Dr. Dalen Agnew has dedicated his career to animal health, with 36 years as a veterinarian and 24 years in pathology. Currently, Agnew serves as chair of the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation and professor at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He also teaches within the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health.
Agnew earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from MSU before completing a residency in veterinary anatomic pathology and earning his Doctor of Comparative Pathology at the University of California, Davis. His distinguished career has included leadership roles at the Detroit Zoological Park, Detroit Zoological Institute, Zoological Society of San Diego, University of California, Davis and MSU. He is nationally recognized and widely respected for his contributions to veterinary medicine, wildlife and zoo animal health, diagnostic pathology, research and teaching. His honors include previously serving as the MSU Dehn Endowed Chair of Veterinary Medicine, earning the American College of Veterinary Pathologists Presidential Award and multiple professional teaching and service awards.
Some of Agnew’s earliest animal interactions came during his time as an Ingham and Macomb County 4-H’er, where he was very active in the horse program. He continued his 4-H involvement as an adult, serving as a 4-H horse show judge for 10 years, volunteering his time at Michigan 4-H horse events and supporting his children through 16 years of 4-H participation.
Beyond 4-H, Agnew is a dedicated community volunteer and philanthropist. He shares his expertise through presentations to middle school students and continues to invest in the future of young people through the Michigan 4-H Foundation. His family created the Norma Agnew 4-H Horse Judging Endowment Fund at the Foundation in honor of his mother and Agnew currently serves on the Michigan 4-H Foundation’s Leadership and Major Gifts Committee.
