College recognizes 2024 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 October 23. 

2024 Distinguished Alumni

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, Mossabarger 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.

2024 Honorary Distinguished Alumni

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 his dedication to the veterinary profession and the people and animals it serves. 

The Hummel Family - 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.

The Hummel family’s contributions have created a lasting legacy that will benefit Ohio State’s students and the veterinary profession for generations.