Dr. M.M. Chengappa

2019 E.R. Frank Award

Dr. M.M. Chengappa, Manhattan, Kansas, was selected as the recipient of the 2019 E.R. Frank Award by the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and its Veterinary Medical Alumni Association. Dr. Chengappa was being recognized for his 32 years at K-State with 18 years serving as head of the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology and as a university distinguished professor.

This award was presented during the Alumni Awards Brunch at the Alumni Reunion Weekend held June 1, 2019. The E.R. Frank Award is presented to a faculty member who displays meritorious service to the college as well as the same professional essence of Dr. Frank, a longtime faculty member in equine surgery and a K-State alumnus. Nominees must have at least a 15-year relationship with the college, possess a noteworthy record of service and display an unassuming and unpretentious manner throughout their careers.

“I am honored and humbled for being selected to receive this prestigious E.R. Frank Award for Meritorious Service to the college and the profession,” Dr. Chengappa said. “It is truly a privilege to belong to this College and the profession, as we have numerous opportunities to contribute to not only the profession, but also to society in general. I always believed in what you do for others is more important than what you do for yourself. This profession has given me that opportunity and I am eternally indebted to the college for making that opportunity possible.”

“Dr. Chengappa has been a tremendous leader and colleague at the College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dr. Bonnie Rush, interim dean of the college. “Over the years, he has been generous with his time to offer his assistance to help faculty and staff in meeting the teaching and research needs of the faculty in the department. On his own, he is highly accomplished, and has made countless contributions as a scientist and professor."

Dr. Chengappa received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Veterinary Science at Mysore Veterinary College in Bangalore, India. He received his master of science and his doctorate from Michigan State University. He became a board-certified veterinary microbiologist 1981 by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. He first came to K-State from 1983-1984, and then returned in 1988.

The recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Chengappa earned the prestigious Beecham Award for Research Excellence from Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990; the Distinguished Veterinary Postdoctoral Award from Michigan State University in 2004; and the Karuna Award for Outstanding Contributions to National and Global Progress from India in 2007. In 2003, he received Kansas State's highest faculty ranking of a university distinguished professor; and in 2011, he received the university's Presidential Award for Outstanding Department Head. The American College of Veterinary Microbiologist selected Dr. Chengappa as the 2013 Distinguished Veterinary Microbiologist of the Year. In 2016, under Dr. Chengappa’s guidance, the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology was the recipient of the Kansas State University Outstanding Department or Unit Award for Enhancing Diversity.

Dr. Chengappa has authored or co-authored more than 126 refereed publications and 130 abstract presentations, numerous book chapters, has eight U.S. patents and has made numerous presentations as an invited guest speaker locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. He also has been involved in international activities mostly related to infectious diseases. Dr. Chengappa, G.R. Carter and A.W. Roberts wrote the textbook "Essentials of Veterinary Microbiology"; and with Carter, he wrote two books: "Microbial Diseases: A Veterinarian's Guide to Laboratory Diagnosis" and "Essentials of Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology." He co-edited the third edition of "Veterinary Microbiology" with Drs. Scott McVey and Melissa Kennedy. In addition, Dr. Chengappa has advised 11 doctoral and master's students and postdoctoral fellows.

Dr. Chengappa is or has been a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Disease and the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, where he was president of the board of governors in 2008-2010, vice president from 2004-2008, and served several terms on the organization's board. Additionally, he has served on several of its committees over the years.

Dr. Chengappa and his wife, Muthu, have two daughters, Tina and Tanya.