Dr. Sharon Dial Announces Retirement After 24 Years of Service
The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine announces the retirement of Dr. Sharon Dial, a founding faculty member whose dedication and impact on our program extend far beyond her research.
Dr. Dial’s career at the University of Arizona (U of A) began in 2000 as an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology. Over the years, her contributions have been widely celebrated, earning her the Outstanding Service Award in 2005 and a promotion to Full Research Scientist with Continuing Status. Her leadership within the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathologists further underscored her commitment to the profession, where she received the Service Award and held key roles between 2004 and 2019, including Chair of the Education Committee, Chair of the Shared Resources Task Force, and Chair of the Mid-Career Excellence Award Committee.
More than a passionate scientist, Dr. Dial is a dedicated educator and mentor whose influence on veterinary education is immeasurable. As a founding faculty member of the College of Veterinary Medicine, she played a pivotal role in shaping the foundational curriculum and fostering a thriving learning community. Her impact was recognized in 2023 when she received the Educational Service Award from the Regional Teaching Academy, a consortium of Western Region Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, for her outstanding contributions to teaching and mentorship. That same year, she co-authored the Low-Cost Veterinary Clinical Diagnostics Guide with Dr. Ryane Englar, an innovative resource designed to enhance in-house veterinary diagnostics and expand access to quality care.
Dr. Dial’s leadership and service reflect the U of A’s core values of determination and adaptation. She served as Director of the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Lab within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (now CALES) from 2017-2019 and later guided the College of Veterinary Medicine’s formative years as Interim Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs in 2019. Her dedication extended to multiple university and community committees, including the Faculty Senate, Grievance Clearinghouse Committee, CVM Curriculum and Admissions Committees, and the Southern Arizona Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) Board of Directors and Continuing Education Committee, where she has served for over two decades.
In recognition of her exemplary service, scholarship, and mentorship, Dr. Dial has been awarded Emerita Status, a well-deserved honor that reflects her outstanding achievements in teaching, research, and service.
As she embarks on her next chapter, we celebrate Dr. Dial’s remarkable career and the enduring legacy she leaves behind. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sharon Dial on her retirement and thanking her for her unwavering dedication to the University of Arizona and the veterinary profession.