Rutherford, Kate
SCD Affiliate, Siebel Center for Design
Biography
BiographyDr. Kate Rutherford is a small animal veterinarian who also has a passion for teaching. She is an instructor for the Online Programs and Extension team in the College of Veterinary Medicine, teaches veterinary students in the Clinical Skills Learning Center, and has spent 18 years in private clinical practice.
She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007, following in her father’s footsteps (Dr. John Brix, Class of 1976). Growing up in a mixed practice, raising beef cattle, and showing horses has given her a strong appreciation for the livestock industry and large animal medicine, however, small animal medicine captured her interest most strongly. She has been a small animal practitioner since graduating, with a particular focus on internal medicine and geriatric care. In 2017, she became a part-time faculty in the Certified Veterinary Technician program at Parkland College and then transitioned her career as an educator to the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. In fall 2025, she will begin a graduate degree in the College of Education, here at the University of Illinois.
Outside of work time, Dr. Rutherford competes with her Paint-Percheron horse and enjoys reinventing agriculture on a small central Illinois farmette with her husband, dogs, and pampered barn cats.
Education
- 2001-2002 - British Exchange Program (University of Illinois), University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
- 2003 - Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences (with Highest Honors), College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois
- 2007 - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (with High Honors), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois
Professional Certifications
- Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Illinois
- USDA Accreditation, Category II
Academic Positions
- 2017 - 2023 Part-time Faculty, Veterinary Technology Program, Parkland College
- 2022 – 2025 Academic Hourly Instructor, Clinical Skills Learning Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois
- 2023 – 2024 Adjunct Instructor, Clinical Veterinary Medicine and Online Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois
- 2024 – present Affiliate, Siebel Center for Design, University of Illinois
- 2025 – present Instructor, Clinical Veterinary Medicine and Online Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois
Industry Positions
- 2007 Associate Veterinarian, VCA Heritage Animal Hospital, Savoy, IL
- 2008 – 2019 Associate Veterinarian, Brix Veterinary Service, Shelbyville, IL
- 2017 Membership Relations Team Member (remote), Veterinary Information Network, Davis, CA
- 2019 – 2025 Associate Veterinarian, All About Animals Pet Clinic, Mahomet, IL