Cornell University dean will step down after 10 years

ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University announced Dr. Donald Smith, the university's Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, will end his 10-year tenure in June 2007.

Smith was appointed by Cornell President Hunter Rawlings in April 1997 and was the first board-certified clinician to serve as dean of Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine.

"Dean Smith's tireless leadership and devotion to his profession have been the force behind the impressive achievements of the Cornell Veterinary College," Rawlings says.

Smith promoted clinical and diagnostic sciences in infectious disease, cancer biology, cancer oncology and mammalian genomics. The initiatives encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration on campus, Cornell authorities say.

Under his leadership, Cornell's Veterinary College ranked consistently at the top, earning the No. 1 ranking since 2000, according to U.S. News and World Report, campus officials report.

Provost Carolyn Martin will convene a search committee to recruit a new dean later this spring.

After he steps down from his post, Smith plans to return to the faculty where he will explore opportunities concerning the veterinary profession, in particular, the relationship of companion animals to the family structure in America.