Arkansas State University is on the lookout for a dynamic and visionary leader to take the reins as the next dean of its proposed College of Veterinary Medicine. This groundbreaking search is set to identify a chief administrative officer who will steer the college through its core missions in teaching, research, and service. The role encompasses comprehensive oversight of all academic programs, budget management, and resource allocation within the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Eligible candidates must hold an earned Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent, showcase a robust research portfolio, and have a proven track record of visionary leadership and administrative excellence.

Dr. Len Frey, co-chair of the dean search committee, emphasizes the importance of finding candidates committed to fostering collaborative relationships with a range of stakeholders, including alumni, professional veterinary organizations, and public and private entities. Frey also serves as the executive vice chancellor for the Division of Finance and Administration and chief operating officer at A-State.

The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board greenlighted the university's plan for the veterinary school in July 2023. The ambitious plan includes hiring up to 40 new faculty and staff for the DVM degree program and has already laid out the program requirements and planned courses. The next crucial steps involve securing approval from national accrediting agencies, such as The Higher Learning Commission and the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education, with an initial consultative visit slated for this July.

Dr. Calvin White Jr., executive vice chancellor and university provost, highlighted the significance of this appointment. The new dean will not only be an active member of the Academic Deans Council but also play a pivotal role in establishing and executing the college's mission and strategic plan. This involves close collaboration with community and government partners, faculty, and staff to navigate the challenges of establishing Arkansas’s first veterinary college.

Dr. Glen Hoffsis, the founding dean, has been instrumental in guiding A-State through the various stages of establishing the CVM. The search committee, co-chaired by Dr. Travis Marsico, includes eminent personalities from various disciplines within the university.

The ambitious goal is to open the college by fall 2026, contingent on completing all preparations and regulatory approvals. This initiative comes at a critical time, as there is a growing nationwide shortage of DVMs, with Arkansas alone housing nearly a million pet-owning households and a significant demand for veterinary services in its agricultural and food production industries.

For more information on this exciting opportunity and to be a part of shaping the future of veterinary medicine in Arkansas, visit https://AState.edu/CVMDeanSearch.