A-State begins looking for veterinary school dean

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Arkansas State University (A-State) announced this week that it has started advertising for nominees and applications for the next dean of A-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The new dean will be the chief administrative officer for the CVM and will be responsible for its missions in teaching, research, and service.¹

“We will be looking closely at those candidates who can demonstrate a record of commitment to fostering collaborative activities that lead to productive relationships with alumni, professional veterinary organizations, practicing veterinarians, and other public and private stakeholders,” stated Len Frey, MBA, PhD, co-chair of the dean search committee, in an organizational release.¹

According to the organizational release, applicants must have earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or an equivalent degree.¹ The applicants must also demonstrate a robust research agenda and have a record of visionary leadership and administration. Along with its search for a new dean, the college will also be looking for 40 new faculty and staff members.

The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) officially approved the plans for the new veterinary school in July 2023. The plans also approved with the board decision was the inclusion of the program requirements and planned courses. The school's next steps are to secure approvals from the national accrediting agencies, including the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Higher Education.¹ The council will make its initial consultative visit July 2024. The development of this new veterinary school will also make it possible for Arkansans to attend veterinary school in their home state, with the possibility of establishing a practice.

“Arkansas State is creating the CVM to serve the many needs for veterinary services in our state and the wider region,” expressed Chancellor Todd Shields.¹ “A-State traces its origins to 1909 when it was established by the Arkansas General Assembly as the First District Agricultural School. Throughout our history, this institution has played a vital role in meeting society’s needs through the agricultural programs. The CVM will be the next major step in this mission for Arkansas State University.”

A search committee was put into place to find the college’s new dean, which is made up of leaders within the college. Anyone interested in learning more can visit the A-State website to learn more about the qualifications and how to apply.

Currently, A-State plans to open its doors Fall 2026 and is expecting to have 120 students in each cohort.²

Reference

1. A-State begins search for dean of college of veterinary medicine. News release. Arkansas State University.January 30, 2024. Accessed January 31, 2024. https://www.astate.edu/news/a-state-begins-search-for-dean-of-college-of-veterinary-medicine
2. A proliferation of newly proposed veterinary colleges. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. September 13, 2023. Accessed January 31, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/proliferation-newly-proposed-veterinary-colleges#:~:text=The%20Arkansas%20Higher%20Education%20Coordinating,new%20faculty%20and%20staff%20positions.