Royal Canin Commits $500K to Texas A&M to Create Endowed Chair in Small Animal Clinical Nutrition

Royal Canin has donated $500,000 to the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) to establish the Royal Canin Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Endowed Chair. This strategic endowment will permanently support a faculty position within the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, enhancing both veterinary coursework and nutritional programming for generations to come.

The gift is a major step in Royal Canin’s continued mission to create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, empowering veterinary professionals with the tools and knowledge to integrate nutrition into clinical care. This endowment ensures the continuity of nutritional leadership at Texas A&M, one of the nation’s premier veterinary institutions.

“Royal Canin is proud to play a role in the future of small animal medicine at Texas A&M University,” said Dr. Todd East, director of veterinary affairs, Royal Canin North America. “Through the support of nutritional programming, students will have the opportunity to directly observe nutrition's role in disease management. This endowment provides a tangible impact on the future of the profession and the patients that will benefit from this support."

The inaugural recipient of the endowed chair is Dr. Katie Tolbert, associate professor and renowned researcher in small animal gastroenterology. Dr. Tolbert, who serves on Royal Canin’s global gastrointestinal scientific advisory board, has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and presents more than 50 continuing education lectures annually around the world.

Dr. Tolbert will continue her work in the university’s Gastrointestinal Laboratory, which provides nutritional support for more than 130,000 patients annually through clinical consultation and services used by referring veterinarians. Her appointment strengthens Texas A&M’s commitment to research-based nutritional care.

“The endowment will enable me to bridge the gap between research discoveries and clinical practice by building upon Royal Canin's established legacy of translating complex nutritional science into actionable knowledge for veterinary professionals,” said Dr. Katie Tolbert. “Through this position, I will expand and enhance these educational initiatives by developing innovative training modules, evidence-based clinical tools, and practical guidelines that empower veterinary health professionals at all levels to make informed nutritional recommendations with confidence.”

With this gift, Texas A&M is now better positioned to elevate its nutrition curriculum, expand clinical nutrition services, and train future veterinarians in the vital role of diet in managing disease.

This latest investment continues Royal Canin’s long-standing support of veterinary education—benefiting not only students and faculty but also the countless animals who will receive improved care through nutrition-first approaches.

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