The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recognized W. David Wilson, BVMS, MS, with the Distinguished Educator – Academic Award in honor of his lifelong achievements and contributions to the equine veterinary profession and the horse industry as a leader, clinical instructor, professor, researcher, and mentor.

The Distinguished Educator – Academic Award recognizes an individual who by his or her actions and commitment has demonstrated a significant impact on the development and training of equine practitioners. Wilson received the award during the Dec. 10 President’s Luncheon at AAEP’s 65^th Annual Convention, in Denver, Colo.

Wilson graduated from Glasgow University, in Scotland, as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1975. He subsequently obtained a Master of Science Degree in medicine and immunology from Iowa State University, in Ames, where he was an instructor and professor from 1975 to 1981. In 1981 he began his 36-year tenure at the University of California, Davis, where he held various positions before retiring, including director of the Center for Equine Health, director of the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), and associate dean of Clinical Programs.

“I have admired and respected Dr. Wilson’s numerous professional attributes and contributions for many years,” said Craig Barnett, DVM, an equine technical services veterinarian at Merck Animal Health, who nominated Wilson for the award. “His pioneering work and scholarly distinction within the fields of equine infectious disease, immunology, and in equine vaccinology has advanced the field of vaccinology tremendously and allowed equine practitioners to provide better health care to their equine patients. Dr. Wilson has been a role model for many within the profession, and his many contributions to the equine industry have had a direct effect upon providing significant improvement to the welfare of the horse