Dr. Tracy Hanner, an adjunct assistant professor, coordinator for lab animal science and clinical associate veterinarian at North Carolina A&T State University has been presented the Iverson Bell Recognition Award by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). The award was given in recognition of Dr. Hanner’s outstanding leadership and contributions in promoting opportunities for underrepresented minorities in veterinary medical education.

In 1986, Hanner was the first African-American graduate of the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation he became a faculty member at A&T. At the university, Hanner has provided a mentorship and guidance role to recruit and encourage students to pursue successful careers in comparative medicine, animal science and veterinary medicine.

Hanner has served on the admissions committee of his alma mater since 1990. He also worked to implement the Laboratory Animal Scholars Program, which provides tracked admission for N.C. A&T students into the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Hanner has gone further in this work to personally mentor and oversee the matriculation of these students. Over 50 of Hanner’s minority students attend veterinary schools in the country and continue to expand and improve their veterinary certifications and education. He has mentored over 4,000 students in related animal science and medicine fields.

The Iverson Bell Recognition Award is given biennially by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges in recognition of Dr. Iverson Bell’s outstanding leadership and contributions in the promotion of opportunities for minorities in veterinary medical education. Dr. Bell spent more than 30 years working as a veterinarian and civic leader in Terre Haute, Indiana, and was the Vice President of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The award is presented at the Iverson Bell Symposium, the oldest symposium dedicated to promoting racial and ethnic diversity in the veterinary medical profession.