Lisa Sams Ebner, DVM, MS, DACVAA, CVA, serves as Clinical Professor for the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (PCVM). A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Ebner is passionate about providing high-quality anesthesia and analgesia services and creating engaging educational experiences for veterinary students.
“I grew up outside of Asheville, North Carolina and Clemson University has an outstanding reputation,” said Ebner. “Every Clemson graduate I have met always speaks highly of this institution. This was an amazing opportunity to be one of the founding faculty members at the first college of veterinary medicine in the state of South Carolina. Building a college from the ground up was a challenge I wanted to take on. From the moment I first stepped onto campus for my interview, I felt welcomed and like I belonged here. Developing meaningful relationships is what drives me, and I feel like I can play into that strength here because of the faculty, staff, students and community I will be surrounded by.”
Ebner earned her DVM from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, followed by an anesthesia internship at UGA and a rotating internship at a small animal referral hospital in Virginia Beach. She completed a combined residency in anesthesia and a Master of Science in Comparative and Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University. Her career spans specialty referral practice, general and emergency relief work and nearly a decade teaching at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has also served on faculty at Ross University, Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University. She’s looking forward to diving into the curriculum planning and figuring out how to create a world-class program.
“It’s the ultimate dream for a self-proclaimed ‘nerd’ that has always loved education in many formats. We all come to the PCVM with a wealth of previous experience, but everyone has such a shared vision of what our mission is and that we want to do this in a cohesive and logical manner. It’s quite inspiring and makes me look forward to coming to work every day because their passion and energy is palpable.”
Her professional interests include pharmacokinetic studies, student education, acupuncture and the role of wellness in the human-animal bond. Ebner is excited to help build a state-of-the-art educational experience for future veterinarians in South Carolina.
“I have always been inspired by a few amazing teachers in my life. Their kindness, curiosity and ability to see something in me that I did not yet see are what changed the course of my life. If I can make that kind of impact on even one student (but hopefully many more), then I will know I have succeeded in life. I want to be of service to my community and be a part of making it an even better place. I identify strongly with ‘Be the change you want to see.’ Pets are members of our families and farm animals provide financial stability and opportunities to connect with a world that is outside of electronics and screens. Veterinarians play a key role in educating the public and being a steward of animal resources, health and welfare. The whole state is looking towards Clemson University and is excited to see us succeed. I hope to make the state proud of what we do here.”
Ebner and her family enjoy spending time outdoors, and she’s looking forward to getting to know Clemson and Upstate South Carolina!
“I have a wonderful family that includes my husband, Andrew, and my daughter, Sadie. We have a house full of 3 cats (MJ, Lola and Pickles), 1 dog (a Scottish Terrier named Archie) and 1 rabbit (named Wednesday). We had to rehome our 3 chickens before we moved here, but I hope to have my own little flock of tiny dinosaurs to hang out with in the backyard soon. Our family loves exploring new hiking trails, kayaking and biking. My idea of a perfect day would involve a great cup of coffee, a yoga class, shopping at a farmer’s market, buying a new plant or two to add to my collection and having friends over to hang out for a home cooked meal.”
