On December 15, the College of Veterinary Medicine will host an investiture ceremony to bestow the Dr. Kenneth T. Wright Professorship in Food Supply Veterinary Medicine. The recipient, Dr. James Lowe, is a professor of veterinary clinical medicine. A named faculty appointment signifies excellence and prominence in the areas of research, teaching, or service.
Dr. Wright led a long and impactful career, influencing generations of veterinarians through his leadership in and philanthropy to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and its foundation as well as the University of Illinois and its College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Wright earned his Illinois veterinary degree in 1962. His extended family boasts more than 30 University of Illinois graduates.
He and his wife, Betty, gave generously to the university. At the College of Veterinary Medicine, they established a student scholarship and swine research fund.
The recognitions bestowed upon Dr. Wright throughout his career bear witness to his influential role. In 1991, he became the first person given the AASV Meritorious Service Award. In 2005, he received the college’s Dr. Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award. The AASV Foundation honored him with its Heritage Award for lifelong achievements in swine veterinary medicine in 2017.
Retiring in 2019 after 55 years at his practice in Blandinsville, Illinois, was “one of the toughest things” he ever did, he said, because “I dearly loved the clients, and dearly loved all of the pets and the animals that I dealt with.”
The Kenneth T. Wright Professor in Food Supply Veterinary Medicine honors Dr. Wright’s legacy of collaboration and lifelong learning to improve veterinary care and producer profitability.
Dr. James Lowe
Inaugural Dr. Kenneth T. Wright Professor in Food Supply Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lowe, executive associate dean and associate dean for Online Programs and Extension at the College of Veterinary Medicine, has worked to integrate science into the practice of food animal production throughout his career.
After 10 years as a swine veterinarian and consultant, he joined the Illinois faculty. At the college he led the development of the Master of Veterinary Science degree program—the first 100% online program of its kind. He also expanded the college’s Executive Veterinary Program, widening its audience from swine health professionals to include veterinarians working with beef cattle and systems health approaches.
Dr. Lowe’s research investigates pathogen transmission and how management systems affect host-disease responses. Additionally, he collaborates with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on influenza A and fosters inquiry into using new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to support veterinary industry needs.
He has maintained his consulting practice and currently works not only with top beef cattle and swine producers in the U.S. but also with allied food and livestock industries across Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia.
His prominence in the swine industry led the American Association of Swine Veterinarians to recognize him with the Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award and the Howard Dunne Memorial Lecture. Dr. Lowe holds a DVM and a Master of Science degree in infectious disease management, both from the University of Illinois.In 2005 Dr. Williams joined the University of Illinois as head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, where he was instrumental in rebuilding the small animal emergency and critical care service, introducing a new veterinary curriculum, and establishing the Clinical Skills Learning Center. Since 2011 his research has focused on understanding digestive issues affecting older cats.
