Mt. Juliet's Dr. Sara Clariday has been named Assistant State Veterinarian, Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) Commissioner Ken Givens announced on Wednesday, July 7, 2010. The assistant state veterinarian works to protect and monitor animal health in Tennessee.

"We're excited to welcome Dr. Clariday as she brings valuable experience in both small and large animal care that will help guide our animal health programs," said Givens. "Her background in education and her knowledge of beef farming make her uniquely qualified to work with the state's livestock industry and other stakeholder groups to improve animal health in Tennessee."

Clariday graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in the first graduation class of 1979. She married a fellow classmate, Dr. David Clariday. They established Hartsville Animal Clinic, a mixed animal practice, in 1979. In 1984, they moved to Mt. Juliet and established Mt. Juliet Animal Clinic. They also run a beef operation on their family farm in Mt. Juliet.

Clariday also worked at Vanderbilt Animal Research Facility for more than 11 years. In 1996, she received a teaching certificate from Middle Tennessee State University and began teaching honors biology at Lebanon High School in Wilson County. She became department chair and was awarded "Teacher of the Year" for 2002-2003. She transferred to Metro Nashville Public Schools in 2005 and has taught at both Antioch and Cane Ridge High Schools.

As assistant state veterinarian, Clariday will serve as the field coordinator working with field staff in TDA's Animal Health Section. She is also charge with managing dog and cat dealer licensing and coordinating the disaster animal response teams across the state.

"I'm happy to join the Department of Agriculture staff," said Dr. Clariday. "I am committed to continuing their excellence of service in the state of Tennessee."