Update: Iowa State dean to step down to become faculty

Ames, Iowa – After more than 20 years in college administration, John Thomson, DVM, will retire as dean of Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine Jan. 1, 2011.

Serving since August 2004, Thomson has seen the college through both good and hard times. During his tenure, Thomson helped save the veterinary school from loss of accreditation, formed unique relationships with outside campuses, including University of Nebraska and South Dakota, and led the renovation and construction of new animal hospital and teaching facilities at the university. However, Thomson’s tenure may best be remembered for his efforts behind the national legislation that led to the Veterinary Loan repayment program.

While Thomson will retire at the end of the year, he plans to plans to return to Iowa State's veterinary faculty following a year sabbatical. He will return as a clinical epidemiologist and focus on outcomes-based medicine and best practices for food animal care.

The search for his successor, which began in March, should be announced within a week.