Dr. Laurie and Warren Beard, longtime faculty
2025 E.R. Frank Award
Dr. Laurie Beard, Manhattan, Kansas, and her late husband, Dr. Warren Beard, have been selected as the recipients of the 2025 E.R. Frank Award by the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and its Veterinary Medical Alumni Association. They are being recognized for their longtime service as a faculty member at K-State.
This award is presented as part of the Alumni Awards Luncheon during the 87th Annual Conference for Veterinarians held June 1. 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, who was 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.
Dr. Laurie Beard is a longtime clinical professor/section head of equine medicine and surgery. Dr. Warren Beard was a longtime professor and equine surgeon at K-State. He passed away unexpectedly in July 2023
“One of the things I have loved about being at K-State for so long is getting to know so many veterinary students who later become wonderful referring veterinarians,” Dr. Laurie Beard said. “It has been wonderful to have the opportunity to build these relationships.”
"I have known Drs. Laurie and Warren Beard my entire veterinary career," said Hodes Family Dean Dr. Bonnie Rush. "Dr. Laurie Beard and I were equine medicine resident-mates and colleagues. Dr. Warren Beard was an equine surgery resident when I was a veterinary student. Their commitment to excellence in patient care, teaching and advanced training was always inspiring."
Hodes Family Dean Dr. Bonnie Rush presents Dr. Laurie Beard with the ER Frank Award for her and her late husband, Dr. Warren Beard, who passed away in 2023.
Dr. Laurie Beard attended Washington State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1987 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1991. Dr. Laurie Beard did an internship at Rood and Riddle Hospital followed by a residency in equine internal medicine, and a master’s degree at the Ohio State University. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1995.
Dr. Laurie Beard was a clinical assistant/associate professor at OSU for 7 years as an equine field service veterinarian. She joined Kansas State University in 2004 and worked as an equine internist. She was later promoted to clinical professor. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She has won the Mary Reed Trust Equine Compassion Award in 2006, 2008 and 2009. She also won the Pet Trust Faculty Award in 2009.
Dr. Warren Beard received his bachelor’s degree (Magna Cum Laude) and DVM degrees from Texas A&M University in 1982 and 1983 respectively. He entered private practice in Dickinson, Texas, for two years before moving to Ohio State University to begin a residency in equine surgery. He completed his surgical residency and received a master’s degree in surgical sciences in 1988. In 1989, he became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Following his residency, Dr. Beard began a clinical instructorship as the emergency surgeon at Ohio State for one year. He remained on the faculty as an equine surgeon for 14 more years as an assistant and in 1995 as an associate professor before leaving to start a new position at Kansas State University in 2004.
He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, American Association of Equine Practitioners and Veterinary Orthopedic Society. He received the 2015 Teaching Excellence Award for outstanding instruction of third-year students and 2013 Excellence in Resident Mentoring, both from K-State. At Ohio State, he received the Resident Teaching Award for excellence in clinical teaching in 2003, Faculty Recognition Award for time and efforts devoted to the Residency program in 1996 and Resident Teaching Award for excellence in clinical teaching in 1991.
The Beards have two children: Nat and Anne. Warren Beard was a recognized mentor for his past students and residents. However, Warren was also well known for his belief in working hard and playing hard. The Beards enjoyed skiing, hiking and fly fishing together.