Where do deans of veterinary medicine in the United States and Canada come from?

Abstract

Deans use passion, integrative thinking, communication skills, charisma, and other leadership skills to build collaborations to advance academic innovation, promote societal awareness of veterinary medicine, and enhance diversity and inclusion. This study analyzed the educational and experiential backgrounds as well as the ethnicity and gender of veterinary medical college deans in the United States and Canada. Data were collected on the deans using public sources from 1966 when the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges was started, until 2018. It was found that the advent of specialty colleges led to more visibility of clinical credentials of deans; about 17% of the deans were pathologists, and few deans came from basic science disciplines. The data show that an overwhelming majority of deans have been Caucasian male and very few were racialized/non-Caucasian academics. There are growing numbers of women veterinarians becoming deans. These data may provide some insights on how to assemble leadership training programs to create a more diverse pool of academic veterinary leaders so that more women and ethnic minorities can aspire to become deans.

Introduction

Typically, university administration is led by a president and vice-chancellor. The faculties or colleges that constitute a university are helmed by deans or principals. Embarking on a deanship is not a task for the faint of heart. Academics aspiring to become deans should combine academic credibility along with leadership qualities such as strong communication skills, resiliency, trustworthiness, and ability to deal with the politics in and outside of the academy (1). Moreover, the increasing complexities of university systems suggest a need for the development of structured leadership programs to ensure the success of academics upon their transition into administrative roles. The moment one of the professors becomes an administrator such as a dean, colleagues become suspicious of their motives and intentions, so deans appointed from within a college find it a challenge to maintain their collegial relationships. This and the general stress of the job can lead many academics to regret their decision to pursue administration rather than teaching and research.

The selection process for deans is rigorous. At some schools, including all Canadian schools, the selection committee chaired by the provost typically consists of representatives from academic and support staff as well as the student community that conduct multiple interviews and reference checks (2). Generally, the process of constitution of decanal selection committees is informed by established procedures in documents such as collective agreements with the faculty association at the institution. After extensive interviews, public presentations, feedback from the community, and reference checks, the committee ranks the candidates and presents the top candidates to the provost or the president, depending on whether the provost was the chair or not (2). Thus, at some schools the provost and president will review the recommendation and make the final decision. Typically, academic institutions will seek candidates who have an excellent academic record and have demonstrated leadership abilities through impactful service (2). Typically, deans would have completed advanced training in their discipline and have attained the rank of full professor. Deanship is synonymous with strategic and operational leadership; however, deans are also expected to lead in a way that is inspiring and empowering for individuals. These expectations require the dean to arrive at a shared vision of the faculty through a collaborative planning process that identifies the strategic goals and methods to achieve those goals (3). Those aspiring to be deans should recognize that this position encompasses a large administrative portfolio that includes managing tasks, people, and assets. According to the 2010 Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Survey of Deans, the critical knowledge required for a rewarding deanship includes “communication, finance and budget management, negotiation, conflict management, public relations, and fundraising” skills (4). Other significant characteristics that determine success in present-day leaders include constructive teamwork, innovative and critical thinking skills, trustworthiness, veracity, and motivational charm (4). However, leadership is a responsibility that extends beyond the realm of monetary management and administration. For instance, a modern-day leader must be experienced and prepared to tackle disturbances of the academic environment brought on by technological advancements, education systems development and demographic diversity (1). Thus, the AAVMC puts emphasis on leadership workshops focused around communication, financial management and diversity that can help develop leaders for the future (4).

The administration of veterinary medical education has evolved over the years. To gain a better understanding of these changes it is important to recognize how deanships have evolved in their academic and professional qualifications over time. Such data, not currently available, can improve decanal search processes and provide institutions with a baseline of prerequisites needed for a successful and effective deanship (5). This study, therefore, was undertaken to analyze the disciplinary backgrounds, ethnicity, and gender of deans of North American veterinary colleges. The data show that most of the deans were pathologists and Caucasian men, and the length of their tenure has been reduced since the AAVMC was chartered in 1966 from ≥ 20 y in earlier days to about 10 y now.

Materials and methods

The review was prepared using biographical search techniques and relevant published literature. Common sources included North American veterinary medical college websites, LinkedIn, death tributes, Wikipedia, laboratory profiles, veterinary news articles, and memoir interviews. The information was validated using reiterative search techniques and reliable data sources. All AAVMC member deans who started their appointment after 1966 and had finished their tenure by 2018 were included in this analysis (Table 1). Interim, acting, or currently serving deans were not included in this review. Women and racialized (non-Caucasian) deans were categorized separately. Individuals who served as deans at one or more AAVMC institutions were included more than once for deanship length, distribution of diversity, and educational and professional experience. Deans for whom advanced academic experience could not be determined were recognized for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine credential only. If advanced professional experience for a dean could not be identified, that dean was recognized for service to veterinary medicine faculty. Additionally, the highest level of education and professional experience achieved was used for the analyses. For example, if a dean had a master’s and PhD, only the PhD was included. Also, deans were recognized for their board certifications when they were not accompanied with an additional degree. These methods were used to keep the data numerically consistent. A total of 136 deans were included in this analysis (Table 1).

Table 1.

Deans at AAVMC member institutions who were appointed to regular terms between 1966 and 2020. Only those who have finished their tenures within 1966–2018 were included.

AAVMC Member Institution	Deans from 1966 to 2018
Auburn University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Calvin Johnson (2013–), DVM, PhD Head, Department of Pathobiology
	Dr. Timothy Boosinger (1995 to 2011), PhD in Pathology Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
	Dr. John Thomas Vaughan (1977 to 1995), DACVS Department Head, Large Animal Medicine
	Dr. Mark Stettler (2012–), DVM, Diplomate American College of Zoological Medicine Director, Animal Programs, The Walt Disney Company
Colorado State University–College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences	Dr. Lance E. Perryman (2001 to 2012), PhD in Pathology, DACVP Department head of Microbiology, Pathology, and Parasitology
	Dr. James L. Voss (1985 to 2001), MSc Director of Veterinary Teaching Hospital
	Dr. Robert D. Phemister (1977 to 1983), PhD in Pathology Associate Dean for Academic Programs
	Dr. William J. Tietz (1971 to 1977), PhD in Physiology and Pathology CSU’s Vice President for Student-University Relations
	Dr. Nicholas H. Booth (1966 to 1971), PhD. Department Head of Physiology and Biophysics
Cornell University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Lorne Warnick (2016–), DVM, PhD, DACVPM Associate Dean, Veterinary Education
	Dr. Michael Kotlikoff (2008 to 2015), VMD, PhD Chair, Department of Biomedical Sciences
	Dr. Donald F. Smith (1997 to 2007), DACVS Associate Dean for Academic Programs
	Dr. Franklin M. Loew (1995 to 1997), PhD in Nutrition Prior deanship
	Dr. Robert D. Phemister (1985 to 1995), PhD in Pathology Prior deanship
	Dr. Edward C. Melby, Jr. (1975 to 1984) Director and President of Zoological Society
Iowa State University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Dan Grooms (2018–) DVM, PhD Chair, Large Animal Clinical Sciences
	Dr. Lisa K. Nolan (2011 to 2017), PhD in Medical Microbiology Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
	Dr. John U. Thomson (2004 to 2011), MSc in Clinical Epidemiology Prior deanship
	Dr. Norman F. Cheville (2000 to 2004), PhD in Pathology Department Head of Veterinary Pathology
	Dr. Richard Ross (1993 to 2000), PhD in Bacteriology, DACVM Secretary of Agriculture’s Strategic Planning Board
	Dr. Oscar J. Fletcher (1989 to 1992), PhD in Pathology, DACVP Director of Poultry Diagnostic & Research Center
	Dr. Phillip T. Pearson (1972 to 1989), PhD in Pathology, DACVS Chair of Small Animal Clinic
	Dr. Ralph L. Kitchell (1966 to 1971), PhD in Anatomy Associate Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine
Kansas State University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Bonnie Rush (2019–), DVM, MSc, DACVIM
	Dr. Ralph Richardson (1998 to 2015), DACVIM Department Head, Clinical Sciences Department
	Dr. Ron Marler (1994 to 1997), PhD in Pathology, DACVP Director and Vice-president of Global Drug Safety
	Dr. Michael Lorenz (1988 to 1994) Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
	Dr. James Coffman (1984 to 1987) Department Head, Surgery and Medicine
	Dr. Don Trotter (1971 to 1984)
	Dr. C. E. Cornelius (1966 to 1971)
Louisiana State University–School of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Joel Baines (2014–), DVM, PhD Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
	Dr. Peter F. Haynes (2007 to 2014), MSc in Clinical Science, DACVS Executive Associate Dean
	Dr. Michael G. Groves (2000 to 2006), PhD in Microbiology Department Head, Epidemiology and Community Health
	Dr. David L. Huxsoll, (1995 to 1999) Associate Dean
	Dr. William L. Jenkins (1988 to 1993), PhD in Physiology Department Head, Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology
	Dr. Everett D. Besch (1968 to 1988), PhD in Parasitology Department Head, Parasitology and Public Health
Michigan State University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Birgit Puschner (2018–), DVM, PhD Chair, Department of Molecular Biosciences
	John Baker (2014 to 2019), DVM, PhD Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
	Christopher M. Brown (2006 to 2014), PhD Department Head, Veterinary Clinical Studies/Acting Director of Veterinary Teaching Hospital
	Dr. Lonnie J. King (1996 to 2006), MSc in Epidemiology Director, National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (NCZVED), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
	Dr. Waldo F. Keller (1995 to 1996), MSc Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
	Dr. John B. Tasker (1984 to 1993) Prior deanship
	Dr. John B. Tasker (1975 to 1983) Associate Dean
Mississippi State University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Kent Hoblett (2006–), DVM, MSc, DACVIM Chair, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine
	Dr. John U. Thomson (1999 to 2004), MSc. in Clinical Epidemiology Director, Veterinary Science Department/ Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory
	Dr. H. Dwight Mercer (1987 to 1999), MSc Department Head, Veterinary Science
	Dr. Billy C. Ward (1983 to 1986)
	Dr. James G. Miller (1974 to 1983)
North Carolina State University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Paul Lunn (2012–) BVSc, PhD Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs
	Dr. Warwick A. Arden (2004 to 2009), PhD in Physiology and Biophysics Department Head, Veterinary Clinical Medicine
	Dr. Oscar J. Fletcher (1992 to 2004), PhD in Pathology, DACVP Prior deanship
	Dr. Terrence Curtin (1979 to 1992), PhD in Physiology Department Head, Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology
The Ohio State University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Rustin Moore (2015–), DVM, PhD Executive Associate Dean
	Dr. Lonnie J. King (2009 to 2015), MPA Prior deanship
	Dr. Thomas Rosol (2004 to 2008), PhD in Pathology, DACVP Interim Vice President of Research
	Dr. Glen F. Hoffsis (1995 to 2004), MSc in Internal medicine, DACVIM Interim Dean
	Dr. R. A. Wright (1980 to 1993)
	Dr. Roger Smith (1972 to 1980), PhD Director, Office of Veterinary Medicine Education
	Dr. Leslie McDonald (1971 to 1972), PhD in Pathobiology Assistant Dean of Research Development
	Dr. Clarence R. Cole (1967 to 1971)
Oklahoma State University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Carlos Risco (2018–) DVM, Diplomate, ACT Chair, Large Animal Clinical Sciences
	Dr. Jean E. Sander (2011 to 2016) Associate Dean of Student Affairs
	Dr. Michael D. Lorenz (2004 to 2011), DACVIM Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
	Dr. Joseph W. Alexander (1985 to 2001), M Educ Admin
	Dr. Patrick M. Morgan (1977 to 1984)
	Dr. William E. Brock (1970 to 1977)
	Dr. Karl R. Reinhard (1968 to 1969)
Oregon State University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Susan Tornquist, (2015–), DVM, PhD Associate Dean, Academic
	Dr. Cyril R. Clarke (2007 to 2013), PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences, DACVCM Department Head and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
	Dr. Howard B. Gelberg (2001 to 2006), PhD in Pathology, DACVP Associate Dean for Research
	Dr. L. J. Kelvin Koong (1999 to 2001), PhD in Biomathematics Department Head, Animal Sciences
	Dr. Robert C. Wilson (1996 to 1999), PhD in Pharmacology Department Head, Physiology and Pharmacology
	Dr. Loren D. Koller (1985 to 1995), PhD in Pathology Associate Dean
	Dr. E. Edward Wedman (1975 to 1985) Department Head, Veterinary Science
Purdue University–Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Willie Reed, (2007–), DVM, PhD Director, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health
	Dr. Alan H. Rebar (1996 to 2005), PhD in Pathology, DACVP Associate Dean for Research
	Dr. Hugh Bilson Lewis (1986 to 1996), PhD Associate Dean for Research
	Dr. Jack J. Stockton (1971 to 1985)
Texas A & M University–Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences	Dr. Eleanor Green (2009–), DVM, PhD Chair, Large Animal Clinical Sciences
	Dr. H. Richard Adams (1998 to 2009), PhD in Pharmacology Prior deanship
	Dr. John Shadduck (1990 to 1997)
	Dr. George C. Shelton (1973 to 1988)
Tufts University–Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Alastair Cribb (2019–), DVM, PhD Dean
	Dr. Deborah T. Kochevar (2006 to 2018), PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, DACVCP Long-time faculty member and administrator
	Dr. Phillip C. Kosch (1996 to 2005), PhD in Physiology Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
	Dr. Franklin M. Loew (1982 to 1995), PhD in Nutrition Department Head, Comparative Medicine
	Dr. Albert M. Jonas (1978 to 1981)
Tuskegee University–School of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Ruby Perry (2015–) DVM, MS, DACVR Associate Dean, Academic
	Tsegaye Habtemariam (2006 to 2014), PhD in Epidemiology Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
	Dr. Alfonza Atkinson (1999 to 2004), PhD in Environmental Health Science- Environmental Toxicology Associate Dean for Administration
	Dr. James A. Ferguson (1991 to 1997)
	Dr. Walter C. Bowie (1972 to 1990), PhD in Physiology Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
University of California–Davis School of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Michael Lairmore (2011–), DVM, PhD Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Education
	Dr. Bennie Osburn (1996 to 2011), PhD in Comparative Pathology Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs
	Dr. Frederick A. Murphy (1991 to 1996), PhD Distinguished Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
	Dr. Edward A. Rhode (1982 to 1991)
University of Florida–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. James Lloyed (2013 to 2019), DVM, PhD Associate Dean, Budget, Planning and Institutional Research
	Dr. Glen Hoffsis (2006 to 2013), MSc in Internal Medicine, DACVIM Prior deanship
	Dr. Joseph DiPietro (1997 to 2006)
	Dr. Richard Dierks (1989 to 1997) Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
	Dr. Kirk Gelatt (1981 to 1988), DACVO
	Dr. Charles Cornelius (1971 to 1980)
The University of Georgia–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Lisa Nolan (2017–), DVM, PhD Dean and Associate Dean
	Dr. Sheila W. Allen (2005 to 2017), MSc. in Pathology Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
	Dr. Keith W. Prasse (1996 to 2005), PhD in Pathology Associate Dean for Public Service and Outreach
	Dr. David P. Anderson (1975 to 1996)
	Dr. Richard Talbot (1968 to 1974), PhD. Department Head, Physiology and Pharmacology
	Dr. L. Meyer Jones (1966 to 1968) Scientific Director at the American Veterinary Medical Association
University of Illinois–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Peter Constable (2014–), BVSc, MS, PhD, DACVIM Head, Veterinary Clinical Sciences
	Dr. Herbert E. Whiteley (2001 to 2014), PhD in Pathology, DACVP Department Head, Pathobiology and Veterinary Science
	Dr. Victor E. O. Valli (1989 to 2001), PhD in Pathology, DACVP Associate Dean of Research
	Dr. Richard E. Dierks (1976 to 1989), PhD in Microbiology Service leadership positions in organized veterinary medicine
	Dr. L. Meyer Jones (1968 to 1976), PhD Prior deanship
University of Minnesota–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Trever Ames (2007 to 2019), DVM, MS, DACVIM Chair, Department of Veterinary Population Medicine
	Dr. Jeffrey S. Klausner (2000 to 2007), MSc Internal Medicine, DACVIM Department Head, Small Animal Clinical Sciences
	Dr. David G. Thawley (1990 to 1998) Department Head, Large Animal Clinical Sciences
	Dr. Robert H. Dunlop (1980 to 1988), PhD Department Head, Physiological Sciences
	Dr. Sidney Ewing (1973 to 1978), PhD Department Head, Veterinary Parasitology and Public Health
University of Missouri–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Carolyn Henry (2018–), DVM, MS, DACVIM Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Education
	Dr. Neil C. Olson (2007 to 2017), PhD in Physiology Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
	Dr. Joe N. Kornegay (1999 to 2006), PhD in Pathology Clinical department chair/hospital director
	Dr. H. Richard Adams (1993 to 1998), PhD in Pharmacology Department Head, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences
	Dr. Robert F. Kahrs (1982 to 1992), PhD Department Head, Preventative Medicine
	Dr. Kenneth D. Weide (1973 to 1981) Department Head, Veterinary Science
University of Pennsylvania–School of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Andrew Hoffman (2018–), DVM, PhD, DACVIM Director, Regenerative Medicine Laboratory
	Joan C. Hendricks (2006 to 2018), PhD in Veterinary Medicine Chief of Critical Care, Department of Clinical Studies
	Dr. Alan M. Kelly (1994 to 2005), PhD in Pathology Department Head, Pathology
	Dr. Edwin J. Andrews (1987 to 1993)
	Dr. Robert R. Marshak (1973 to 1987) Department Head, Clinical Studies & Medicine
The University of Tennessee–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Jim Thompson (2008–), DVM, ACVIM Executive Associate Dean
	Dr. Michael Blackwell (2000 to 2008), African-American Dean, MPH Deputy Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine
	Dr. Michael Shires (1990 to 2000), DACVS Department Head, Large Animal Clinical Sciences
	Dr. Hyram Kitchen (1980 to 1990)
	Dr. William Armistead (1974 to 1980) Prior deanship
University of Wisconsin Madison–School of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Mark Markel (2012–), DVM, PhD, DACVS Chair as well as Associate Dean
	Dr. Daryl D. Buss (1994 to 2012), PhD. Department Head, Physiological Sciences
	Dr. Bernard C. Easterday (1979 to 1994), PhD in Microbiology, DACVM Department Head, Veterinary Science
Virginia Tech University–Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Cyril Clarke (2013 to 2017), DVM, PhD (Didn’t complete full term)
	Dr. Gerhardt G. Schurig (2004 to 2013), DVM, PhD in Immunology Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
	Dr. Peter Eyre (1985 to 2003), PhD in Pharmacology & Toxicology Department Head, Biomedical Sciences
	Dr. Richard B. Talbot, (1974 to 1984), PhD Prior deanship
Washington State University–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Bryan Slinker (2008 to 2019), DVM, PhD Head, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience
	Dr. Warwick M. Bayly (2001 to 2008), PhD Associate Dean for Continuing Education
	Dr. Terry F. McElwain (1999 to 2000), PhD in Pathology, DACVP
	Dr. Borje K. Gustafsson (1989 to 1998) Interim Dean
	Dr. Robert B. Wilson (1985 to 1989), PhD. Department Head, Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology
	Dr. Leo K. Bustad (1973 to 1984), PhD in Physiology
Western University of Health Sciences–College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Phil Nelson (2007–), DVM, DACVS Associate Dean
	Dr. Shirley Johnston (1998 to 2007), PhD, DACT Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
University of Prince Edward Island–Atlantic Veterinary College	Dr. Greg Keefe, (2015–), DVM, MBA, MS, Chair, Health Management
	Dr. Donald Reynolds, (2008 to 2015), PhD in Microbiology, DACVM Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
	Dr. Timothy H. Ogilvie, (1998 to 2008), DACVIM Chair, University’s Department of Health Management
	Dr. Reginald G. Thomson (1983 to 1989), PhD in Pathology, DACP Chair, Department of Pathology
Université de Montréal–Faculté de médecine vétérinaire	Dr. Christine Theoret (2018–), DVM, PhD, DACVS
	Dr. Michel Carrier (2010 to 2018), DMV, DACVO Vice-Dean, Clinical Affairs
	Dr. Jean Sores (2005 to 2010), PhD
	Dr. Raymond Roy (1997 to 2005), PhD in Microbiology & Immunology Department Head, Pathology
	Dr. Serge Larivière (1989 to 1997), PhD in Bacteriology Associate Dean Research
University of Guelph–Ontario Veterinary College	Dr. Jeff Wichtel (2015–), DVM, PhD, DACT Associate Dean, Research
	Dr. Elizabeth Arnold Stone (2005 to 2015), MSc in Physiology & Public Policy Head of the Department of Clinical Sciences
	Dr. Alan Meek (1994 to 2005), PhD in Epidemiology Chair, Population Medicine
	Dr. Ole Nielsen (1985 to 1994), PhD in Pathology Prior deanship
	Dr. D. C. Maplesden (1979 to 1985), PhD in Nutrition Director of Animal Health for Ciba Corp.
	Dr. D. G. Howell (1968 to 1979)
University of Saskatchewan–Western College of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Douglas Freeman (2010–), DVM, PhD, DACT Head of Department of Veterinary Science
	Charles Rhodes (2002 to 2010), MSc in Animal Production Associate Dean, Research
	Dr. Alex Livingston (1992 to 2002), PhD Department Head of Veterinary Medicine
	Dr. Gavin Hamilton (1982 to 1992), PhD
	Dr. Ole Nielsen, (1974 to 1982), PhD in Pathology Department Head of Pathology
University of Calgary–Faculty of Veterinary Medicine	Dr. Baljit Singh (2016–), BVSc & AH, PhD Associate Dean, Research
	Alastair E. Cribb (2006 to 2016), PhD in Clinical Pharmacology Canada Research Chair in Comparative Pharmacology and Toxicology Founding Dean

DACT — Diplomate, American College of Theriogenologists; DACVCP — Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology; DACVIM — Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine; DACVM — Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Microbiologists; DACVO — Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists; DACVP — Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists; DACVS — Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Results

Academic experience

The data showed that out of 136 deans, 23 (17%) deans had advanced training in pathology and served as pathologists (Figure 1). It is important to note that the American College of Veterinary Pathologists was the first specialty college created within veterinary medicine. Very few of the deans had academic background as immunologists, parasitologists, or anatomists. Many deans, nearly all in modern times, who were clinicians were diplomates of their respective speciality boards.

Figure 1.

Educational disciplines of AAVMC member deans from 1966 to 2018.

Professional experience

Deans typically rise through the academic ranks and also have some foundational administrative experience (Figure 2). The majority of deans had experience in various leadership roles, followed by those with experience as department heads and associate deans. Some of the deans had administrative experience in public and/or private sectors.

Figure 2.

Professional experiences of AAVMC member deans from 1966 to 2018.

Length of appointment

The data showed that 62% (84/136) of deans remained in office for 5 to 10 y and 12.5% (17/136) remained in office for under 4 y (Figure 3). Currently, deans are typically appointed for a 5-year term. In earlier times, mostly before 1960s, some deans served for as long as a couple of decades. For example, Dr. Charles Allen Cary, the first dean of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, held his position as dean for 28 y from 1907 to 1935. Dr. Ralph Dykstra from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine was dean for 29 y (1919 to 1948), and Dr. Andrew Smith, founder of the Ontario Veterinary College, remained in office for 46 y from 1862 to 1908.

Figure 3.

Length of appointment for AAVMC member deans from 1966 to 2018.

Presently, deans of veterinary schools and other faculties typically do 2 terms of 5 y each. Depending on the particular contract, there is a review in the 4th or 5th year of the first term and the position is opened for competition only if the incumbent fails the review or declines to stand for a second term. Canadian universities have a unique element whereby deans are entitled to 1 y of administrative leave following a 5-year term (Figure 3).

Distribution of diversity

The data showed 91.2% (124/136) [90.4% (123/136)] of deans were Caucasian males (Figure 4). It was only about 20 y ago that the first woman, Dr. Shirley Johnston, was appointed dean of a North American veterinary school. So far only 5% (7/136) of the deans of veterinary colleges have been women and all of them are Caucasian. Ethnic minorities (Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians) have made up only 3.7% (5/136 including 4 African-American) of the total number of deans included (Figure 4).

Figure 4.

Diversity among AAVMC member deans from 1966 to 2018.

Discussion

In recent years applicants for the role of dean of veterinary college have risen from a diverse array of post-graduate veterinary disciplines ranging from basic to clinical sciences. However, in the early days of the academic veterinary profession, most deans did not have post-graduate credentials because there were not many such programs. Instead they gained notable professional experiences which enabled appointments into positions of leadership. In addition to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, common trends observed in the academic backgrounds of veterinary medicine deans were higher education in areas such as Pathology, Physiology, and Clinical Veterinary Medicine. The reasons why large number of deans were pathologists are not clear. It is possible that pathologists have a sweeping view of the veterinary medical curriculum as this discipline connects basic sciences with clinical outcomes. Pathologists also engage with their colleagues from all departments through curricular connections as well as daily pathology rounds. This may result in strong political and professional support built across the faculty compared to disciplines such as anatomical sciences. It also is important to note that the American College of Veterinary Pathologists was the first of the veterinary medical speciality colleges to be chartered; this was in 1949. This may have led to earlier visibility of credentialed pathologists compared to veterinarians from clinical specialities.

Veterinary medicine deans have a variety of professional experiences. Most deans had experience working in private sectors typically as clinicians. Some worked in public sector agencies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or the US Department of Agriculture. However, most deans were in academic roles prior to appointment as deans and they had been promoted to the rank of full professor. Deans typically had served as heads of departments or associate dean, academic. There seems to be an increase in the numbers of deans who have been associate deans (research), possibly due to growing emphasis on research in veterinary medical faculties. Occasionally, deans have come from their roles as heads of departments of veterinary sciences located in some of the land-grant universities that don’t house a veterinary medical faculty. These departments of veterinary sciences are affiliate members of the AAVMC. Even though most deans were recruited from within academia, a few moved from private practice, hospital, administration, and agriculture. Taken together the data show diversity in the educational professional backgrounds of the deans which potentially enriched the profession along the way.

The average length of deanship in veterinary medicine is 5 to 10 y. During the earlier years of veterinary medical education in North America, deans typically remained in office for more than 15 y. This earlier trend may be due to the new development of the profession and lack of experienced veterinarians. As the veterinary profession evolved and expanded, the typical appointment of deans leveled out between 5 and 10 y. This allowed deans to have a substantial amount of time to implement ideas during their term while creating opportunity for refreshing the leadership. Some deans even remained in office for less than 4 y and this was typically due to peculiar circumstances since it is not desirable for deans to have a high turnover rate especially after the rigorous selection process conducted by a university. The majority of deans retired following completion of their terms as deans. There are some deans who served at more than one veterinary school. For example, Dr. N. Ole Nielsen was dean at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and later at the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Glen Hoffsis served as dean of veterinary medicine at The Ohio State University, the University of Florida, and Lincoln Memorial University. Very few of the deans, or veterinarians in general, have become provosts or university presidents. Exceptions would be veterinarians such as Dr. Alastair Summerlee, who was President of the University of Guelph and had previously served as Associate Dean at the Ontario Veterinary College.

Most veterinary medicine deans have been Caucasian males, which is most likely a result of North American settlement history, as well as privileges associated with being a Caucasian male and low numbers of women in the profession until the late 1970s to early 1980s. The numbers of racialized students in veterinary medicine still remain low and there are half-hearted efforts being made to address this issue (6). However, in recent years, the number of women in DVM and post-DVM programs has significantly increased, thus increasing the number of women academics in veterinary medical faculties. As observed, the numbers of women assuming the role of deans of veterinary medical colleges have risen in recent years with currently 11 colleges having women veterinarians as deans. The number of ethnic minorities in leadership roles in academic veterinary medicine is rising much more slowly despite their increasing numbers in faculty ranks. Other than the current deans at Western University and Purdue, all of the African-American deans were at Tuskegee University, which is a primarily Black college. If one is to remove the Tuskegee data from the analyses, the data become even more homogenous. The situation among the Canadian schools is similar to that in the US. Only 2 women (including 1 currently serving) and 1 racialized academic have been appointed as deans at Canadian veterinary schools. Therefore, one could argue that there are enduring implicit and structural biases hindering the career progression of veterinary academics coming from ethnic minorities.

The significance of diversity in leadership has been stressed by various organizations and researchers (6–8). Diversity makes for new styles of thinking and unique perspectives which can be beneficial for solving complex problems (7,9). For example, it is recommended that more diverse leadership teams be assembled in veterinary medicine because we cannot rely on the talent of one race and one gender to solve highly complex problems. Interestingly, institutional reviews have shown an increase in fiscal performance and budget management with the onset of workplace diversity (9). These findings should encourage selection committees, whose members need training in recognition of their implicit biases, to carefully review applicants and give special consideration to applicants who come from under-represented minorities. Moreover, diversity should include appreciating outgroup differences instead of trying to eradicate them and diversity should be accompanied by inclusion as well (10). It is critical that academics from under-represented ethnic groups and women be provided leadership training opportunities.

This analysis has some limitations. For example, the search techniques and methodology provided only partial access to data which could alter results. As an example, further education data were not available for 26.5% (36/136) of the deans and specific professional experience data were not available for 15.4% (21/136) of the deans. Moreover, the shortage of preceding research studies on this subject limited the available conceptual foundation needed for inquiry. This has led to the study being mostly descriptive and less quantitative and statistical.

In conclusion, this study is intended to create a starting data set on the characteristics of deans of the US and Canadian veterinary medicine faculties. The data revealed expected findings that the majority of deans were Caucasian males. The data raise questions for further study of the reasons for so many deans coming from the discipline of pathology and why basic sciences are so under-represented. Although the increasing number of women in veterinary medicine is leading to visible increases in their numbers in administration, we are still far away from equality in their numbers in the decanal ranks. We believe that it will take sustained and serious efforts to eliminate implicit biases in the leadership selection processes in veterinary medical faculties. CVJ