2015: In memorium: Dr. Stanley Mark Dennis


In memorium: Dr. Stanley Mark Dennis 
Carla L. Carleton 

Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State 
University, East Lansing, MI 

 
 Dr. Stanley M. Dennis, at 90 years of age, our colleague, friend, educator, theriogenologist and 
reproductive pathologist passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, in Topeka, KS.  He is survived by 
his wife, Barbara; immediate and extended family of two daughters, two sons, one sister, 14 
grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Naldi, and their 
eldest daughter and son. 
 Stanley was born in Australia.  At 17, he enlisted in the Australian Army during World War II 
and was stationed in New Guinea.  After discharge, he obtained his veterinary degree (BVSc) and PhD 
from the University of Sydney.  He worked for seven years in dairy practice and three years as senior 
veterinary pathologist in the Animal Health and Diagnostic Laboratory in Western Australia.  Dr. Dennis 
earned Fellowships in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS), the Royal College of 
Pathologists (FRCPath) in England, and from the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (FACVSc).  
He is a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists (ACT).  In addition, he served as ACT 
president from 1990 to 1991 and was a member and chairman of the ACT Certifying Examination 
Committee. 
 Dr. Dennis was Professor and Head of the Department of Veterinary Pathology at Kansas State 
University.  During that time, he helped establish and administer the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 
(CVM) at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria.  After 26 years at Kansas State, Dr. Dennis served 
as Founding Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, at the University 
of the West Indies in Trinidad (St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago), and as Dean at Ross 
University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, British West Indies.  He left retirement for the 
third time when he became Dean at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the 
American University of Antigua (AUA) for two years.  In 2001, Dr. Dennis was awarded a Member of 
the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for meritorious contributions to international veterinary 
medicine for his service as Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Ross University. 
 As an internationally-recognized researcher in reproductive pathology and pregnancy wastage in 
domestic animals, he published more than 242 scientific papers and oversaw the academic programs of 34 
doctoral and three master’s degree candidates.  
 As one of my professors during my veterinary studies, Dr. Dennis was extraordinary for his 
mentorship, enthusiasm for all things theriogenology and pathology, and for creating passion in us to 
learn and enjoy being challenged.  I was in an accident during veterinary school and missed one of Dr. 
Dennis’ examinations and had to make it up.  I went to his office and he said, “You’ll take the same exam 
as your classmates.”  He was always fair, but that seemed unexpected.  Then I took the exam, orally, 
question by question, sitting across from Dr. Dennis.  “Number 1, the stem is ‘___.’  Now, foil A – why 
or why not?, foil B – why or why not?,” etc.  I had to answer/explain every single multiple choice option 
to his satisfaction.  It was very fortunate that I shared his enthusiasm for pathology or my studies might 
have been abbreviated. 
 I was fortunate to enroll in his graduate class (offered summer term for at least a decade at KSU 
CVM), Pregnancy Wastage in Domestic Animals, prior to sitting for the ACT certifying examination.  
What wonderful preparation.  Many aspiring ACT diplomates benefited from his vast knowledge and 
interest in abortion diseases of animals.  One clear memory of mine, to which I still refer in my teaching, 
is the Time of Death classification.  The system originator must have had a sense of humor, as TOD is 
German for death. 
 His sense of humor could be quite dry.  Years ago, the ACT examination was given in two 
increments.  The written at a location administered by one’s mentor, an ACT diplomate, and immediately 
before the fall conference, an oral examination by committee members.  I had passed the written portion 
of the ACT certifying examination and was in Nashville for the oral examination.  I remember some tense 

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moments during the two groups of questioners.  All candidates had to wait until day’s end to be informed 
of the outcome.  As many early in their careers, I couldn’t afford the headquarters hotel and stayed down 
the road at some ‘cheaper venue’.  I returned to the Opryland Hotel and was told to find Dr. Dennis who 
was to inform me of my outcome.  The hotel had a grand staircase built in two sweeping curves.  I was at 
the bottom, saw Dr. Dennis to the left at the top and all he did was glare and indicate with one finger that 
I was to come to him.  Such a long staircase – he didn’t once flinch or change his expression.  I made it to 
the top, stood in front of him – cringing.  He stuck out his hand, “Congratulations, Dr. Carleton!”  Good 
grief – he was laughing.  I remember being so relieved.  I didn’t want to disappoint him. 
 I last saw Stan at an SFT conference two years ago.  It was my delight to chat with Stan and 
Barbara, and then introduce him to Dr. Jennifer Roberts, my colleague at Michigan State.  Dr. Dennis was 
unchanged – always interested in the next generation – the next theriogenologist to carry on his life’s 
work.  It was wonderful to take time for lunch with Dr. Dennis, Barbara and Jennifer – to meet and talk 
with an individual who meant so much to me and many others.  He was one of the best and shall sorely be 
missed. 
 Though Dr. Dennis had a diverse and remarkable life in veterinary medicine spanning six decades 
in many countries, he was a simple man who loved helping others.  His supportive influence inspired 
many young veterinarians to pursue careers both in theriogenology and pathology.  I invite those of you 
who knew him, or who appreciated his many contributions, to consider making a memorial gift to Kansas 
State University, College of Veterinary Medicine (101 Trotter Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506; vetmed@k-
state.edu), Christ the King Catholic Church (5973 25th Street, Topeka, KS 66614), or the Theriogenology 
Foundation which Dr. Dennis supported (http://www.theriofoundation.org). 

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