College of Veterinary Medicine faculty members Emily Barrell, Dawn Foster-Hartnett, and Chris Stauthammer have been named recipients of the Award for Excellence in Academic Unit Service.

This award is given in recognition of exceptional service that has strengthened the functioning and climate of the recipient’s unit at the University of Minnesota. It includes $500 to be used for professional development or research. 

Barrell is an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine (VPM) and a specialist in the Veterinary Medical Center’s large animal internal medicine service. 

She was nominated in particular for her ongoing efforts with resident training and the improved feedback program that now has been implemented across most of the veterinary population medicine residencies, says Montse Torremorell, professor and VPM chair. 

"Dr. Emily Barrell exemplifies exceptional service and innovation through her leadership in redesigning resident feedback processes, spearheading critical committee initiatives, and her important role as the faculty mentor for the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Symposium," says Anna Firshman, a VPM clinical professor who contributed to Barrell's nomination. "She has had a profound and lasting impact on internal processes and the feedback culture.”

Foster-Hartnett is an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (VBS). 

Her dedication to the department’s educational mission, leadership in undergraduate education efforts, contributions to the professional DVM curriculum, and

participation in graduate and continuing education programs all made her a worthy recipient of the award, according to VBS Chair Kent Reed.

“In all of these efforts, Dr. Foster-Hartnett has demonstrated outstanding collegiality, mentoring fellow faculty and advancing our shared educational goals,” Reed wrote in a nomination letter. “Her impact on teaching, curriculum development, and student success makes her a truly deserving candidate for this award.”

Stauthammer is a professor and clinical vice chair in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) and head of the VMC’s Cardiology Service. 

In his academic, research, and clinical work, VCS Chair Cathy Carlson says Stauthammer goes above and beyond to ensure success in all three areas, particularly in mentoring residents and forging partnerships with medical companies and peer institutions to advance cardiac procedures. While he intended to step down from his clinical vice chair role last year, Carlson says he chose to continue serving as the VMC navigates a major leadership transition.  

“This was a huge commitment that added immeasurably to the stability, proper functioning, and positive climate of the department and hospital at a critical time,” Carlson wrote in a nomination letter. 

Barrell, Foster-Hartnett, and Stauthammer will be presented with the award at the 2025 Service Awards Reception on April 21.