Dr. Christine Jenkins named 2026 recipient of AVMA's Frederick Douglass Patterson Award

Veterinary leader honored for lifelong commitment to social justice and creating opportunities for all

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) June 22, 2026-Dr. Christine Jenkins, former Chief Medical Officer, Vice President, Veterinary Medical Services and Outcome Research for Zoetis, will receive the American Veterinary Medical Association's 2026 Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the veterinary profession.

"Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Jenkins has dedicated herself to mentoring and to creating opportunities for underrepresented students and veterinarians," said AVMA President Dr. Michael Q. Bailey. "She is a transformative leader whose lasting impact on the profession makes her exceptionally deserving of this prestigious honor."

Dr. Jenkins "has led efforts to inspire youth to pursue higher education," said Dr. Willie Reed, Dean Emeritus of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and a past recipient of the Patterson Award, in nominating her for the honor. "As a way of inspiring young people of color to pursue veterinary medicine, she tells them the story of her personal journey and the joy of being a veterinarian, and the awesome responsibility of safeguarding the human-animal bond."

"I am truly humbled to receive the Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award and honored to be nominated by my esteemed colleagues," Dr. Jenkins said. "Dr. Patterson's work in establishing Tuskegee's veterinary medical school provided opportunities for African American and Hispanic populations to pursue veterinary medicine. He was a role model as an academic leader, and his legacy continues to serve the veterinary profession and society as a whole."

As a member of Zoetis' U.S. Leadership Team, Dr. Jenkins served as the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for U.S. Operations and was responsible for strategic partnerships with colleges of veterinary medicine and professional associations.

She began her studies in biology at the University of Chicago and completed her BS degree in Animal Science at Florida A&M University, then earned her DVM degree from the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Among her profound contributions to diversifying the veterinary profession, Dr. Jenkins - along with Dr. Ruby Perry, another past Patterson award recipient - co-chaired the AVMA/AAVMC's Commission for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Veterinary Profession. Her many recognitions and awards include the Presidential Distinguished Alumnus Award from Tuskegee University and Black Achievers in Industry from the YMCA of Greater New York-Harlem Branch.

Dr. Jenkins will receive the Patterson award during the AVMA's House of Delegates meeting on Friday, July 10, immediately before the AVMA Convention, being held this year in Anaheim, CA.

Recipients of the Patterson award are recognized for making significant contributions to the veterinary profession through innovative and transformative leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; having demonstrated a commitment to advancing these values within the veterinary profession; and having brought honor and distinction to the field through their exemplary efforts.

Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson (1901-1988) received his DVM degree in 1923 from Iowa State University and a PhD in 1931 from Cornell University. He became President of the Tuskegee Institute and oversaw its development into Tuskegee University. While President, Dr. Patterson founded both the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in 1944.

For more information about the AVMA's Belonging and Engagement initiatives, please visit https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/belonging-and-engagement-veterinary-medicine.