The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine recognized leaders in veterinary medicine and agriculture as 2025 Distinguished and Honorary Distinguished Alumni during a ceremony on September 12, 2025.
This year’s honorees include three accomplished veterinarians with deep ties to swine health and production medicine, as well as a respected agricultural leader advancing biosecurity and rural veterinary access.
Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Karen L. Kline, DVM, MS, DACVIM
A 1989 Ohio State graduate, Dr. Kline has built a distinguished career in veterinary neurology through academic leadership, private specialty practice, and veterinary education. Known for her commitment to teaching, she has earned multiple “Teacher of the Year” awards, the Norden Distinguished Teaching Award, and serves as president of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC). Her clinical and academic contributions continue to shape veterinary medicine worldwide.
Dr. Bill Minton, DVM
After earning his DVM in 1985, Dr. Minton launched a veterinary career that evolved into a swine-exclusive consulting practice. In 2005, he co-founded Four Star Veterinary Service, now with 29 veterinarians across eight clinics in six states, serving clients in more than 30 states. Dr. Minton’s focus on biosecurity, disease prevention, and production medicine has made his practice a model of innovation while also mentoring the next generation of veterinarians.
Dr. Timothy Trayer, DVM
A 1979 graduate, Dr. Trayer founded Agricultural Veterinary Associates in Pennsylvania, a practice dedicated to food animal health. He co-authored the Boar Stud Isolation and Health Guidelines for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and has been a frequent speaker at major industry conferences. His dedication to rural veterinary access and student mentorship has strengthened the future of food animal medicine.
Honorary Distinguished Alumna
Cheryl Day
As Executive Vice President of the Ohio Pork Council, Cheryl Day has championed biosecurity, foreign animal disease preparedness, youth education, and rural veterinary access since 2020. She led the effort to ban feral swine in Ohio, protecting commercial herds and strengthening the state’s agricultural resilience. Her leadership continues to bridge the gap between producers, policymakers, and educators while supporting Ohio’s pork industry at every level.
This year’s honorees exemplify excellence, innovation, and dedication to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the agricultural community — values that will continue shaping the future of swine production and food security.
