W. Edward Monroe, professor of internal medicine in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1986, Monroe specialized in small animal medicine and endocrine diseases, and his work brought considerable attention to Virginia Tech. Among his extensive research portfolio, he directed a pivotal clinical efficacy trial that was instrumental in securing approval for the first insulin product in the United States for use in dogs.

Principal or co-principal investigator on grants to research small animal internal medicine, focusing on diabetes and other endocrine disorders, Monroe authored or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, books, and reviews.

In service to his discipline, Monroe held leadership positions in several professional organizations, serving as the chair of standing committees in the American College of Internal Medicine and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges and as a leadership board member of the Society for Comparative Endocrinology. Additionally, he was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Veterinary Clinicians, and the American Animal Hospital Association.

During his career, Monroe was recognized with many professional honors and awards, including the Norden (now Zoetis) Distinguished Teacher Award twice, the Dr. and Mrs. Dorsey Taylor Mahin Award for Clinical Excellence, and the Edward E. Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Public Service.

At Virginia Tech, Monroe served 10 years as director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s intensive care unit and was chief of small animal medicine. Along with teaching undergraduate, graduate, and professional doctor of veterinary medicine courses, he directed master’s degree students and clinical house officers and served on 17 committees for students pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical and veterinary sciences.

A longtime champion for equity and accessibility at the university and within the veterinary profession, Monroe served as chair of the veterinary college’s Community and Diversity Committee and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges’ Diversity Committee. He also served as the faculty advisor for the college’s chapter of Veterinary Students as One for an Inclusive Community for Empowerment, or VOICE, a student-run organization committed to increasing awareness of, respect for, and sensitivity to differences among all individuals and communities in the field of veterinary medicine.

Monroe received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, a doctor of veterinary medicine from Colorado State University, and a master of science from Iowa State University.

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