Dean’s Staff Award
The Dean’s Staff Award recognizes staff who have made exceptional contributions to the School of Veterinary Medicine in the areas of the school’s “People First” initiative: Advancing animal health; environmental protection; public health; and economic development through high-quality education, research and service programs. This annual award underscores the significant role staff members play in serving the people of California and beyond.
2025 Dean’s Staff Award Recipients
Jason Peters, 2025
Jason Peters was recognized with the Staff Member of the Year Award for his extraordinary impact on the Diagnostic Imaging Service and the School of Veterinary Medicine with the opening of the All Species Imaging Center (ASIC). He played a pivotal role in coordinating equipment installation, staff training, workflow development, and the full transition of multiple modalities into the new facility. Even under relentless challenges, Jason maintained professionalism and positivity, serving as a pillar of support to staff, residents, faculty, students, and visitors. According to Geena Urton, Radiology Technician, “We would not have been able to survive this year without him!”
Blake Linscheid, 2025
Blake Linschied was recognized with the Positive Impact Award for his outstanding contributions during the 2024 influenza outbreak. He played a pivotal role in supporting Davis Biotech by volunteering extra hours and helping restore testing capacity in Tulare. His dedication significantly strengthened the entire CAHFS system during a period of intense demand and staffing shortages.
Vu Dao, 2025
Vu Dao was recognized with the Innovation Award for his creativity, work ethic, and solution-oriented mindset, all of which have become essential to one of our most impactful external communication tools: video storytelling. From Minute with Mark to scholarship stewardship videos, fundraising campaigns, and service-area features, his eye for detail and artistic talent share our story with the world in meaningful, memorable ways.
Ashley Carr, 2025
Ashley Carr was recognized with the Teamwork Award for her exceptional leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving ability. As part of ADMAN leadership, she co-led the creation of the Tiger Team, bringing together campus and ADMAN leadership to address operational challenges in real time and ensure academic departments’ needs are considered when major systems like Aggie Enterprise are launched. Her efforts resulted in regular, direct communication with FOA leadership, benefiting not only Vet Med but the entire campus.
Cindy Pinzon, 2025
Cindy Pinzon was recognized with the Professional Award as she is a true “unsung hero” according to her nominator, Karen Boudreaux, Educational Specialist. As the school’s curriculum scheduler, she plays a pivotal role in advancing educational excellence by ensuring that student schedules run seamlessly and faculty are thoughtfully and appropriately assigned to teaching sessions.
