Laura Nelson

Bio

Dr. Laura Nelson serves as a Faculty Fellow in the Office of Faculty Excellence and as the Associate Dean and Director of Academic Affairs at the College of Veterinary Medicine.  She is also an Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery in the Department of Clinical Sciences. In her role as Faculty Fellow, Dr. Nelson is working collaboratively with the OFE and other campus groups to characterize and support faculty well-being through education, community-building, and policy implementation.  

Dr. Nelson has served as the ADDAA at the CVM since 2017.  A self-described education geek, she has worked to support CVM faculty and staff development in educational best practices, leading to the formation of the CVM Academy of Educators and the Southeastern Veterinary Education Consortium. These efforts, in turn, have driven the current redevelopment of the DVM curriculum to a more integrated, competency-based format. She is incredibly proud of the education community at the CVM. She enjoys teaching surgical skills and practice in the DVM curriculum. She is the recipient of multiple teaching awards, including selection as the DVM Class of 2021 and Class of 2022 Invited Oath and Hooding Speaker and the 2021 Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award, 

Dr. Nelson received her undergraduate and DVM degrees at The Ohio State University.  After a one year small animal internship at Michigan State University, she returned to OSU to complete a residency and masters degree in small animal surgery.  She returned to MSU in 2008 as a member of the small animal soft tissue surgery faculty.  While at MSU, she completed the competitive Lilly Teaching Fellowship and earned a graduate certificate in Higher Adult and Lifelong Education from the MSU College of Education. 

Dr. Nelson loves learning, collaborating, and discussing ideas and challenges.  Outside of her work life, she and her partner spend time with their tween/teen kids, give funny names to their many pets, and enjoy cooking and relaxing.  An avid reader, she will recommend books to you if asked.

Dr. Nelson would love to connect with those interested in talking about or working in the important area of faculty well-being.  She believes that institutions have a role in supporting faculty well-being as an important part of developing a welcoming, sustainable, and caring organizational culture.