Lu Dao, DVM ’13, was recently named the 2026 Community College Advisor of the Year by the Health Professional Student Association (HPSA). Dr. Dao is a veterinarian and the Chair of the Agriculture Department at Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills, California. As a child, he lived across the street from the college and used the campus farm as his playground. He attended Pierce College before transferring to the University of California, Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2013. After working as a large animal veterinarian in private practice and for a local animal shelter, he returned to Pierce at the invitation of a former professor and mentor and discovered a passion for teaching. 

At Pierce College, Dao currently serves as professor, department chair, campus veterinarian, director of the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program, faculty adviser for the Veterinary Sciences Club, and chair of the Agriculture Advisory Committee.

Students who completed the pre-veterinary program at Pierce College and went on to attend the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary medicine shared what his mentorship has meant to them.

“He has been an amazing guide and advisor since I returned to school and enrolled in the Pre-Veterinary Program at Los Angeles Pierce College,” said Jennifer Olivia, Class of 2028. “As a non-traditional, returning student this journey was uniquely difficult for me. When I was struggling to believe in myself, I would talk to Dr. Dao, and he would encourage me to keep going. Dr. Dao is so committed to his students and so passionate about his work as an advisor that it inherently motivates others. He grounds veterinary medicine and makes this dream attainable for others, especially those who are underrepresented in veterinary medicine. I will always be grateful for his continual support, his commitment to his students and his great sense of humor.” 

Dr. AJ Frank, DVM ’24 also chimed in: “As a fellow UC Davis alum, he had me set my sights on getting into UC Davis, to have the best education and experience possible. Throughout my three years at Pierce College, he was there every step of the way to help guide and set me up for success. He helped me develop my critical thinking, problem solving, and practical clinical skills on the Pierce College Farm. What is even more impressive is that he served as my one-on-one mentor, while also doing this for dozens of other students. He approached every day with kindness, resolve, and dedication to all the students he was mentoring. He served as a lifeline during my veterinary school application process in helping me decide where to apply, and reviewing and critiquing all elements of my application. I truly would not be a UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine alum without the mentorship of Dr. Dao!” 

The Advisor of the Year recognition was created by the HPSA Student Advisory Council in 2022 to recognize outstanding advisors. The council received 19 nominations for 13 advisors this year.

“The strength and number of the nominations made our decision difficult, which is a wonderful problem to have,” said Denis Solomes, SAC member. “It is a reminder of how many great advisors are quietly helping students reach their goals.”

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