Dr. Grant H. Turnwald
BLACKSBURG, Va., June 5, 2009 – Dr. Grant H. Turnwald, associate dean and professor of small animal clinical sciences in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the "professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.
A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1998, Turnwald served the veterinary college as associate dean for academic affairs from 1998 to 2009, led the college though important curricular revisions, and updated the college’s professional curriculum. He developed new courses in Professional Foundations, Business Management, Career Development, and Communication Skills. He also substantially expanded the college’s new doctorate of veterinary medicine student orientation process and presided over the establishment of the “Mentor/Mentee” program with the Virginia and Maryland Veterinary Medical Associations.
A dedicated teacher, he was course leader and lectured in professional foundations, business management, career development and communication skills courses that provided veterinary students with the tools needed to become effective veterinary practitioners. He published 41 peer-reviewed scientific articles in scholarly publications, 17 book chapters, and 17 peer-reviewed articles focused on veterinary professional education in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education.
A Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Turnwald received his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Australia’s equivalent to the doctorate of veterinary medicine professional degree) from the University of Sydney and a master’s degree from Texas A&M University.