Lorin Warnick named Dean of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Lorin D. Warnick, DVMLorin D. Warnick, DVM, PhD, DACVPM, has been named the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, according to a university release. "Lorin is a proven leader who has managed the college effectively and with great thoughtfulness since taking over as interim dean last year," says Cornell Provost Michael Kotlikoff, VMD, PhD. "He will keep the college on the cutting edge of best practices in veterinary medicine and scientific research."

Warnick assumed the post of interim dean Aug. 1, 2015, after the college's previous dean became provost. Prior to that, Warnick served as associate dean for veterinary education since 2007 and director of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals since 2012. As interim dean, Warnick has supported the college's ongoing projects, including the preclinical class expansion construction project, which involved renovating and replacing the center of the college to allow for a larger fall class in 2017. He has also continued a long-standing collaboration with the City University of Hong Kong to develop the first school of veterinary medicine there, the release states.

In his role as dean, Warnick says his overall vision is to "excel in our core missions of research, veterinary education, graduate education and service to the public." On the research side, Warnick aims to make high-level faculty recruitments, especially in areas of biomedical research, where the college plans to promote collaborations across campus and with Weill Cornell Medicine.

In the doctor of veterinary medicine program, Warnick says he will continue to work on educational initiatives to improve preparation for the primary care small animal practice. This will include completion of a new facility to house the college's Community Practice Service.

In addition to clinical experience, Warnick wants to better prepare students to be engaged in business entrepreneurship and new technology and play a leadership role in the business side of veterinary medicine. He says his administration will continue looking for ways to reduce student debt levels and provide a greater variety of career opportunities. 

Warnick received a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in 1984, a DVM degree from Colorado State University in 1988, and a PhD with an emphasis on epidemiology and statistics from Cornell in 1994. He is also a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, according to the release.