the profession on a national stage, gaining accolades including the Distinguished Service Award and Executive of the Year Award from VMAE. His annual stewardship of the Midwest Veterinary Conference continues to enhance educational opportunities for veterinarians across the Midwest.

Highly regarded by his colleagues, Advent is known for his leadership, mentorship and dedication to the veterinary profession and the people and animals it serves. 
 

The family of Dr. Robert “Bob” Hummel, DVM, has shown exceptional dedication and contributions to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Led by Dr. Hummel’s wife, Carole Hummel, along with their children Jennifer Ostenson and Robert Hummel and their families, the Hummels’ philanthropic legacy has had a transformative impact on the college’s mission, enhancing education, research and patient care.
 

The Hummel family’s history of generosity is evident in their landmark gift, which contributed to the naming of the Hummel and Trueman Hospital for Companion Animals and helped complete the Veterinary Medical Center Enhancement and Expansion project in 2017. This support has solidified Ohio State’s standing as a leader in veterinary medicine, advancing innovation and excellence in animal care.
 

Beyond infrastructure, the Hummels have shown an extraordinary commitment to veterinary education through the establishment of numerous scholarship funds. These scholarships provide essential financial relief to aspiring veterinarians, enabling them to focus on their studies and pursue their dreams. The family’s generosity has not only eased financial burdens but also inspired scholarship recipients to embody the values of service and excellence and to give back to their communities.
 

Their involvement extends across the university, where they have created scholarships for students in dental hygiene and actively participate in college and university events, showcasing their genuine dedication to student and faculty success. Their engagement has been a source of encouragement, motivating the entire college community to achieve its goals.