R. Scott Pleasant named C.R. Roberts Professor of Clinical Veterinary Medicine

29 Nov 2018

R. Scott Pleasant in the farrier shop — R. Scott Pleasant

R. Scott Pleasant, professor of large animal clinical sciences and director of the Equine Podiatry Service at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, has been named the C.R. Roberts Professor of Clinical Veterinary Medicine by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The C.R. Roberts Professorship in Clinical Veterinary Medicine was established by Kent C. Roberts to honor the life and contributions of his father, Clarence, a veterinarian who began his career as a hard-working dairy practitioner in upstate New York. Clarence Roberts went on to forge a career in corporate veterinary medicine, retiring as president of Sealtest, a division of Kraft Foods.

The professorship recognizes teaching and research excellence. The appointment is for five years and is renewable.

Pleasant joined the veterinary college in 1991 after completing a residency in large animal surgery. He was hired into a faculty appointment as an assistant professor and since that time has been promoted to professor with tenure.

Pleasant’s clinical and research interests include equine lameness, nutrition, and podiatry. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 academic manuscripts, abstracts, and book chapters.

He teaches both undergraduate and professional students, and has been recognized for his extraordinary instruction of students by receiving several college teaching awards and a National Teaching Excellence Award – Clinical Sciences, from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Pleasant played a key role in the establishment of the Equine Podiatry Service at Virginia Tech. In just eight years, this program has grown to include an internship program, Advanced Farrier Certification Program, and a podiatry rotation for D.V.M. students, all of which were established and made successful under his leadership. The Equine Podiatry Service delivers high-quality service to regional horse owners and their farriers and has achieved international recognition.

Pleasant has been recognized for exemplary professional standards by being inducted into the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame in 2016. He has also received several college service awards, including the Virginia M. and Edward E. Thompson Award in 2011.

He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Pleasant received his bachelor’s degree and D.V.M. from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois.