For more than two decades, Dr. Jeff Abbott (‘97 DVM) has dedicated his career to helping veterinary students navigate some of the most challenging parts of their education — not by just giving them the answers, but by teaching them how to find them.
That commitment to student success has earned Abbott, assistant dean for professional students and professor in Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the Berger Keatts Distinguished Professorship, effective Aug. 1.
Established by WSU alumnus Dr. Berger Keatts (’50 DVM), the distinguished professorship recognizes faculty members whose work exemplifies excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. Keatts created the endowment in honor of Dr. John McCoy, the veterinarian, mentor and former dean of WSU’s veterinary school, who inspired him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Keatts’ goal was to ensure future generations of WSU students would continue to benefit from exceptional educators.
For Abbott, who has found his own mentors at WSU as a veterinary student and professor, the recognition carries special meaning.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from teachers and mentors who challenged me to think differently and believed in me before I believed in myself,” Abbott said. “To receive a professorship created to honor that kind of mentorship is incredibly meaningful. It reminds me that the greatest impact we can have isn’t just what we teach to students, it’s how we help students discover their own potential.”
A 1997 graduate of WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Abbott returned to his alma mater in 2021 to lead the college’s nationally recognized Diagnostic Challenge program after spending nearly two decades in academia and veterinary pathology. Since then, his role has expanded considerably. In 2023, he was named assistant dean for professional students, where he works to foster student success while helping shape the educational experience for future veterinarians.
While many students know Abbott through the Diagnostic Challenge—a signature case-based simulation—his influence extends well beyond a single program.
He said one of his primary goals as the next Berger Keatts Distinguished Professor is to improve the overall veterinary curriculum at WSU, and he plans to do it with student buy-in.
“For the past few years we’ve leaned on the students to help us improve the Diagnostic Challenge. We ask them about their struggles, what they would like to see changes, and how it could be more impactful,” Abbott said. “It’s really been great to see the student’s perspectives and we plan to incorporate that into all courses in WSU’s veterinary curriculum.”
The Berger Keatts Distinguished Professorship reflects the values that have guided Abbott’s career: investing in students, advancing veterinary education, and preparing graduates for the complexities of modern practice. The endowment also provides resources to support continued innovation in teaching and educational leadership, helping ensure WSU remains at the forefront of veterinary medical education.
For Abbott, though, the true measure of success has always been the students themselves.
“Every graduating class reminds me why this work matters,” he said. “Watching students develop the confidence and judgment to care for animals and serve their communities is the greatest reward. If I’ve played even a small role in helping them become thoughtful, compassionate veterinarians, then I’ve done my job.”
