Jason Johnson appointed dean of new veterinary school in Harrogate, Tennessee

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) President B. James Dawson has named Jason Johnson, DVM, DACT, as vice president and dean of the LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) in Harrogate, Tennessee. 

Johnson will step into the role currently held by LMU-CVM's founding dean Glen Hoffsis, DVM, MS, DACVIM, who will continue working to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. As a founding faculty member, Johnson was promoted to associate dean of clinical sciences at the university in October 2015. He also served as an associate professor of theriogenology as well as the medical director of the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center (DVTC). 

Dr. Jason Johnson, newly appointed dean of LMU-CVM. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Memorial University "Dr. Jason Johnson has been an integral part of the foundation of the LMU College of Veterinary Medicine, so it is fitting that the torch is passing to him," Dawson says in a university release. "I am confident that under his leadership, the CVM will continue to thrive and LMU-trained veterinarians will improve animal and human health in Appalachia and beyond." 

While teaching at LMU-CVM, Johnson developed a course in clinical skills that has since been incorporated into every semester of the curriculum. He has also led in the development, design, capital campaign, technology implementation and construction of the DVTC, as well as developed a grant acquisition plan procuring approximately $6 million dollars for the college of veterinary medicine. 

He also serves as executive director for the Center for Animal Health in Appalachia (CAHA), which he founded, a program with a mission in economic, animal, and public health research, education, advocacy, and promotion of veterinary practices in underserved areas, according to the release. 

Before joining the faculty at LMU, Johnson worked in private practice and served on the faculty of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. In 2012 he participated in the AVMA's Future Leaders Program. He serves in numerous leadership capacities within organized veterinary medicine including the AVMA House of Delegates and Legislative Advisory Committee. A native of Luverne, Alabama, Johnson is a 2003 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and a diplomate in the American College of Theriogenologists.