On January 12, 2024, Dr. Hilda Mejia Abreu, associate dean of admissions, student life, and inclusivity, was announced as one of two recipients of the 2024 Iverson Bell Award by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

“The Iverson Bell Award is given in memory and recognition of Dr. Iverson Bell’s outstanding leadership and contributions in the promotion of diversity in veterinary medical education,” states the AAVMC.

The Award is presented to individuals in academic veterinary medicine who are devoted to the promotion of diversity and inclusion, including in the “recruitment, development, and retention” of students, faculty, and staff, as well as through programming and curricula that shed light on diversity issues, per AAVMC’s award criteria.

Of her award, Mejia Abreu says, “I am honored, humbled, and want to share that this award would not be possible without the support of students, faculty, and staff at the College advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Thank you and congratulations to our College on receiving the Iverson Bell Award. It is an incredible honor and am proud to receive this award from AAVMC named after Bell, who was an MSU College of Veterinary Medicine alumnus.”

Mejia Abreu’s most recent award from MSU also celebrated her excellence in the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, she has been awarded a different award named after Bell — The Iverson Bell Midwest Region Award — in 2022. The 2024 Iverson Bell Award further highlights her work in the broader academic veterinary sphere.

The Award will be presented to Mejia Abreu at AAVMC’s Catalyze conference in April 2024, in Washington D.C.