Meet the KVMA Award Winners
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s KVMA Awards, which were presented at the Mid-America Veterinary Conference, Sept. 26-28, 2025 in Lexington, KY.
KVMA Veterinarian of the Year Presented to Dr. Joey Collins
Dr. Joey Colling — a 1988 Auburn (War Eagle) graduate — is this year’s Veterinarian of the Year at Boonesboro Animal Clinic, he returned to the mountains and opened Because large-animal veterinarians are scarce in Appalachia, he maintains licenses in KY, WV and VA to provide ambulatory care across a 100-mile tristate radius.
For more than 30 years Dr. Collins built community, mentoring 21 veterinarians (14 of whom — 67% — now serve the Appalachian region). He’s donated hundreds of hours to local shelter medicine, organized rabies clinics with the county health department, and led in his church and local music ministry for decades. work ethic, and an ability to “do more with less,” Dr. Collins treats every client with equal warmth and respect — from owners in need. He’s been married for over 40 years, has two children and six grandchildren, and his daughter (AU- work.
KVMA News | Winter 2025
KVMA Animal Hall of Fame Presented to Noir Nominated by Dr. Hillary Henson Owned by Stacy Denton, Blue Moon Stables
the pony was sixteen—black coat gleaming, eyes full of quiet wisdom. At 13.1 hands he wasn’t large, but his presence was unmistakable: steady,
Dr. Joey Collins (on left) and Dr. Debbie Reed (on right)
The James M. Weber Jr. Distinguished Service Award Presented to Dr. Debbie Reed
Reed grew up on a farm and parlayed early success in 4-H and FFA into degrees in Agriculture from Western Kentucky University and Auburn University. She spent 18 years serving Veterinary Center, where she rose from Case Coordinator to Director, led
Dr. Reed has served on numerous state students via the KCA/Auburn program.
Life Members Awards Presented to: Dr. Roberta Dwyer Dr. Deborah Reed Dr. Lloyd Jolly Dr. Jeffrey Willard Dr. Thomas Beckman
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earning ribbons in the show ring, then became a dependable lesson mount ornery, always fair. For the past seven of Kentucky, where his calm, rhythmic balance, and even a voice.
Under Dr. Henson’s care he has aged and content to lean into a curry comb. Dr. Henson counts her nearly two
Noir, in his brand new specialized halter (right), accepts his award from Dr. Hillary Henson (left).
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