Named Professorships

Jonathan Runstadler, M.S., D.V.M., Ph.D.

The Agnes Varis University Chair in Science and Society was established in 2000 with a generous gift from long time Cummings School friend and University trustee, Dr. Agnes Varis. This professorship was established to draw attention to the growing importance of scientific and technological discovery to our lives and our society, and to encourage scholarly work pertaining to the interface of science and public policy on all the university's campuses. Dr. Runstadler was awarded this professorship on April 1, 2025. 

Eugene C. White, D.V.M, DABVP

The Amelia Peabody Chair in Agricultural Sciences was established in 1988 as the second endowed professorship for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. The Amelia Peabody Chair in Agricultural Sciences honors Amelia Peabody, philanthropist and artist, a resident of Dover, Massachusetts, who had a lifelong interest in horses and farm animals. This position aims to fulfill Miss Peabody's wish that Tufts veterinary students be exposed to the latest advances in scientific and agricultural growth. The first holder of this chair was Jeffrey Erickson, D.V.M.
 

Cheryl A. London, D.V.M, Ph.D, DACVIM

The Anne Engen and Dusty Professorship in Comparative Oncology was established in 2018 by long time friend and supporter, Anne Engen and her husband, Travis Engen in memory of their beloved dog, Dusty who was their first pet treated for cancer at the Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals. This professorship honors Anne Engen and the memory of her beloved dog, Dusty, who succumbed to cancer. The first holder of this endowed professorship is Cheryl London, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVIM. 
 

Mary A. Labato, D.V.M, DACVIM

The Anne Engen and Belle Term Professorship was established in 2022 by long time friend and supporter, Anne Engen and her husband, Travis Engen to honor their beloved pet Belle who was treated at the Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals. The professorship supports clinical activities, teaching, and research conducted by the named professor in clinical nephrology. The purpose of this fund is to help build and expand upon the university's strengths in veterinary clinical nephrology. 
 

Carlos Pinto, D.V.M, Ph.D

The Dorrance H. Hamilton Professorship in Applied Reproductive Medicine was established in 2023 to recognize the significant contributions in the area of theriogenology made by the founder of the Swiss Village Foundation, Mrs. Dorrance Hamilton. The Dorrance H. Hamilton Professor will work collaboratively with the academic community at Cummings School and internationally and with industry and stakeholder groups, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s National Animal Germplasm Program and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, in pursuit of this goal. The first holder of this professorship is Carlos Pinto, D.V.M., Ph.D. 

Cornelia Peterson, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVP 

The Elizabeth Arnold Stevens Junior Professorship was established in 2015 through the estate of Elizabeth Arnold Stevens. The endowment provides Cummings School with funding to recruit and nurture talented junior scholars to come and build promising careers at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. This professorship allows Elizabeth Arnold Stevens' legacy to continue in perpetuity and assures her connection with Cummings School and its commitment to promoting the health and well-being of animals, people, and the ecosystems they share. Dr. Peterson is awarded this professorship effective July 1, 2025.

Maureen Murray, D.V.M, DABVP 

The Gabriel and Valerie Schmergel Term Directorship in Wildlife Medicine was established in 2022 by Advisor Emeritus, Gabriel Schmergel and his wife, Valerie Schmergel to honor their profound love of wildlife. The Directorship supports Tufts Wildlife Clinic- a national and internationally recognized program in wildlife medicine. This term directorship supports the teaching, research, service, and other activities of the Tufts Wildlife Clinic director over a three-year period.

Alastair Cribb, D.V.M, Ph.D, FCAHS

The Henry and Lois Foster Professorship was established in 1979 as the inaugural endowed professorship for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. The intent of the professorship is to attract academic leadership, confer prestige, and stimulate the school's early success. With this gift, the late Tufts University Trustee and first Chair of the school’s Board of Advisors, Dr. Henry Foster, V83, H92, and his wife, Lois, conveyed the ethos that a student-centered university is best served by recruiting the highest-quality faculty. The first holder of this professorship was Franklin M. Loew, D.V.M, Ph.D. 
 

Daniela Bedenice, Dr.med.vet., DACVIM (LAIM), DACVECC

The Marilyn M. Simpson Chair in Equine Medicine was established in 1999 through a gift from the Marilyn M. Simpson Trust. The Marilyn M. Simpson Chair in Equine Medicine is named in honor of the New York philanthropist and granddaughter of John D. Rockefeller Jr., who directed much of her energy toward animal causes. Dr. Bedenice was awarded this professorship in January 2025.

Maureen Murray, D.V.M., DABVP

The Shalin Liu Professor in Wildlife Medicine was established in 2024. This gift is inspired by Shalin Liu's recognition of the tremendous impact that faculty have in educating the next generation of skillful and compassionate veterinarians in wildlife medicine, as well as the importance of faculty research and clinical care. The holder of the professorship will also serve as the Director of the Tufts Wildlife Clinic. The professorship's first holder is Dr. Murray, V03.