Dr. Jennifer Rudd is making waves at the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. As the interim associate dean for academic and student affairs and an associate professor, she’s dedicated to shaping future veterinarians. Recently, she earned the 2025 Medal for Excellence in Research University Teaching from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. This award highlights her innovative teaching and commitment to student success.
Interestingly, Dr. Rudd didn’t always aspire to be a veterinarian. Although both her parents were in the field, she originally had different plans. It wasn’t until her time in graduate school that she felt drawn to teaching and eventually found her passion in veterinary medicine.
“I wasn’t one of those people who always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian,” she shared. “But I’ve always loved science and medicine. Once I found veterinary medicine and later teaching, it just made sense.”
Dr. Rudd started her teaching journey focusing on bacteriology but has since become a pivotal figure in the second-year curriculum. She describes this year as a “transitional year” for students, where crucial learning and understanding take place.
“You really see them become doctors,” she said, referring to those critical “lightbulb moments” when students grasp complex concepts. This enthusiastic teaching style shines through, especially in her classes about infectious diseases. Dr. Rudd not only covers disease specifics, including pig pathogens, but also stresses the importance of developing critical thinking skills. “Medicine is constantly changing. The how students think will carry them throughout their careers,” she noted.
Creating a dynamic learning environment is essential for Dr. Rudd. She encourages her students to ask questions, think critically, and engage actively in their education. “I want them to take ownership of their learning,” she explained, emphasizing her shift from simply checking boxes as a teacher to facilitating real understanding.
Her impact extends beyond the classroom. Dr. Rudd has been a mentor to students who faced challenges in veterinary school, helping them persevere when they considered giving up. “Some of the most meaningful moments have come from students who nearly quit but ultimately succeeded,” she reflected. These experiences fuel her passion for teaching.
In her view, great educators are made, not born. “No one comes out of the gate knowing how to teach well,” she stated. Her commitment to continuous improvement is clear. “I hope I’m a better educator today than I was five years ago,” she added, with hopes for even greater growth in the future.
Dr. Rudd’s growth mindset extends to her involvement in refining the veterinary curriculum. She sees her role in evaluating how different elements fit within the overall educational framework. “We ask how we can make it stronger—not just in content, but in how students experience that content,” she said. Such an approach is vital as educational needs evolve in response to an ever-changing field like veterinary medicine.
The recognition from the Medal for Excellence is meaningful for Dr. Rudd, as it underscores the importance of quality education. “It’s not just a veterinary or science award. It represents a commitment to learning,” she remarked, emphasizing the collaborative effort of her colleagues in this achievement.
Her ultimate hope is that such recognition brings attention to the significant role educators play in shaping the future of the veterinary profession. “Our profession is only as strong as the next generation,” she concluded. “Being part of the team that’s building that generation is what drives me.”
Dr. Rudd’s advice for aspiring veterinarians? Master the art of teaching. “Every veterinarian becomes an educator,” she said. “Whether to clients, co-workers, or students, effective communication is a crucial part of our role.”
In a world where veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, her insights remind us of the enduring importance of education and mentorship in shaping capable professionals.
