Alfred M. Legendre, DVM, MS, DACVIM, has dedicated his professional career to improving the health of companion animals. Dr. Legendre is described by his colleagues as “a champion of the profession” and his work has been honored with numerous awards and accolades. He is a devoted teacher who joined the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee when it was founded in 1975. One of the world’s experts in the research of infectious diseases, Dr. Legendre has investigated the pathogenesis and prevention of infectious viral diseases in cats and the treatment of mycotic diseases in dogs and cats. He has also developed innovative treatments for cancers and viral infections. His current studies include one on a vaccine for blastomycosis, a FIV vaccine review and an analysis of antiviral drugs. Dr. Legendre work has been showcased in 27 book chapters and numerous articles in professional and lay publications.
Dr. Legendre received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1966. He then completed his residency in small animal internal medicine at Michigan State University, where he also earned his master’s degree in 1974. Dr. Legendre served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970 and earned the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1971. He joined the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine as an associate professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and was promoted to professor in 1981. He also served as director of medical services from 1975 to 2000. Currently, Dr. Legendre is the assistant department chair for the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.
Dr. Legendre has a record of leadership and service during his 30 years in the veterinary profession. He has served as both president and chairman of the Board of Regents for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is a founding Diplomate of the ACVIM Specialty of Oncology.
From 1985 to 1993, he was the initiator and founding editor of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, which is now in its 20th year of publication. He also holds memberships in several organizations, including the specialties of Internal Medicine and Oncology in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, the Veterinary Cancer Society and the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Legendre has served on numerous committees at the University of Tennessee and on the review board for The Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. He currently serves as a reviewer for the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation Grants, the Winn Feline Foundation Grants and the Academie de Medicine Veterinary du Quebec.
Dr. Legendre’s list of awards and accolades is extensive. He received his first teaching award, the Norden’s Distinguished Teacher Award, in 1974. Legendre recently was awarded the Twenty-Year Faculty Appreciation Award from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1981. In April of 2000, he received the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association Distinguished Service Professorship Award, the highest award given by the University of Tennessee Alumni Association. Throughout his professional career he has also received the American Hospital Association Southeast Region Award for Outstanding Service to the Veterinary Profession, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Auburn University, the National Alumni Association Distinguished Service Professorship Award from the University of Tennessee and the Brandy Memorial Award in recognition of Outstanding Teaching in Small Animal Medicine.
Testimonials
“Dr. Legendre is one of those very few individuals who has excelled in all areas of his veterinary career. Dr. Legendre, through his teaching, research and willingness to serve the veterinary community at all levels, has had a significant worldwide impact on veterinary medicine.”
James J. Brace, DVM
Associate Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Tennessee
“Al really structured the finest veterinary journal in the world. He ‘fathered’ our Journal [of Veterinary Internal Medicine]! It was a labor of love and dedication. Dr. Legendre is a doggedly persistent advocate of what he believes to be the right thing to do. Nowhere is that more clearly demonstrated than in the quality of the Journal today.”
J.E. Oliver, DVM
Diplomate ACVIM, Neurology
Professor Emeritus, University of Georgia
“Through 25 years of work for the ACVIM, Dr. Legendre has demonstrated his unselfish and dedicated commitment to the advancement, evolution and maturity of our specialty College.”
Arthur L. Lage, DVM, DACVIM
Associate Professor of Surgery and Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Harvard University
