Recognition Awards
Dr. Carlson to receive K-State veterinary alumni award at annual NVMA conference
Dr. James West Carlson, Crofton, Neb.,
has been selected by the Kansas State University College of
Veterinary Medicine and its Veterinary Medical Alumni
Association to receive a 2008 Alumni Recognition Award on
Jan. 25. The award is in recognition for time and effort
devoted to advancing veterinary medicine and for being an
exemplary role model for future alumni in a professional and
community setting.
Dr. Carlson earned a bachelor’s degree in 1957 and a DVM in
1959, both at Kansas State University. He had a private
mixed practice in Crofton from 1959 to 1985. Dr. Carlson was
a member, past director and district representative in the
Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA). He has been
a member of the AVMA since 1959.
“We’re proud to recognize Dr. Carlson, not only for his
veterinary service, but for his accomplishments beyond
veterinary medicine,” said Ralph Richardson, dean of the K
State College of Veterinary Medicine. “His involvement and
service in the Boy Scouts, as well as his time with the
National Rifle Association, are extremely noteworthy
achievements.”
“I consider this quite an honor in view of the other
recipients who have been so honored over the years,” Dr.
Carlson said. “It is indeed humbling to be included in such
a group of individuals. I think back on my time at K-State
with a great deal of pleasure. I feel very lucky to have
attended such a great institution. My education at K-State
prepared me well for the life that I have been fortunate
enough to lead, both professionally and otherwise. I will
always be grateful to the staff for their guidance and
help.”
One of Dr. Carlson’s hobbies has turned into a second
career. Beginning in 1971, he became involved in firearms
parts manufacturing and sporting goods sales. In addition he
is a consultant in the muzzle loading firearms field, since
1974.
Dr. Carlson has written three books on elementary muzzle
loading firearm shooting. He was the technical editor of
Black Powder hunting magazine; editor of Black Powder for
Gun Digest Publications; Technical Editor for Muzzleloader
magazine; and editor for New Products for Muzzle Blasts
magazine.
From 1976 to 1996, Dr. Carlson was the director of the
National Rifle Association in Washington, D.C. He was
director of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association, in
Friendship, Ind., from 1977 to 1987.
Dr. Carlson was also involved in several community
activities including scout master for the Boys Scouts of
America in Crofton from 1960 to 1975. He was director of the
Nebraska State Historical Society in Lincoln from 1982-1988,
and has been a member of the Museum of the Fur Trade, on its
board of directors since 2002. Dr. Carlson also has served
as a volunteer fireman and rescue worker since 1960 (he held
all offices from captain to chief).
Dr. Carlson and his wife, DeMarus, have two children: Scott
and Sheryl.