Veterinary college recognizes faculty with annual teaching awards
Three faculty members have been recognized for preclinical teaching excellence in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. Drs. Pradeep Malreddy, Kristen Hill-Thimmesch and Scott Fritz were each named as the respective top teachers for the first, second and third years of instruction, as voted on by each respective class of students for their teaching efforts in the 2024-2025 school year.
“This group of instructors has received high praise from their students who have noted how each teaches with care and respect,” said Dr. James Roush, associate dean for academic programs and student success. “The students also mention how these instructors go above and beyond to ensure a successful learning outcome. These instructors are shining examples of what students strive to be in their professional careers.”
Dr. Pradeep Malreddy - First-Year Award
Dr. Mike Apley, head of anatomy and physiology, presents the first-year teaching award to Dr. Pradeep Malreddy.
Dr. Malreddy was chosen for the 2025 Teaching Excellence Award in the First Year Award. He received a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree in India in 2001 and a master’s degree at K-State in 2009. Dr. Malreddy is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology. He teaches small animal anatomy, large animal anatomy, special interest anatomy, introduction to research, veterinary practice in global society, and advanced clinical anatomy and teaching practicum courses of the DVM curriculum.
“’Honored, I am,’ as Yoda would say—but really, it’s the teamwork and our bright Padawans who make the Force strong in our classroom,” Dr. Malreddy said. “Teaching them is the real reward.”
Dr. Kristen Hill-Thimmesch - Second-Year Award
Dr. Derek Mosier presents the second-year teaching award to Dr. Kristen Hill-Thimmesch.
Dr. Hill-Thimmesch was named recipient of the 2025 Teaching Excellence Award that is presented in recognition of outstanding instruction of second-year veterinary students. She is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology. She earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. She earned a master’s degree and completed residencies in poultry diagnostic medicine and anatomic pathology at Purdue University. Dr. Hill-Thimmesch teaches systemic pathology, virology and backyard poultry classes to second-year veterinary students.
“I am so very honored and happy to have received this award!” Dr. Hill-Thimmesch said. “Working with the K-State veterinary students is the most rewarding (and fun) part of my day. Thank you to the Class of 2027 and I'll see you in fourth year!”
Dr. Scott Fritz - Third-Year Award
Dr. Apley presents Dr. Scott Fritz with the third-year teaching award.
Dr. Fritz was selected for the 2025 Teaching Excellence Award for the instruction of third-year students. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 2014. Following five years of private practice in rural South Dakota, he began a residency in toxicology at Kansas State University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology(2022) and completed a Ph.D. in pathobiology at Kansas State University in 2025. He is a clinical assistant professor of toxicology in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology and teaches the core toxicology course to third year students while contributing to the beef production medicine elective and the diagnostic medicine rotation.
“I am both surprised and honored to receive this recognition and would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Class of 2026 for their engagement and commitment throughout the course,” Dr. Fritz said. “Their professionalism and active participation contributed greatly to a productive learning environment.”
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