UC Davis appoints new dean of veterinary medicine

The University of California, Davis today (August 10) appointed Mark Stetter, dean and professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University, as the new dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) . He will officially take up his post on October 18.

“The School of Veterinary Medicine, a widely recognized world leader in its field, best exemplifies veterinary education, research and care – and UC Davis -” said Mary Croughan, Provost Marshal and Executive Vice Chancellor. “It was essential for us to find a new dean who could continue and advance the school’s stellar legacy. We are very fortunate that Dr. Stetter has agreed to take on this critical leadership position.

Stetter replaces John Pascoe, who had served as interim dean since July 1, when Michael Lairmore stepped down after nearly 10 years as dean. Croughan expressed his deep gratitude for Pascoe’s skilled acting service and Lairmore’s decade of distinguished leadership at SVM.

A strong mix of academic and business experience

Stetter comes to his new role with a vast and varied experience and remarkable achievements, both in veterinary medicine and in leadership. His areas of research and treatment expertise are diverse within the scope of his primary focus on wildlife and zoo animals.

Stetter received both his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He did an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York and was a resident in zoological medicine at the Wildlife Conservation Society.

From 2012 to the present, Stetter was dean and professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University. His important contributions have been numerous and transformative. He helped create a new medical education program in partnership with the University of Colorado School of Medicine; worked with the provost’s office to create a university-wide One Health initiative; established a new DVM education program with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks; and has helped launch numerous Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DCI) initiatives. Additionally, it has helped the college raise over $ 370 million for new buildings, scholarships, staffed positions, and research programs, among other uses.

Immediately prior to his arrival in the State of Colorado, he served as Director of Animal Operations, Director of Animal Health and Clinical Veterinarian at Walt Disney World from 1997 to 2012. He oversaw and led the animal health and care teams of Walt Disney. World and was responsible for over 500 employees and several animal collections, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, The Living Seas at EPCOT, Tri-Circle D Ranch, and Animal Kingdom Lodge. During this time, Dr. Stetter also helped Disney establish and grow its international in situ conservation efforts.

“My experiences at Colorado State and Disney World have provided me with an excellent foundation for the role of dean at UC Davis,” commented Stetter. “But in a complementary way, each has given me a unique and valuable opportunity to care for animals, develop my veterinary expertise and learn to lead large and complex organizations.”

Dr. Stetter’s research interests have included advancing minimally invasive surgery in non-domestic species and have included work on a variety of different animals, including fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Its work has given rise to more than a hundred scientific publications and conferences. His writings have often focused on diseases and treatments involving elephants, crocodiles, gorillas, frogs, monkeys, rhinos, and many other species.

His vision of the school

As Dean of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Stetter will be responsible not only for education and research at the school, but also for strategic planning, management and administration, business outreach, awareness and development, among other essential functions.

“I am really excited about this next chapter in my professional career,” said Stetter. “UC Davis offers exceptional programs and I look forward to working across the school, campus and the wider community to enhance our mission and impact. The ability to work with so many dedicated and distinguished colleagues and students really makes this opportunity irresistible.

He plans to spend much of his time during his first few months on campus building relationships and deepening his knowledge of SVM and UC Davis. He will plan ‘large-scale’ visits with faculty and school staff as well as with university leaders to learn about their priorities, perspectives and ideas.

While the specific goals and objectives he sets for the school will depend greatly on what he learns from these visits and his ongoing collaborations, he offers some ideas. “I have several top priorities,” he said. “They are: Maintaining and advancing the high excellence of SVM; Pursue the important contributions of the school to society and to the planet; Promote an environment in which each member of our community feels included and respected; and Foster a work climate and culture in which our faculty, staff and students can perform at their best while enjoying all that a productive life has to offer.

“In addition to his extraordinary scientific expertise and leadership ability,” said Croughan, “Dr. Stetter brings a unique perspective and set of experiences to his role as SVM Dean. At the same time, he shares a commitment with our Aggie family. strong in making the world a better place for animals and humans alike I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish at UC Davis in the years to come.

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

The renowned UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine serves the people of California by providing the highest quality education, research, clinical service and public service programs to advance animal health and care, the health of the environment and public health. , and contribute to the economy.

It deals with the health of all animals, including livestock, poultry, pets, captive and free range wildlife, exotic animals, birds, aquatic mammals and fish, and animals used in biological and medical research. His expertise also encompasses human health concerns.

The school’s mission includes 28 research and clinical programs, including clinical referral services; diagnostic testing services; continuing education; extension; and community awareness.

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is ranked number one among veterinary schools nationwide by both American News and World Report and World Ranking of QS Universities, and world number two by QS. He is currently participating in a $ 500 million fundraising campaign for a new veterinary medical center.