A life of public service is what exemplifies Dr. Michael Blackwell. Like his father, he earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Tuskegee University. He also earned a Master of Public Health degree from Loma Linda University. Dr. Blackwell currently serves as the Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity in the Center for Behavioral Health Research, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His mission is to improve access to veterinary care, especially for families with limited means.

Previous to this position, Dr. Blackwell served as:
Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee
Chief of Staff, Office of the Surgeon General of the United States
Deputy Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration
Chief Veterinary Officer, U.S. Public Health Service, and
Chief Veterinary Officer, The Humane Society of the United States.

Dr. Blackwell has received numerous awards and recognitions, most notably, the U.S. Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal (which is the highest personal honor award), and the Meritorious Service Medal (the second highest personal honor award). He also twice received the Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal, and is the 2020 recepient of the Avanzino Leadership Award.