Faculty
Veterinary Faculty
Michal “Callie” Benoit, DVM
Faculty, Professor of Practice/ Large Animal GP
Michal "Callie" Benoit, DVM, graduated from Cornell University then attended NC State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Her career brought her to Virginia where she spent nearly 20 years building and owning a rural equine practice. She has treated everything from newborn foals to emergency colic cases, often with a truck full of equipment, a cup of coffee, and a GPS that occasionally questioned her life choices.
While Benoit loves practicing veterinary medicine, what truly energizes her is teaching. She has mentored veterinary, technician, and pre-veterinary students, welcomed countless ride-alongs, and encouraged young people through 4-H and agricultural programs.
As a faculty member at the PCVM, Benoit is excited to help build something special. She hopes to prepare students to become not only excellent veterinarians, but also trusted neighbors, compassionate mentors, and lifelong advocates for animals, agriculture, and the communities they serve.
Leonardo Brito, MV (DVM), PhD, DACT
Faculty, Clinical Skills Unit Lead
Leonardo Brito, MV (DVM), PhD, DACT, received his DVM from the Universidade Federal de Uberlandia (UFU) and MSc in Animal Reproduction from the Universidade do Estado de São Paulo (Unesp)-Botucatu in Brazil. He continued to specialize in theriogenology, obtaining his MVetSc and PhD from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. Brito is a Diplomate American College of Theriogenologists (ACT) and past-president of the organization.
Brito spent 15 years in the cattle breeding industry, occupying positions with R&D, operational, and quality responsibilities in large bull semen production centers. Before joining Clemson CVM, Brito was a clinical educator at the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the Deputy-Editor of the journal Theriogenology and has conducted research spanning several aspects of animal andrology, such as sexual development, testicular thermoregulation, pathogenesis of sperm defects, semen evaluation, and breeding soundness examination.
Cortney Curtis, DVM
Faculty, Clinical Assistant Professor/ Small Animal GP
A proud Clemson graduate and Upstate South Carolina native, Cortney Curtis, DVM, began her career as a U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Officer, serving in leadership roles at Fort Gregg-Adams, Fort Bragg and Fort Carson. During her service, she trained more than 100 canine handlers, first responders and veterinary personnel in canine combat casualty care and supported Operation Allies Welcome, a major Afghan humanitarian mission.
Following her military career, Dr. Curtis joined the faculty at Lincoln Memorial University–College of Veterinary Medicine, teaching clinical skills, leadership and One Health courses that emphasize teamwork, integrity and resilience. Her research focuses on working dog medicine, handler preparedness and active learning in veterinary education.
Through her company, The Dog Doctor, she provides K9 medical training and relief services across the Southeast. Off campus, she enjoys rugby, lake time with her dog Roo, and cheering on the Tigers with her wife, Saylor.
Lisa Sams Ebner, DVM, MS, DACVAA, CVA
Faculty, Foundational Sciences Unit Lead
Lisa Sams Ebner, DVM, MS, DACVAA, CVA, serves as Clinical Professor for the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Ebner is passionate about providing high-quality anesthesia and analgesia services and creating engaging educational experiences for veterinary students.
Ebner earned her DVM from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by an anesthesia internship at UGA and a rotating internship at a small animal referral hospital in Virginia Beach. She completed a combined residency in anesthesia and a Master of Science in Comparative and Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University. Her career spans specialty referral practice, general and emergency relief work, and nearly a decade teaching at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has also served on faculty at Ross University and Texas Tech University.
Her professional interests include pharmacokinetics, student education, acupuncture and the role of wellness in the human-animal bond. Ebner is excited to help build a state-of-the-art educational experience for future veterinarians in South Carolina.
Callie Fogle, DVM DACVS-LA
Faculty, Head of Veterinary Services
Callie Fogle, DVM DACVS-LA, is an Equine Surgeon, previously on faculty at NCSU-College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her DVM from Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and completed her equine surgery residency at NC State.
Fogle’s professional interests center on delivering state-of-the-art care for horses within a collaborative learning environment and providing learning opportunities for veterinary trainees that serve rural community needs. Her research focuses on addressing clinical questions related to gastrointestinal and soft tissue diseases, with the goal of advancing the field of equine veterinary medicine.
In her free time, she enjoys extremely competitive games of kickball with her teenagers, cheering those same teens on at music and athletic events, reading, horseback riding, and running.
Jonathan Fogle, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Faculty, Acting Department Chair
Jonathan Fogle, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, earned his DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000.He completed the clinician investigator residency and PhD program at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Fogle is boarded in small animal internal medicine and holds a PhD in immunology.
Fogle's research interests are clinical applications of flow cytometry and cell sorting. He's also interested in allergy, autoimmunity and immune dysfunction, specifically, understanding how viruses, parasites and tumors escape immune recognition. Additionally, his clinical interests include new ways to identify autoimmunity and auto inflammatory diseases in veterinary species.
His hobbies include golf, hunting, fishing and coaching youth soccer.
Paul Gordon-Ross, DVM, MS, PhD
Faculty, Year Four Clinical Training Lead, Director of 4th Year Curriculum
Paul Gordon-Ross, DVM, MS, PhD, began his veterinary career after earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis in 1999. He initially practiced equine medicine before transitioning to small animal care in 2005. In 2007, he joined the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences, where he served for nine years as Director of Clinical Relations. This role sparked his passion for advancing education and mentoring future professionals.
Motivated by this passion, Gordon-Ross completed two Harvard Macy Institute programs focused on health professions education. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University, with a concentration in higher education leadership. His research interests center on faculty development, educator assessment, program evaluation, and the design and validation of educational tools.
Gordon-Ross believes that learning extends beyond acquiring information. It is about internalization, collaboration and growth. He is dedicated to creating experiential learning opportunities that inspire students to think critically, communicate effectively and take ownership of their development.
Sierra R. Guynn, DVM, PhD, DACVPM
Faculty, Farm Animal Medicine
Sierra R. Guynn, DVM, PhD, DACVPM, is a food and fiber animal veterinarian who helps producers sustain the health of animals that provide meat, milk, wool or leather. She is passionate about veterinary education, sharing practical skills and knowledge with veterinary and animal science students, producers and industry stakeholders. A strong advocate for rural communities and the veterinarians who serve them, she highlights their vital societal role.
Her research focuses on apicomplexan infectious diseases in ruminants and converting livestock research into actionable strategies for small- and medium-scale producers to improve animal health.
Guynn earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and her Ph.D. in Comparative Physiology from Creighton University School of Medicine. She practiced large animal ambulatory veterinary medicine for six years in private practice and 13 years in academic practice.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, riding her motorcycle and traveling with her husband.
Danielle Howard, DVM, MS
Faculty, Clinical Assistant Professor
Danielle Howard, DVM, MS, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences in Clemson University’s Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine. A Charleston, South Carolina native, Dr. Howard is dedicated to supporting veterinary students as they identify their professional interests and prepare for the demands of the clinical year.
She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Science degrees from Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine and completed a rotating internship at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center. Howard later joined the faculty at Long Island University’s Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, where she taught Veterinary Skills and Principles of Surgery and provided mentorship to students during their clinical year.
Howard’s professional focus is clinical skills education and helping students develop the confidence and independence needed for a successful transition into clinical training. She is proud to return to South Carolina to help establish the state’s first veterinary college and contribute to a forward-looking, hands-on educational program that prepares future veterinarians for practice.
Outside of her academic role, Howard enjoys hiking with her dogs, riding horses, traveling, and attending live music events.
Ken Noriega
Principal Lecturer
Ken Noriega has extensive experience in the teaching of anatomy across undergraduate, graduate, and professional education. Trained as a comparative anatomist, he has devoted his career to advancing students’ understanding of anatomical structure, development, and function through rigorous, student-centered instruction.
Prior to his current appointment, Noriega taught Veterinary Anatomy for more than 20 years at Western University, where he instructed students in foundational and advanced concepts of gross anatomy and embryology. His long tenure in veterinary medical education reflects a deep commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and to preparing students for professional practice in the health and life sciences. Throughout his career, he has taught anatomy at multiple levels, including undergraduate programs and medical school curricula, adapting his pedagogical approach to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Noriega holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Pitzer College in Claremont, California, and a Master of Science in Biology from the Department of Biology at California State University, San Bernardino. His areas of expertise include gross anatomy and embryology.
Rebecca Lynn Pierce, DVM, MVEd, DACVS-LA
Clinical Professor of Large Animal Surgery
Rebecca L. Pierce, DVM, MVEd, DACVS-LA, is a board-certified large animal surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in private practice and academic veterinary medicine. Her professional interests include equine and food animal surgery, emergency medicine and critical care, integrative medicine, clinical reasoning and veterinary education. Throughout her academic career, she has held faculty positions at the University of Tennessee, Washington State University, Long Island University and Lincoln Memorial University, where she combined patient care with teaching, curriculum development and educational leadership.
Pierce earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Brigham Young University before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. Following an equine internship and large animal surgical residency, she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. She also earned a Master of Veterinary Education from Lincoln Memorial University, specializing in curriculum design, outcomes assessment, faculty development and educational research.
In addition to her surgical expertise, Pierce is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture through Chi University and has completed advanced training in canine rehabilitation and myofascial and manual therapy. Her educational scholarship focuses on evidence-based teaching strategies that strengthen clinical reasoning, decision-making and workplace readiness. She is passionate about mentoring future veterinarians through engaging, learner-centered education.
Outside of work, Pierce enjoys spending time in the mountains, riding her horse, Stetson, and competing with her American Bully, Leyrah, in agility, dock diving and scent work.
Daniel C. Randall, DVM
Professor of Practice
Daniel C. Randall, DVM, a native of Aiken, South Carolina, earned a Bachelor of Science from Clemson University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude from both institutions. He received the Upjohn Pharmacia Award for clinical proficiency in large animal medicine.
After graduation, Randall spent six years in a high-volume mixed animal practice in Greensboro, Georgia, where he developed expertise in medicine and surgery while cultivating an interest in One Health.
In 2004, Randall returned to South Carolina and later purchased Foothills Veterinary Hospital, where he spent nearly two decades providing small animal medicine and surgery while continuing to support regional agricultural clients. He developed advanced expertise in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery with a commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible care.
Randall and his wife, Leigh, have two sons, their spouses and a grandson. Outside of work, he enjoys running, woodworking, reading, writing and spending time outdoors.
Jerry W. Ritchey, DVM
Professor of Pathology
Jerry Ritchey, DVM, completed a BS in Microbiology from Oklahoma State University in 1987 and the DVM degree in 1991. Following graduation, he completed a residency in anatomic pathology at North Carolina State University, immediately followed by a PhD in Immunology. At the conclusion of training, Ritchey returned to the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine as a faculty member in the Department of Veterinary Pathology in teaching, research, and diagnostic service. Along the way, he served as Head of the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, twice served as interim Director of the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, served as the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, and retired as interim Dean of the College.
Ritchey has over 100 publications, mostly from research in animal models of infectious diseases in projects funded by the USDA and NIH. Dr. Ritchey has been awarded a Zoetis Distinguished Teaching Award and OSU Regents Distinguished Teaching Award (twice).
Ritchey is married to Cari, with whom he shares three children. The Ritchey's enjoy spending time at the lake, traveling, live music, dirt-track racing and amateur wrestling.
Josep Rutllant, LV (DVM), PhD
Faculty, Anatomy
Josep Rutllant, LV (DVM), PhD, serves as Professor of Anatomy for the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University. With more than 34 years of teaching experience, Dr. Rutllant is passionate about helping veterinary students see anatomy as the foundation for reasoning, problem-solving and clinical decision-making.
An academic veterinarian with a background in clinical service and research, Rutllant teaches across applied, clinical and basic science levels. He emphasizes how anatomy integrates with physiology, pathology and clinical medicine, underscoring the connection between structure and function. His goal is to shift students’ perceptions, helping them move beyond memorization to a deeper understanding of how normal anatomy supports normal function.
Before joining Clemson, Rutllant served as Professor of Anatomy and Embryology and was a curricular co-director for Years One and Two at Western University Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine. His dedication to teaching, student success and advancing veterinary education supports the mission of building South Carolina’s first College of Veterinary Medicine.
Jo Smith, MA, VetMB, PhD, MVEd, DACVIM (SAIM)
Faculty, Professional Development Unit Lead
Jo Smith, MA, VetMB, PhD, MVEd, DACVIM (SAIM), is the Professional Development Lead at the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine. In this role, she helps veterinary students build the essential skills needed for success beyond medical knowledge — including communication, teamwork, leadership and resilience. Her goal is to guide students in their growth into confident, compassionate veterinarians who can thrive in their careers, provide excellent care for both animals and people, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Smith earned her veterinary degree from the University of Cambridge, UK, in 1997, where she also completed a Ph.D. in immunology. She furthered her clinical training through a small animal internship at Purdue University and a residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Tennessee. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Her academic career includes teaching positions at the University of Tennessee and the University of Nottingham, UK, followed by 16 years at the University of Georgia. During her time at UGA, she deepened her expertise in veterinary education, earning a Master’s in Veterinary Education from the Royal Veterinary College, UK.
Smith is passionate about helping students develop as professionals who are well prepared to face the challenges of veterinary practice and to serve their communities with skill, empathy and integrity.
Dustin Weaver, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
Faculty, Public Health
Dustin Weaver, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, was raised in Colorado and after working as a public health inspector, earned a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2009. His research focus is injury and illness in the veterinary workplace. He obtained his D.V.M. in 2011 from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
He entered a private mixed-animal practice for three years in rural Colorado and then transitioned to beef cattle practice where he managed a large cattle operation in Eastern Colorado for five years. Weaver became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine in 2018.
In August 2018, Weaver moved to Georgia and joined the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Meat Inspection Section as a Public Health Veterinarian. Later, he transitioned to Animal Health Section as a Veterinary Medical Officer. With the Department of Agriculture, Weaver received training as a foreign animal disease diagnostician at Plum Island, NY. During this time, he assisted in numerous foreign animal disease responses and investigations. In 2021, he was promoted to Deputy State Veterinarian.
Weaver is passionate about veterinary education in the areas of foreign animal disease, veterinary population preventive medicine, and public health.
David Wilkes, DVM
Faculty, Professor of Practice/ Small Animal GP
A native of McColl, South Carolina, David Wilkes, DVM, earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors from Presbyterian College in 1996 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 2000. He completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Since then, Wilkes has practiced small animal medicine and surgery across North and South Carolina, dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for companion animals. His lifelong commitment to learning led him to become a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, achieving board certification in canine and feline practice in 2013 and recertification through 2034.
He completed a Master of Veterinary Education degree through Lincoln Memorial University in May 2026, furthering his passion for advancing veterinary education and clinical excellence.
Shawn Williamson, DVM
Faculty, Professor of Practice/ Large Animal
Shawn Williamson, DVM, was born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Clemson University and then completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia in 2006.
Willamson spent seven years working as an associate veterinarian in large animal private practice before opening his own practice in 2013 near Asheville, NC. Over 13 years Asheville Equine developed into a three-doctor practice with a dedicated Hospital facility.
Williamson joined the faculty of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University in July 2026 as part of the Large Animal Ambulatory Service. Returning to his alma mater, he combines decades of equine practice experience with a passion for educating future veterinarians.
In his free time, Williamson enjoys spending time with his family, watching his teenagers’ sports and activities, exercising, golf, and boating/wake boarding.
Hector Zerpa, MV (DVM), MSc, PhD
Faculty, Director of Faculty Success
Hector Zerpa, MV (DVM), MSc, PhD, grew up in Valencia, Venezuela. After earning his degree in Veterinary Medicine at the School of Veterinary Sciences at the Central University of Venezuela, he spent a couple of years in mixed practice before enrolling in the Magister Scientarum program at his alma mater to pursue a Master’s degree in Veterinary Pathology, followed by a Ph.D. in Veterinary Pharmacology at the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, UK.
After spending 18 years teaching Veterinary Physiology and Pathophysiology at the Central University of Venezuela, he joined the faculty at St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017 as an Associate Professor of Veterinary Physiology in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology. He was appointed Department Chair in 2018 and became a Full Professor in 2020.
Zerpa is a passionate educator in Veterinary Medicine, committed to supporting students who will become the future generation of veterinarians. He is honored and excited to contribute to establishing South Carolina’s first Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine.
Patty Scharko, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
Faculty
Patty Scharko, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, who was raised in Columbia, S.C., earned a D.V.M. in 1983 from the University of Georgia and a Masters in Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill. She completed an internship at Tufts University Ambulatory and a residency in production medicine at North Carolina State University. Scharko was on faculty at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada in the Ambulatory section for six years. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine in 1994. In 1995, Scharko became employed as the extension ruminant veterinarian at the University of Kentucky, Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center. In 2008, she joined Clemson University as an extension/field veterinarian at Livestock Poultry Health in Columbia, SC. She is currently involved with cattle, goats and sheep production/management/herd health. Her major areas of activities include biosecurity and FAMACHA/parasite control training in small ruminants, Scrapie eradication, Beef Quality Assurance.
Scharko is currently on the AVMA Food Safety Advisory Council, South Carolina Association of Veterinarians (SCAV) board, and Clemson University IACUC. She is past president for AABP (American Association of Bovine Practitioners), ACVPM (American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine), AASRP (American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners), and AAEV (American Association of Extension Veterinarians).
Jeryl Jones, PhD, DVM, DACVR
Professor Emerita
Jeryl Jones, PhD, DVM, DACVR, serves as an Affiliated Professor Emerita in our Dept. of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences. She completed her undergraduate degree in Pre-Professional Studies (Zoology) from Clemson University in 1980. During her time as a student at Clemson, she worked as a research assistant for several projects and developed an interest in research. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Georgia in 1982 and served as a private practice Associate Veterinarian in Syracuse, NY; Aiken, SC; Barnwell, SC; and Auburn, AL. Jones then completed a combined residency/PhD program at Auburn University in 1995 to become a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Radiology and earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Sciences.
Jones went on to serve as a Tenured Professor in the Dept. of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Virginia Tech, the Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences at West Virginia University, and the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson. She also served as the Director of the Preclinical Assessment Core for the SC TRIMH COBRE and Leader of the One Health Research Group at Clemson.
She retired in 2024 and continues to collaborate on research studies related to diagnostic imaging in animals, biomedical publishing, and One Health.
