Remembering Dr. Allan Paul

Dr. Allan Paul passed away on Sunday, February 12. As a faculty member at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine from 1980 to 2015, Dr. Paul embodied all aspects of the teaching-research-service mission, serving as associate dean for public engagement, professor of pathobiology, section head for parasitology in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, companion animal Extension veterinarian, and executive secretary of the college’s alumni association.

A native of Chicago, Dr. Paul earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis. He completed his veterinary degree and master’s degree at Illinois. Before joining the college faculty in 1980, he worked as a small animal practitioner in Madison, Wis., and as a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Paul enjoyed a well-earned international reputation for his research on the complex issues surrounding avermectin sensitivity. More than 30 years ago he was at the leading edge of the work on Ivermectin, and he continued researching that compound throughout his career, amassing publications that fill a nearly 100-page curriculum vita.

Teaching was the role that Dr. Paul most prized. Over his 35-year career at Illinois, Dr. Paul earned teaching awards at the college, university, and national levels, most of them multiple times, including the prestigious University of Illinois Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching Award. In 2000, he received the college’s All-Around Excellence Award.

At the 2016 Fall Conference for Veterinarians, the college paid tribute to Dr. Paul with a day-long track featuring leading speakers in parasitology, including some mentored by Dr. Paul. He also received the prestigious Dr. Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award from the college and its alumni association. The impact Dr. Paul had on the college was often likened to that of Dr. Erwin Small, a man who dedicated his entire career to the veterinary profession and to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Paul was a beloved professor, a distinguished researcher, an outstanding leader, and a friend to all. For the past 35 years, Dr. Paul has been the face, and in many ways the heart, of this college. The impact he had on the numerous lives he touched throughout his career will be his greatest legacy.

Feature photo by Bradley Leeb.