NC State University CVM Announces Establishment of Herbert Benjamin Distinguished Professorship
Sam Jones, a professor of equine medicine at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named the first recipient of the Herbert Benjamin Distinguished Professorship.
Approved by the North Carolina State Board of Trustees, the Herbert Benjamin Distinguished Professorship is the second such professorship for the CVM, joining the Jane Lewis Seaks Distinguished Professorship for Companion Animal Medicine.
“It is a pleasure for me to announce the appointment of Dr. Sam Jones to the Herbert Benjamin Distinguished Professorship,” said CVM Dean Paul Lunn. “This appointment honors his commitment to scholarship and outstanding academic citizenship.
“I’ve known Sam for many years and have always admired his excellent research work,” said Dr. Lunn, who became the fourth dean of the CVM in February. “I’m now gaining an understanding of the many other things he does for our college and profession—particularly his leadership in our graduate student programs. For all these reasons it appropriate that he has been recognized with this distinguished professorship.”
Dr. Jones is the director of the Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program and the Combined DVM/PhD Program as well being the co-director of the Veterinary Scholars Program. His research focus involves equine gastrointestinal diseases, sepsis and endotoxemia, infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Dr. Jones joined the NC State CVM in 1998 after serving as a research associate at Washington University, as a resident and then instructor at the University of California at Davis, and as an intern at Texas A&M University. He has doctorate in immunology from Washington University, a DVM degree from the University of Tennessee, a master’s in physiology from Pennsylvania State University, and an undergraduate chemistry degree from Bucknell University.
“I am profoundly grateful for this tremendous honor,” said Dr. Jones. “The endowment that enabled the Herbert Benjamin Distinguished Professorship to be created was established because of a unique and passionate relationship between the donor and the mentors and students in our Veterinary Scholars Program Summer Research Internship.
“This gift would not have been possible if it weren’t for the outstanding faculty members and students in this program and, indeed, throughout the CVM,” continued Dr. Jones. “They translate new biomedical research discoveries into clinical practice that make a real difference in the health and well-being of animals and people. The Herbert Benjamin Professorship will allow us to continue to grow and increase the impact of this important program.”
The Herbert Benjamin Distinguished Professorship has been established by an endowment from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. Funding arrangements also include contributions from RB Terry Foundation and the University of North Carolina System Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund.
