Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) Assistant Agency Director for Diagnostic Services Terry Hensley, MS, DVM, is the 2020 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Diagnostic Services recipient.
Dr. Hensley joined TVMDL in 2012. In addition to his role as assistant agency director for diagnostic services, Dr. Hensley has a joint appointment as a Texas A&M AgriLife extension specialist. Since joining the agency, Dr. Hensley has been instrumental in enhancing TVMDL’s mission of service.
His extensive experience as a practicing veterinarian, regulatory veterinarian, and his broad knowledge of veterinary medicine have elevated TVMDL’s reputation of superior client services.
In his role as assistant agency director, Dr. Hensley oversees the College Station laboratory’s team of client service representatives, sample receiving department, and TVMDL’s veterinary diagnosticians. Aside from administrative duties, he serves as the liaison between TVMDL and numerous state and federal agencies, coordinates diagnostic case submissions, communicates with clients, provides input on determination of diagnostic priorities, supports education and training for veterinarians, producers, and industry groups, in addition to numerous other responsibilities.
Furthermore, Dr. Hensley assists with the agency’s outreach program and marketing efforts. Throughout the year, he regularly hosts groups of all ages and backgrounds to share his knowledge of veterinary diagnostics and is a staple of TVMDL’s trade show and conference presence.
Among several contributions to TVMDL, Dr. Hensley is praised for his recent assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. He served as the point of contact between TVMDL, Texas Animal Health Commission, and the Texas Department of State Health Services and led the seamless coordination in reviewing requests from veterinarians to have pets tested for SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19 positive households. His efforts expedited test results to pet owners, submitting veterinarians, and regulatory agencies.
Moreover, Dr. Hensley’s impact reaches far beyond the laboratory. Because of his dual role with AgriLife Extension, he can better assist livestock producers, wildlife owners, and other agricultural stakeholders with critical animal health issues. For example, in 2019 livestock producers were concerned about an anthrax outbreak spreading across various Texas regions. During this time, Dr. Hensley presented updates at county extension meetings and educated ranchers and livestock producers on the disease and its implications.
“I have worked with Dr. Hensley for over eight years,” TVMDL Associate Agency Director Amy Swinford DVM, MS, DACVM, said. “I can’t think of anyone more dedicated to TVMDL’s diverse clientele and the mission of the agency. He goes above and beyond to provide excellent service at all times. He’s spent most of his veterinary career in public service and is a model for all others who are public servants, including me.”
Please join TVMDL in honoring Dr. Hensley on receiving the 2020 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Diagnostic Services.