Michael Cavanaugh, director of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) in Lakewood, Colo., has been awarded the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Kansas State University.

Cavanaugh received the award because of his contributions to the success of the veterinary profession through service and involvement in professional organizations.

Cavanaugh received the award during the 74th Annual Conference for Veterinarians on June 3.

Originally from Topeka, Kan., Cavanaugh earned his DVM from K-State in 1983. After graduation, he worked in a mixed practice in Illinois, and then small animal practices in Denver, Colo. In 1988, he founded West Ridge Animal Hospital in Topeka, Kan., which became an accredited member of AAHA.

In 1993, Cavanaugh began working as a consultation clinician in the Veterinary Consultation Service at Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc. In 1996, Cavanaugh sold West Ridge Animal Hospital and became a technical services veterinarian, and later the director of medical and technical consultation, with the HESKA Corporation in Fort Collins, Colo. He completed the Veterinary Management Institute in 1996, earning a certificate in Veterinary Practice Administration from the Krannert School of Business at Purdue University, and AAHA.

In 2000, Cavanaugh joined Pfizer Animal Health in Fort Collins, Colo., as the area veterinarian for the Rocky Mountain Area. During his 10-year career at Pfizer, Cavanaugh took on roles of increasing responsibility, and was eventually the director of veterinary hospital services, which included a team of 50 people, including veterinarians, veterinary specialists and veterinary technician specialists.