STARKVILLE, Miss. -- A professor emeritus with the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine received national recognition from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians.

Dr. Phil Bushby, the retired Marcia P. Lane Endowed Chair in Human Ethics and Animal Welfare, accepted the 2015 Association of Shelter Veterinarians Meritorious Award at an association meeting in New Orleans. Each year, the association’s board honors a veterinarian who has significantly advanced shelter medicine through leadership, public service, research, education and/or clinical practice.

During his career at MSU, Bushby managed mobile veterinary units that travel to north Mississippi animal shelters that do not have surgical facilities. In these mobile units, students work under faculty direction to spay and neuter shelter animals, which are adopted out to community members. This work gives students surgical experience and teaches them how they can help solve the problem of unwanted pet overpopulation.

Bushby’s concern and care for animals gained momentum after he received his doctor of veterinary medicine in 1972 from the University of Illinois. After graduation, he served as an intern and surgical resident in the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Henry Bergh Hospital. In 1994, as a veterinary professor at MSU, he began creating solutions to the problem of unwanted pets by teaching students at a local animal shelter. His work there attracted the attention of Marcia P. Lane, which led her to create an endowed chair position at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“A talented professor and clinician, Dr. Bushby’s career is also defined by his profound dedication to the care and welfare of animals,” said Dr. Kent Hoblet, dean of the college. “He has inspired students, shelter managers and fellow veterinarians. He has made so many significant contributions to improving the health of animals in our region.”

As a professor emeritus, Bushby returned to the college after retiring to raise funds for the shelter medicine program. The mobile units are funded solely by gifts and grants, and his time is spent finding needed financial support. Most recently, he secured a $400,000 grant from PetSmart Charities Inc., which is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

“It’s truly his passion that sets him apart,” Hoblet said. “Dr. Bushby’s heart is in everything he does concerning animal welfare and student education. We are proud that he is recognized at a national level.”

Contact: Karen Templeton, 662-325-1100