College of Veterinary Medicine Dean honored with UC Davis alumni award

Dr. Dori Borjesson, dean of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, was recognized by the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine on Oct. 25 with the highest honor bestowed by the school, the Alumni Achievement Award.

Borjesson earned the award for her administrative leadership and innovation in diagnostic veterinary medicine.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award," Borjesson said. "UC Davis was my professional home for many years, and I was fortunate to have incredible colleagues and mentors. Every part of my career - teaching, clinical service, research, and leadership - was supported and valued. This recognition has prompted meaningful reflection, and I look forward to continuing to ensure our students at WSU feel that same support in their journeys."

Prior to joining WSU, Borjesson served as a professor and department chair in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology.

Every part of my career…was supported and valued. …I look forward to continuing to ensure our students at WSU feel that same support in their journeys.

A four-time UC Davis alumna, Borjesson received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Preventative Veterinary Medicine, and PhD there, in addition to completing a residency in clinical pathology. The inaugural director of the UC Davis Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures, Borjesson was also recognized for her leadership role at WSU, where she serves as the College of Veterinary Medicine's dean and was one of 11 female deans at veterinary colleges nationwide when she took the position in 2020.

She was nominated for the alumni award by former UC Davis colleagues, including professor and renowned veterinary surgeon Dr. John Pascoe and professor Mary Christopher; as well as WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Associate Dean Dr. Leslie Sprunger.

"Dori is an outstanding and innovative clinician scientist, committed to highly effective mentorship of trainees and junior faculty, and cultivation of female leaders. Receipt of a 2025 UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumna award recognizes Dori's outstanding teaching and mentorship; contributions to understanding mesenchymal stem cell biology and immune modulation; and the impact of her administrative leadership as a department chair and dean," Pascoe said.

In addition to navigating the many challenges that come with leading a large and complex organization with grace, humility, thoughtfulness, resilience, and good humor, Sprunger highlighted Borjesson's commitment to college programs in a letter supporting the nomination.

"Dean Borjesson's ability to manage and grow existing programs while also shepherding the development of high-impact new programs is remarkable. That she does this work while always attending to the importance of a positive work environment and valuing every member of her team as an individual makes her a truly outstanding leader," Sprunger wrote. "We are fortunate to have her here at WSU and she is most deserving of recognition at her alma mater as a 2025 UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award recipient."