Tennyson retires from AVMA Executive Board

Schaumburg, Ill.-Culminating 26 years with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Dr. Arthur V. Tennyson retires from his executive board position, leaving behind friends, colleagues and a legacy of professional service to the group's members.

Dr. Arthur V. Tennyson

At presstime, Tennyson, 68, was en route to new quarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The VMD who received his veterinary medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974, says after a lifetime of work, it's time to relax.

"I've committed myself not to commit to anything for the next six months," Tennyson says. "In a way, leaving is saddening, but it's also a step forward. It's been a hectic few years."

Record of stewardship

If the work seems hectic, maybe it's because Tennyson has guided AVMA toward advancement since joining the group in 1977. To his credit, Tennyson's pushed the association forward on technological advancements, acted as advisor for the group's governing documents and worked to improve student involvement and membership.

Starting as director of membership and field services, Tennyson was instrumental in automating the data, accounting and word processing systems at AVMA headquarters. He dragged the association "kicking and screaming into the 21st century," he says.

In the 1980s, Tennyson served as adviser to the student AVMA and conducted targeted recruiting and retention programs that achieved a 5 percent annual membership growth and a 99 percent enrollment of new graduates for 12 consecutive years, association officials report.

"Dr. Tennyson was always here, always working," says Dr. Bruce Little, AVMA executive vice president. "He was really a valuable employee of the AVMA. I'll miss him."

Moving ahead

This month, Little is scheduled to nominate Tennyson's replacement and the AVMA Executive Board is expected to approve the appointment. Until the vote, Dr. Jan Donlin, associate executive vice president, is stepping in on an interim basis.

Despite the changes, Tennyson remains confident his colleagues will continue to work as a team.

"It has been a wonderful opportunity to be part of the leadership of the profession and serve this profession over the years," he says. "I've met some fantastic people - people who represent the stars in the galaxy of AVMA."