James E. Nave, a practicing veterinarian from Las Vegas and 1968 graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, recently pledged $1 million toward the renovation of the College's Veterinary Medicine Building.
The gift is a significant contribution to the $5 million-plus project that involves revitalizing the Zalk Veterinary Medical Library, enlarging classroom space, and shifting the main entrance of the Veterinary Medicine Building from its current location to one facing Campus Drive. In addition, these enhancements will contribute to the broader goal of creating a more unified campus effect and a more inviting and user friendly facility for visitors.

Dr. Nave is a native of Protem, Mo. He joined the US Army after graduation from veterinary school and was awarded the Bronze Star for his military service in Vietnam. Dr. Nave served as a captain until his discharge in 1971 and then settled in Las Vegas. He opened the Tropicana Animal Hospital in 1974 and has owned and managed multiple veterinary hospitals in the area since that time.

Dr. Nave has been active in organized veterinary medicine at both the state and national level throughout his career. He is past president of the Nevada Veterinary Medical Association and served four years on the Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. As president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), he was instrumental in bringing the national convention to its current high standards; worked to restructure the political process with associated redistricting of the Executive Board; played a key role in establishing a mentoring program for new graduates; emphasized the importance of sound business principles in the practice of veterinary medicine through establishment of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues; encouraged globalization of the veterinary profession in education and licensing; and brought about changes to ensure a smooth transition between AVMA administrations.

Dr. Nave and Nevada Senator Harry Reid were instrumental in an effort to restore the general star to the leader of the veterinary corps from the prior rank of colonel. President George Bush signed a defense authorization bill passed by Congress in 2003 containing a provision requiring that the rank be changed. About a year later, Dr. Nave attended the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Michael Cates who became the 23rd chief of the Army Veterinary Corps. In keeping with a law passed by Congress, the colonel was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

Dr. Nave presently chairs the AVMA’s National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues and is that organization’s Globalization Liaison Agent for Education and Licensing. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Station Casinos Inc., Western Alliance Bancorporation and Bank West of Nevada.

The Western Veterinary Conference dedicated its 75th Diamond Jubilee meeting in 2003 to Dr. Nave for his untiring devotion to his profession. He is credited with helping mold the conference into one of the world’s finest continuing education opportunities.

In addition to veterinary medical activities, he also has an interest in athletics. Dr. Nave was a member and chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission for 12 years, and was the sole commissioner to vote against Mike Tyson’s reinstatement in the late 90's. He was the North American Boxing Federation’s 1990 Boxing Commissioner of the Year, and the World Boxing Council’s Boxing Commissioner of the Year in 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998.

Dr. Nave was named Nevada Veterinarian of the Year in 1988 by the Nevada Veterinary Medical Association. He was the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumnus of the Year in 1987 and earned the University of Missouri’s Faculty-Alumni Award in 2001.

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