Dr. Ronald M. McLaughlin was recognized with Iowa State University’s highest honor awarded to alumni of its College of Veterinary Medicine.

He returned to Iowa State for special ceremonies held Oct. 21 to recognize the university’s most accomplished alumni. The Stange Award in Veterinary Medicine is named in memory of a long-time alumnus in recognition of outstanding professional achievements in veterinary education, research, government service, or private practice.

I am profoundly honored to receive the Stange Award for my efforts in veterinary medicine,” Dr. McLaughlin said. “I must confess to being slightly embarrassed at accepting an award for work that has provided so much professional and personal satisfaction, and that has been so much fun.”

Dr. McLaughlin is a nationally recognized leader in assuring the health and welfare of animals used in biomedical science. While he was the director of the laboratory animal medicine training program at the University of Missouri, McLaughlin trained over 80 veterinarians as specialists in laboratory animal medicine, many of whom are leaders in the field.

Dr. McLaughlin has played a vital leadership role in laboratory animal medicine and science organizations. In 2001, he was the recipient of the highest award of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International, presented McLaughlin with its highest award in 2004.

For almost forty years, his dedication to research has contributed to the current knowledge of laboratory animal resource management, animal research methods, and veterinary medical ethics. He currently serves as a private consultant in laboratory animal medicine and science.

Dr. McLaughlin received his veterinary degree and his master's degree in veterinary physiology from Iowa State University in 1968. He served in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps from 1969 to 1972, and served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1976 to 1991, retiring with the rank of colonel.

Dr. McLaughlin and his wife, Karen, reside in Fulton, Missouri. They have two children, Ronald, Jr., a veterinarian, and Melissa Smith, a certified accountant.

The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is one of 28 veterinary colleges and schools in the United States. Established in 1879, it is the nation's oldest public veterinary college. The college has graduated more than 6,000 veterinarians since its founding 126 years ago.

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