Dr. David L. Biehl - DVM 1976
Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association 2022
Dr. David L. Biehl, Elkhorn, Nebraska, has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Alumni Recognition Award in conjunction with the winter meeting of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association being held Jan. 27 in Kearney, Nebraska. The award is presented by the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Alumni Association in recognition for the 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. Biehl was born on a farm/ranch north of Lexington, Nebraska. From a very early age he wanted to be a veterinarian. In 1976, he graduated from Kansas State University with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Dr. Biehl practiced his entire veterinary career in Hastings, Nebraska, until 2015, when he and his wife Cindy moved to Elkhorn where he has begun a second career as a sculptor.
“I am humbled and honored to be chosen for this award,” Dr. Biehl said. “I have been blessed to have two careers that have been so gratifying to me personally. I am very proud of my veterinary degree from Kansas State and I sign all my sculptures with D L Biehl DVM. In addition, I hide the veterinary caduceus on all my sculptures. Thanks to all involved for thinking of and selecting me for this award.”
“We are pleased to recognize Dr. Biehl as both a veterinarian and as an artist,” said Dr. Bonnie Rush, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “His contributions to the veterinary profession are meaningful over the numerous years of service he has provided to his rural community in Nebraska. He is also making a lasting impact to the state of Nebraska and beyond with his commissioned artwork. His command of anatomy and love of animals are evident in every piece. This is a great example of how passion for animals — and people — can be demonstrated in different ways.”
Dr. Biehl began sculpting in 2003, saying he was always “drawn” to art — and especially sculpture. He is self-taught, paying great attention to movement, detail and emotion as is shown in his sculptures. Dr. Biehl has produced more than 20 monument pieces and over 60 table-sized sculptures. He has bronze sculptures on display in several museums, schools and parks, including the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha and Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He currently works part time at Main Street Studios in Old Town Elkhorn in West Omaha.
Dr. Biehl and his wife have three married children and four grandchildren.