Contact: Maridith Geuder
Joe Ann Ward and Dean John Thomson tour MSU's veterinary college.
A $1.5 million gift from a Jackson widow is the largest outright gift in the 24-year history of Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Joe Ann [cq] Ward's second major contribution to the CVM will fund a small animal critical care unit that honors her late husband, Jackson veterinarian Hugh G. Ward. Founder of Briarwood Animal Hospital and Millcreek Animal Clinic, he died in 1998.
Last year, Ward gave $1.25 million also in her husband's memory to establish the college's first endowed faculty chair or professorship.
Ward said her contributions support areas she feels her husband would have chosen himself.
"I want to do anything I can do to keep Hugh's veterinary college on the map," she said. "The veterinary college is like an extension of our family and I want to see it reach the next level of excellence just as my husband would have."
Dr. Hugh Ward played a key role in establishing Mississippi's only veterinary college. As president of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, he traveled the state seeking support for its creation. As a member of the advisory committee at its formation in 1977, he also was one of the first practicing professionals to serve as a preceptor and mentor of students.
College Dean John Thomson said Ward's two Jackson clinics continue to provide training and mentoring for MSU students. The gifts by his widow support the college's goals of becoming an even greater state and regional resource, he added.
"Mrs. Ward clearly understands that the College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU has elevated the veterinary profession's contribution to society," Thomson said. "Our profession and college are indebted and challenged by the confidence she has demonstrated through her generosity."
Thomson said the college's goal of becoming the preferred referral center for small animal medicine and surgery will be greatly enhanced both by the endowed chair and a leading intensive care unit.
"With these gifts, we will be able to provide expertise and services needed by regional veterinarians to meet improving medical advances," the dean said.
The proposed critical care unit for small animals will be a major addition to the CVM's Animal Health Center, which examines, diagnoses and treats more than 6,000 individually owned pets a year. Cases of animal disease and injury typically are referred to the hospital from veterinary colleagues in Mississippi and surrounding states. In addition to enhancing the hospital's clinical care capabilities, the unit will provide a unique laboratory for students to learn medical concepts in intensive and critical care delivery.
Mississippi State's is one of only 27 fully accredited veterinary colleges in the nation. The college's problem-based curriculum is designed to develop and enhance problem-solving and analytical skills.
For more information on the Ward gift, telephone Amy Cagle of the MSU Foundation at (662) 325-1006.