Dr. Michael Q. Bailey ’82 Elected AVMA President, Celebrated for Pioneering Contributions to Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Michael Q. Bailey '82 Elected AVMA President, Celebrated for Pioneering Contributions to Veterinary Medicine

August 07, 2025

Contact: Kawana McGough, Division of Development and Alumni Engagement

Tuskegee University proudly celebrates the election of Dr. Michael Q. Bailey '82 as president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), recognizing a career defined by excellence, innovation, and leadership. His appointment is a watershed moment for the veterinary profession and a powerful reflection of the leadership legacy cultivated by Tuskegee's College of Veterinary Medicine.

A board-certified veterinary radiologist, researcher, and innovator in telemedicine, Dr. Bailey brings a bold and future-forward vision to the AVMA, pledging to offer "robust, effective, and diverse leadership that inspires innovation."

He is also a named inventor on multiple U.S. patents, including his most recent-U.S. Patent No. 11,918,401, titled "Methods and systems for x-ray imaging and labeling." The technology leverages artificial intelligence to arrange anatomical relationships in a consistent and preferred positional presentation. The innovation is assigned to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., and reflects Bailey's continued contributions to advancing imaging and diagnostic technologies across the healthcare spectrum.

His election marks the second time a Tuskegee alumnus has held the AVMA presidency, following Dr. Ted Cohn '75, who served from 2013 to 2014.

"Tuskegee University is proud of the work Dr. Bailey has done and how he represents the university," said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO. "He is a perfect example of how Tuskegee trains students to solve the world's most complex problems. His success is our success and we expect to see exceptional leadership during his tenure. Congratulations again!"

Dr. Bailey's elevation to one of the most influential roles in veterinary medicine exemplifies the bold vision Tuskegee has championed for more than a century-developing practitioners who not only treat animals but also shape policy, drive innovation, and expand access in a profession that is constantly evolving. During his address at the 2025 AVMA Convention, Dr. Bailey called on the profession to "shape our own story"-a sentiment that aligns with Tuskegee's narrative of self-determination, excellence, and impact.

During his keynote address at the 2025 AVMA Convention, Dr. Bailey emphasized the need to raise the profession's profile.

"Veterinarians are vital to community health," Dr. Bailey said. "We need to raise awareness about the indispensable role we play, ensuring our contributions are recognized and appreciated within society. This lack of awareness diminishes the importance of our work and underscores the need for enhanced communication and advocacy, enabling us to demonstrate our value and impact effectively.

"In the upcoming year, I am dedicated to amplifying our voice, boosting our visibility, and strengthening our influence." Dr. Bailey added that the theme of his AVMA presidency is centered on "more - more engagement through social media, more community outreach, more partnerships with influencers, and more media presence."

As the first veterinary program at a historically Black college or university, Tuskegee University's College of Veterinary Medicine (established in 1945) remains unmatched in its legacy. Since graduating its first class in 1949, the college has produced approximately 3,200 graduates and remains responsible for training more than 70% of the nation's African American veterinarians. This distinction is not just historical-it is foundational to the ongoing efforts to diversify and advance the field.

© 2025 Tuskegee University