Ramadoss, Dodd Named AFS Teaching Award Recipients

Dean Eleanor Green, Kelli Hutka, Jayanth Ramadoss, and Larry Suva
Dean Eleanor Green, Kelli Hutka, Jayanth Ramadoss, and Larry Suva

The Texas A&M Association of Former Students (AFS) recognized two Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) faculty members as recipients the college-level Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching during the CVM Holiday Celebration on Dec. 11.

Jayanth Ramadoss, an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology (VTPP), and Johnathon R (Bert) Dodd, a clinical professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (VSCS), were presented awards for their dedication to teaching by AFS director of campus programs Kelli Hutka.

“Each of y’all does so much to help, not only each other but our students. That’s why we’re here today—to thank you for all that you do for our students at Texas A&M. Your college plays such an important role in the Aggie network in developing a love in our students that will last a lifetime,” Hutka said.

“The Association of Former Student is very proud to support the college-level teaching awards. It is an honor to recognize excellence in teaching, so thank you for being so giving of yourselves and for doing such a phenomenal job,” she said.

Ramadoss was nominated by VTPP department head Larry Suva, who noted Ramadoss’s outstanding student reviews, teaching accolades, and scholarly activity.

“Dr. Ramadoss has developed what I believe is a remarkable gift—the ability to inspire students to get involved in science by understanding and appreciating it,” Suva said. “He has a ‘lead by example’ model for his students that is driven by his passion for education and science.”

Ramadoss primarily instructs the CVM’s “Physiology for Bioengineers” courses, but he also spends time researching areas such as reproduction and fetal alcohol syndrome.

“Collectively, Dr. Ramadoss is the real deal—an academic with an impressive educational commitment coupled with world-class research and a dedication to serve and help everyone,” Suva said.

Ramadoss maintains an impressive 24-page curriculum vitae that includes his many awards, published works, committees, and teaching responsibilities.

“In my view, examination of Dr. Ramadoss’s CV reveals a series of consistent themes that highlight his abilities to integrate educational excellence, commitment to the educational process, and classroom innovation, as well as caring, respect, and scientific rigor into a robust and unique educational expertise,” Suva said.

Green, Hutka, Bert Dodd, and Jonathan Levine, chair of the CVM's Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Green, Hutka, Bert Dodd, and Jonathan Levine, chair of the CVM’s Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences

Dodd, who specializes in small animal dentistry, was nominated by two students for his excellent mentoring and teaching skills.

Wendy Cheng, vice president for the Student Chapter of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry (Dental Club), nominated Dodd for the effort he has put in as the organization’s faculty adviser.

“He is always patient and willing to use his personal time to share his knowledge with us,” Cheng said. “He has inspired me to be a better veterinarian and an inspiring mentor like him.”

Dodd was also nominated by Maria Elena Cartagena, the president of the Dental Club, who has been mentored by Dodd since her first year at the CVM.

“Dr. Dodd has been an encouraging and kind figure throughout each year of veterinary school. He has advised me with veterinary school, my future profession, family, and school balance,” Cartagena said.

She cited his practical advice, high standards, and passion for dentistry as some of the reasons he is such an effective instructor.

“He is an enabler for success in his courses and labs in an encouraging and nonjudgmental way, and his high expectations have not only been uplifting but humbling in the way all good and hard things should be,” she said.

Cartagena has been able to work closely with Dodd during her time in the Dental Club and was encouraged by him to become the president of the student organization.

“He believed in me, gave me leadership advice, and was always there with any concerns I had,” she said. “Throughout all my experiences in veterinary school he has been a listening ear, a supportive and encouraging character, and an excellent instructor.”

Ramadoss and Dodd were presented with their AFS college-level Distinguished Achievement Awards in Teaching, which included $2,000 and a framed certificate, by CVM Dean Eleanor Green and Hutka.


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