UT dean plans retirement, forms business venture

KNOXVILLE, TENN. — Dr. Michael Blackwell, dean of the University of Tennessee (UT) College of Veterinary Medicine, plans to retire, effective Jan. 1.

The nation's first black veterinary college dean other than at Tuskegee University is leaving to create The Blackwell Group, a management and venture-capital corporation. A nationwide search for his replacement is under way, officials say.

Dr. Michael Blackwell

"I have mixed feelings about leaving," Blackwell says. "I've really enjoyed working here at the University of Tennesee"

In a letter to faculty, Blackwell expresses pride in the college's accomplishments during his seven-year tenure, including the expansion of programs, personnel, curriculum, budget and facilities.

"We have developed and implemented progressive policies and procedures, especially relative to personnel management," he writes. "In addition, we have achieved national and international relevance in public health, homeland security and veterinary social work."

Blackwell came to UT in 2000 from Washington. He is former chief of staff for the surgeon general's office and previously was deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Under Blackwell's leadership is an ongoing expansion of the veterinary college's small-animal clinic. The $9 million project, which began last February, will add approximately 32,000 square feet to include space for oncology, canine physical therapy, and avian and exotics medicine. The expansion includes a $1.4 million linear accelerator for treating cancer.

Construction is scheduled for completion in early 2008. Roughly one-third of the funding came from a private donation.