Dr. Steve Swaim - DVM 1965
2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award
Dr. Steven Swaim, Geuda Springs, Kansas, is the recipient of a 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and its Veterinary Medical Alumni Association. This award, based on outstanding achievements, humanitarian service and contributions to the veterinary profession, was presented during a luncheon at the 87th Annual Conference for Veterinarians held June 1 in Manhattan, Kansas.
Dr. Swaim grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, and near Geuda Springs, Kansas, southeast of Wichita. His wife of 60 years, Marjorie, is from Colby, Kansas. As a former professor of small animal surgery and medicine and as director of the Scott-Ritchey Research Center with a 37-year career at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Swaim’s interests included teaching, research and service in clinical neurosurgery and soft tissue wound management and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Swaim earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1965 at Kansas State University and he received his Master of Science degree from Auburn University in 1971. He was presented with both an Alumni Recognition Award by K-State in 2003 and a Distinguished Alumni Award from Auburn University in 2018.
“It is an extremely high honor to receive such a prestigious award from my alma mater,” Dr. Swaim said. “Kansas State University provided me with the education that allowed me to progress in my veterinary medicine career, and I am most grateful for that.”
“Dr. Swaim has made a tremendous impact on veterinary students and the veterinary profession throughout his career,” Dr. Bonnie Rush, Hodes Family Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “His work on several textbooks has had international outreach and will perpetuate an enduring legacy for future practitioners. It is a great honor to recognize Dr. Swaim for amazing and inspiring career.
Dr. Swaim began his veterinary career in Wichita. He served in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps for two years followed by another year in a Denver small animal practice before going to Auburn University.
Dr. Swaim has authored or co-authored four veterinary textbooks, written innumerable journal articles and made professional presentations at hundreds of locations nationally and internationally. In 2010, Dr. Swaim wrote a “fun” book called, “I Wanna See a Veterinarian,” which is a compilation of stories from his career. One of Dr. Swaim’s textbooks, “Small Animal Bandaging, Casting and Splinting Techniques,” was written with Dr. Walter Renberg, K-State professor of small animal surgery, and Kathy Shike, veterinary nurse, at K-State’s Veterinary Health Center. This book was published in nine languages.
Dr. Swaim has received numerous professional and research awards to include the American Animal Hospital’s Veterinarian of the Year and SmithKline Beecham’s Research Excellence award. His students honored him on two separate occasions by naming him their most outstanding small animal clinician.
Dr. Swaim has been a member and/or officer, board member of several professional organizations – American Veterinary Medical Association, American Canine Sports Medicine Association, American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Neurology Association, Christian Veterinary Missions, Omega Tau Sigma Veterinary Fraternity, Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society and the Veterinary Wound Management Society.
Dr. Swaim and his wife, Marjorie, raised two sons, Thomas and Matthew. They have spent their retirement years enjoying their Kansas family farm. He also enjoys his hobbies of wood carving, leather crafting and writing.