Oklahoma State University Announces National Search for New College of Veterinary Medicine Dean
Oklahoma State University has launched a national search for a new dean of its College of Veterinary Medicine, OSU President Jim Hess announced Monday.
The search comes at a pivotal time for OSU's veterinary medicine program, which is preparing to oversee the construction of a $330 million state-of-the-art veterinary teaching hospital. Scheduled for completion in late 2027, the facility represents the largest academic infrastructure investment in the college's history and will position OSU among the premier veterinary programs in the nation.
"We're seeking an exceptional leader who can guide our veterinary college during this transformational period," Dr. Hess said. "The new dean will play a crucial role in overseeing the construction of our nation-leading teaching hospital while advancing our academic mission through excellence in teaching, research and Extension. This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact on veterinary education, animal health, research and Oklahoma's economic and agricultural future."
The OSU CVM currently serves 425 veterinary students and 69 graduate students through its comprehensive programs. The college maintains full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association and operates with a budget of approximately $57.6 million. Recent graduates achieved exceptional performance on national licensing examinations, reflecting the quality of education and clinical training provided by the college's faculty and staff. In fact, the college's class of 2025 achieved a 97% pass rate on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), compared to the national average of 89%.
The new dean will lead the college's three academic units: the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, and the College of Veterinary Medicine's academic programs. The position will oversee teaching, research, clinical care and diagnostic services while building strategic partnerships that support Oklahoma's agricultural economy and animal health needs statewide. Ideal candidates will also demonstrate experience in fostering industry partnerships, engaging with policymakers and strategic communications. The position reports to the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
