“I really don’t feel like I’ve done anything special. I just did what I thought was right.”
Dr. Monica Howard may think what she does for students in the College of Veterinary Medicine isn’t “anything special,” but current and past students and colleagues beg to differ.
When news hit the CVM social media outlets that Howard had been named the recipient of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) 2024 Iverson Bell Award, the response was immediate.
Hundreds of individuals sang Howard’s praise.
She’s an amazing educator. The profession is lucky to have her.
The absolute best. Well-deserved honor.
Dr. Howard is such a bright light in veterinary education.
No one deserves this award more!
The Iverson Bell Award is awarded to individuals who have played a significant role in the recruitment, development, and retention of pre-vet and DVM students, faculty, residents and interns from underrepresented or disadvantaged and/or marginalized groups.
In her role as the assistant dean of veterinary student success, Howard has served as an unyielding champion for all students and is a constant advocate and resource for students underrepresented in veterinary medicine, while working closely with students on issues of mental and physical wellbeing.
“I’m committed to our students’ personal growth,” Howard said. “I want them to be able to see an evolution in themselves. This job is the most rewarding I could ever do because every day brings an opportunity.”An opportunity to reach out to students like Sam Schepers, a third-year veterinary student.
“Vet school is really hard, and she understands that,” Schepers said. “I think when our schoolwork gets to be too much, it gets hard to prioritize our mental health. She reminds us to take care of ourselves.”A veterinarian by profession, Howard has diverse roles in the college and serves in several capacities. She is the college’s Director of Multicultural Student Success, a member of the University Committee on Disabilities and the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Howard coordinates more than 35 student organizations, including serving as co-advisor for CVM Spectrum. She serves on countless college committees and is a liaison for several Iowa State University campus service offices including Student Accessibility Services.It’s in this role where Howard has seen a community of students in the college grow and flourish.“As a member of an underrepresented group who has a visible difference, it makes my heart soar to see students who have disabilities, both invisible and visible, be their 100 percent authentic selves,” she said. Here is where Howard has made a significant impact in the college.
“She is a familiar face in a place that’s not familiar,” said second year veterinary student Neena Lynton. “She is the first black veterinarian that I have had the privilege to meet within this profession, but I am extremely happy to be here because she’s also here and I know it wouldn’t be the same without her here.”
There’s no doubt students, faculty, staff, and alumni know the impact Howard has had. Even if she is humble about it.
“Receiving this award has been a humbling experience and when I see past recipients, and even the co-recipient this year, I don’t feel I deserve to share the same space,” she said. “I struggle with receiving an award for doing the most basic of human interactions, letting people know you see them, they have value and though we all have differences, those differences are an opportunity to connect and learn from each other.”
Regardless, for Monica Howard it’s all about the students.
“Every day brings something new and exciting; an opportunity to grow and to foster growth,” she said. “Our students have so much potential to be successful, not only in the medical aspect of our profession but also in the relationships that they develop with others.
“The same critical eye they are honing to make a diagnosis, I want them to develop that scrutiny and reflection in regard to themselves and the impact they can have on others.”
July 2024