Dr. Myers named OSU Vet Med Distinguished Alumnus

Friday, August 30, 2019

Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences recently announced the center’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients—Drs. John Myers, Ronald Tyler, Sr., and Paul Welch.

“Drs. Myers, Tyler and Welch have enhanced the reputation of our college by distinguishing themselves in their careers,” said Dr. Carlos Risco, dean of the veterinary center. “They each have made significant contributions to their community, state and nation through professional service, public service and civic activities. They exemplify the loyalty, passion and innovation found in all dedicated graduates from our college.”

John L. Myers, DVM, Dipl. ACT, of Vinita, Oklahoma, earned his DVM degree from OSU in 1971 and owns Pecan Drive Veterinary Services in Vinita.

Myers served in the United States Army Veterinary Corps from 1968 to 1973. In 1973 he set up practice in Vinita, Oklahoma and he established his strictly bovine veterinary medicine practice specializing in theriogenology 10 years later. In 1986, he became board-certified in reproduction earning the status of diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists.

In addition to owning three veterinary clinics, Myers was an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College where he taught large animal technology. He has held many leadership positions in professional organizations including president of the Northeast Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association, board member of the Society for Theriogenology, ethics committee chair of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association and vice-president of the Northeast Oklahoma Rural Electric Cooperative, to name a few.

Myers does more than share his expertise in veterinary medicine. He belongs to the Vinita Lions Club, where he was president in 1995, and the First United Methodist Church where he has served as chairman of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, Trustees, Church Council on Ministries, and Administrative Board. He also belongs to the Vinita Chamber of Commerce where he previously served as vice-president. Myers is a weekly columnist and illustrator for “A Grain of Salt,” published in the Vinita Daily Journal. He is the co-founder of Vinita’s Calf-Fry Capital of the World Festival, which has garnered international attention.

In 2016, the Society of Theriogenology named Myers the John Steiner Practitioner of the Year. He has also given numerous lectures, conducted webinars, instructed wet labs and published research papers and textbook chapters. Myers resides in Vinita with Debbi, his wife of 47 years.

All three recipients will be honored at the veterinary center’s Distinguished Alumni Award Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 15 in Wes Watkins Center on the OSU Stillwater campus. Tickets may be purchased through Sharon Worrell, alumni affairs and event specialist at the veterinary center, by calling 405-744-5630 or emailing sworrel@okstate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu