Confer inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame
Monday, October 19, 2015
Anthony Confer — DVM, MS, Ph.D, Regents Professor and Walter Sitlington Endowed Chair in Food Animal Research at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences — was among the Class of 2015 inductees into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.
Born in Arkansas, Dr. Confer earned his DVM degree from OSU in 1972. He practiced small animal medicine from time to time as he earned a master’s degree in veterinary pathology, served in the United States Air Force and earned a Ph.D. in microbiology. In 1981, Confer returned to OSU to teach veterinary pathology.
In addition to a stellar career in teaching, for which he has earned many awards, Confer is also well known for his research in bovine respiratory diseases, especially related to pneumonia, the greatest cause of production loss and death in cattle. He has authored or co-authored 214 refereed scientific journal articles, 129 published abstracts, 14 book chapters and more. He has obtained more than $9 million in research funding and holds two patents.
Pictured above with Confer (center) are colleagues Drs. Jerry Ritchey (left) and Roger Panciera (right). All three are alumni of and taught at OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. It’s no secret that Emeritus Professor Panciera (’53) inspired both Confer (’72) and Ritchey (’91) to pursue careers in veterinary pathology.
Confer has spoken at numerous conferences throughout the United States and the world. He has earned many honors such as being listed in the Who’s Who in Frontiers of Science and Technology (1985) and Outstanding Scientists of the 21st Century (International Biographical Centre, 2002). In 2003, OSU recognized his contributions by bestowing upon him its Eminent Faculty Award.
Among his students, Confer is perhaps best known for his unique presentation style in the classroom. He and Ritchey bring their guitars to class and play classical rock 'n' roll songs with the lyrics changed to concepts in pathology or life as a veterinary student. He also provides veterinary pathology diagnostic service to Oklahomans and trains senior veterinary students and pathology residents in veterinary diagnostic pathology.
Confer is the third alumnus and fourth faculty member at OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences to be inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.
Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu