Dougherty Joins UMES School of Veterinary Medicine as Associate Dean for Clinical Programs and Outreach
University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s School of Veterinary Medicine (UMES SVM) has announced the appointment of Dr. Christina ‘Tina’ Dougherty as Associate Dean for Clinical Programs and Outreach.
Dougherty began her new role in February 2026 and will oversee all aspects of the clinical year program for the developing veterinary program.
Dougherty joins the growing leadership team under Dean Stanley Robertson as the school continues to buildmomentum toward its anticipated opening, pending approval from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
In her new position, Dougherty will lead the Office of Clinical Programs, ensuring excellence in clinical education, strengthening partnerships with veterinary practices and industry leaders, and advancing outreach initiatives that serve both students and the broader community.
“I am honored to join UMES at such a transformative time in the development of the School of Veterinary Medicine,” Dougherty said. “Building innovative clinical programs and strong community partnerships is essential to preparing practice-ready veterinarians. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, students, and our clinical partners to create meaningful educational experiences and expand access to high-quality veterinary care.”
Dougherty brings four decades of experience in veterinary medicine, including expertise in exotic animal care and extensive work in clinical practice, academia, and industry. She has served as a faculty member at the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine and was on staff at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tina Dougherty as Associate Dean for Clinical Programs and Outreach at UMES School of Veterinary Medicine,” Robertson said. “Her extensive experience in distributed veterinaryclinical education, corporate and private veterinary practice, and industry engagement brings tremendousdepth to our program. Combined with her involvement in organized veterinary medicine, Dr. Dougherty’sexpertise will strengthen our clinical partnerships, expand outreach efforts, and help ensure our graduates are exceptionally well prepared for today’s veterinary profession.”
In addition to her academic background, Dougherty previously served as recruiting and professional relationsdirector for VCA Animal Hospitals (formerly Veterinary Centers of America) from 2017 to 2019.
She also spent more than a decade with Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health), where she held multiple leadership roles, including strategic projects lead, companion animal veterinary manager, and senior veterinarian. She currently serves as the Pennsylvania delegate for the AVMA House of Delegates.
Dougherty has been married for 33 years; she and her husband Tom have three children (Katie, Chris, and Becky) and one grandchild (Gwen).
For more information about the UMES School of Veterinary Medicine, email
vetschool@umes.edu or visit wwwcp.umes.edu/svm.
