Peter F. Haynes, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, dean of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, has earned the 2008 AVMA Award. Marked as the American Veterinary Medical Association’s highest honor, the award recognizes distinguished contributions to the advancement of veterinary medical organizations. The award was conferred at the AVMA’s Annual Conference held in New Orleans, La., July 19-22, 2008.

“It is a great honor to be recognized by our national organization and to join the outstanding veterinarians who previously received this prestigious award,” Haynes said. “I always saw my engagement in organized veterinary medicine as an opportunity to contribute to this great profession, and yet that involvement provided me with so much in the way of personal and professional development. My opportunity to be a volunteer leader was clearly facilitated by a supportive employer and colleagues over the years, career mentors and role models, and an understanding home environment. I am grateful to many individuals that contributed to my recognition by the AVMA.”

Haynes has been a member of the AVMA since 1969 and served for 17 years in the House of Delegates, representing the American Association of Equine Practitioners. He served on the House Advisory Committee for six years and was instrumental in the development of the first winter HOD session, held this past January. Additionally, he has served on numerous committees and task forces including the association’s Long Range Planning Committee.

Haynes is also a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and served as the association’s president in 1991. As part of that association, he helped guide its strategic planning initiative and governance changes and served on numerous other committees. In 2001, the AAEP honored him with Distinguished Life Membership. In addition, Haynes has participated on a variety of committees of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He also helped co-develop the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association’s Equine Committee.

Haynes earned his DVM degree from Colorado State University in 1969 and his American College of Veterinary Surgeons specialty certification in 1977. Along with his involvement in organized veterinary medicine, Haynes has held a variety of roles at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine since joining its staff as an equine clinician in 1974. He was executive associate dean from 2000 through 2006 and interim dean from July 2006 until June 2007, when he was named dean.