J. Phillip Pickett, professor of ophthalmology in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the university community since 1988, Pickett brought international recognition to Virginia Tech for his scholarship in animal vision and eye care. He was principal or co-principal investigator on 15 research grants focused on veterinary ophthalmology. In addition, he was the author or co-author of more than 34 peer-reviewed journal articles, one textbook, 12 book chapters, and several more reviews.

Pickett has held leadership positions in several professional organizations, including the credentials, ethics, residency, and genetics committees of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

At Virginia Tech, Pickett has supported many veterinary college functions, including serving as departmental representative to the research and graduate studies board and the graduate honor system judicial board. He has been a mmber of the college residency committee,  admissions committee, curriculum revision committee, computerized medical records committee, intern-resident seminar program, Veterinary Teaching Hospital administrative board, and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association pet memorial fund.

Throughout his career, Pickett has received many additional professional honors, including induction into the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society, the Edward E. Thompson Professorial Award, the Dr. and Mrs. Dorsey Taylor Mahin Award for Clinical Excellence, and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Director’s Award.

Pickett received his doctorate of veterinary medicine from Louisiana State University and completed his residency training program in comparative ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Veterinary Medicine.

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