Recognizing Excellence in Veterinary and Biomedical Education
The Regional Teaching Academy (RTA) is proud to celebrate educators who advance teaching and learning across our institutions. Each year, the RTA Steering Committee presents three awards honoring outstanding contributions in educational innovation, educational service, and educational scholarship.
These awards align with the RTA’s mission to develop, implement, and sustain best practices in veterinary and biomedical education.
Educators at any RTA institution, including non-RTA fellows, are eligible for nomination unless they are current RTA Steering Committee members. Award recipients will receive a $500 prize, a letter of recognition, and a certificate presented in person at the RTA Summer Biennial Conference.
Awards Categories:
1. Educational Excellence and Innovation – This award recognizes individuals who have created and implemented innovative strategies to engage and support student learning. Download the award description and rubric (Word).
2. Educational Service – This award recognizes individuals who have had a significant impact in veterinary and/or biomedical education by facilitating, supporting, or instituting best educational practices and/or policies at the local, regional, or national level. Download the award description and rubric (Word)
3. Educational Scholarship – This award recognizes individuals who have advanced educational practice by publishing pedagogical research and/or sharing novel teaching resources. Download the award description and rubric (Word)
Nomination & Selection Process
Phase 1: Nomination Letters (Due Mid-late October)
Submit a 1-2 page letter providing justification for the nomination, detailing the nominee’s contributions, impact, and significance. See award descriptions and rubrics for details.
The Steering Committee will review submissions and select nominees to submit additional materials.
Email to: r.halsey@wsu.edu
Phase 2: Nominee Materials (Due mid-February)
)Selected nominees will be invited to submit a brief personal statement and supporting documents relevant to the award criteria. See award descriptions and rubrics for details.
Awards Announced: Mid-March
Recognition: During the RTA Summer Biennial Conference
Past Award Recipients
2025 Awardees
- Educational Innovation:
Sarah Guess, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM) – Washington State University - Educational Service:
Philip Mixter, PhD – Washington State University - Educational Scholarship:
Jeffrey R. Abbott, DVM, PhD, DACVP – Washington State University
2024 Awardees
- Educational Innovation:
Jeffrey R. Abbott, DVM, PhD, DACVP – Washington State University - Educational Service:
Leslie Sprunger, DVM, PhD – Washington State University - Educational Scholarship:
Ryane E. Englar, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice) – University of Arizona
2023 Awardees
- Educational Innovation:
Allison Zwingenberger, DVM, DACVR, DECVDI, MAS – University of California, Davis - Educational Service:
Sharon Dial, PhD, DVM – University of Arizona - Educational Scholarship:
Erika Offerdahl, PhD – Washington State University