Former OSU dean takes reins at UF

GAINSVILLE, FLA. — Glen F. Hoffsis, DVM, was named dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida (UF).

Dr. Glen Hoffsis

Hoffsis, 65, was previously the College of Veterinary Medicine dean at The Ohio State University, and was chosen after a nationwide search, says Dr. Douglas Barrett, senior vice president for health affairs and Jimmy Cheek, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.

"I'm extremely honored and I wanted to be here personally to accept this position," Hoffsis said at a meeting announcing the appointment. "The University of Florida has placed a lot of confidence in me and I will not betray that confidence," he says.

Barrett says of Hoffsis' prior track record: "During his tenure as dean at The Ohio State University (OSU), Dr. Hoffsis oversaw a remarkable expansion in the college's research and academic output, expanded its clinical teaching hospital and moved the college forward in peer rankings to become one of the best in the country. He knows how to build and grow a college, and he's extraordinarily enthusiastic about this opportunity."

Hoffsis will begin serving as dean on Oct. 1, resulting as the college's fifth permanent dean.

After his 11-year career at OSU, Hoffsis joined Iams as associate director of veterinary services. "At this point, I'm looking forward to combining my experience in academia with my new perspectives gained in the corporate world and putting them to good use at the University of Florida," Hoffsis says. "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the fine College of Veterinary Medicine at UF to a new level of excellence," he says.

Hoffsis formerly served as a president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, UF authorities say. Hoffsis, a board-certified veterinary internist, has also been president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and chairman of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Veterinary Medical Advisory Committee.