(MURRAY, Ky.) – The Davis-Thompson Foundation, a globally recognized leader in veterinary pathology education, has promoted Dr. Rafaela De Negri to vice president of organizational operations. De Negri, who serves as a veterinary pathologist at Murray State University’s Breathitt Veterinary Center, will now help guide the nonprofit’s international educational initiatives.
The appointment represents a significant milestone for both De Negri and Murray State University, highlighting the institution’s growing influence in global veterinary education and research.
Building on Years of Innovation
De Negri’s journey with the Davis-Thompson Foundation began in 2020 when she joined as a board member. Over the past four years, she has steadily expanded her responsibilities, taking charge of the organization’s social media presence and leading both graphics and webinar committees.
Her most notable contribution has been the development and management of the foundation’s biannual necropsy course. This intensive two-day workshop addresses a critical need among international veterinary graduates preparing for the Clinical Proficiency Examination administered by the American College of Veterinary Medical Association’s Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG).
The hands-on training program exemplifies De Negri’s commitment to breaking down barriers in veterinary education and helping international professionals advance their careers in the United States.
Expanding Global Impact
In her new executive role, De Negri will oversee the operational framework that supports the foundation’s worldwide educational programs. The Davis-Thompson Foundation currently reaches thousands of veterinary professionals across multiple continents, making its leadership positions highly influential in shaping the future of veterinary pathology education.
Dr. Brian Parr, Dean of Murray State’s Hutson School of Agriculture, praised De Negri’s dedication and expertise. “We are so fortunate to have Dr. De Negri here at Murray State University! Dr. De Negri is an amazing professional who always goes above and beyond for our region in providing an unsurpassable level of diagnostic expertise and service,” Parr stated.
A Platform for Excellence
The promotion reflects Murray State University’s broader commitment to fostering faculty leadership and international collaboration. Through the Breathitt Veterinary Center, located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the university operates one of the nation’s most distinguished animal disease diagnostic facilities.
The center holds the prestigious Level 1 Laboratory Status from the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory system, placing it among just 23 such facilities nationwide out of only 60 total laboratories in the system. This designation underscores the center’s vital role in protecting Kentucky’s valuable equine, livestock, and poultry industries.
Beyond its diagnostic mission, the Breathitt Veterinary Center serves as an essential educational resource for Murray State students, providing real-world learning opportunities in veterinary science and pathology.
Looking Forward
De Negri’s elevation to this international leadership position demonstrates how Murray State University faculty members are making their mark on the global stage. Her work embodies the university’s core values of stewardship, scholarship, and service while advancing veterinary pathology education worldwide.
The appointment also signals the Davis-Thompson Foundation’s confidence in innovative educational approaches and collaborative leadership—qualities that have defined De Negri’s career trajectory.
For additional information about Dr. De Negri’s work or the Davis-Thompson Foundation, contact the Breathitt Veterinary Center at (270) 886-3959 or visit davisthompsonfoundation.org.