Small animal medicine professor named teacher of the year

Amy Stone, D.V.M., Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor in the department of small animal clinical sciences, has been named the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine's 2009 College Council Teacher of the Year.

The council annually selects an outstanding teacher to receive the designation, based on criteria including knowledge of subject matter, clarity of presentation, concern for students' mastery of subject, fairness, enthusiasm for teaching and overall interest in student welfare. The winner receives $2,000 and a plaque.

Stone received her veterinary and doctoral degrees from UF in 1999 and 2002, respectively. She also conducted postdoctoral training in vaccine and mucosal immunology at UF. She presently serves as chief of the outpatient medicine and dentistry service at UF's Veterinary Medical Center.

Prior to joining UF's small animal faculty in 2006, Stone worked as a relief veterinarian for several practices in the Alachua County area as well as for the UF veterinary college. She received the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's Gold Star Award for Service in 2004 and in 2008, and has served as secretary-treasurer of the Alachua County Veterinary Medical Association since 2000.

She recently received the prestigious 2009 Pfizer Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award.

"I feel that it is my job to try to give students the tools to make good veterinary decisions and the confidence to follow those decisions through," Stone said. "I really enjoy watching the light come on when students understand new concepts. It is very rewarding to hear of their accomplishments and feel proud of what they have done."