Dear Friends,
The last month has certainly been eventful with the launch of the new Center for Environmental Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Bill Hanneman, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, and his colleagues have worked incredibly hard to get the Center up and running. Last month we saw the first fruits of their efforts when the University signed rare research and education partnership agreements with Japan's National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), which is Japan's equivalent of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and Gifu University's School of Medicine.
Representatives from the College and Colorado State University traveled with Colorado Governor Bill Ritter on a trade mission to Japan and Asia, of which the signing ceremony was an important part. These types of agreements are uncommon in Japan, a testimony to Dr. Hanneman’s reputation and hard work. We are honored that the Japanese people have decided to partner with Colorado State University in work that will lead to greater product safety in the international marketplace and improvements to environmental health concerns particularly in developing economies.
I’d also like to recognize the work of Thom Hadley, Director of the College’s Office of Finance and Strategic Services, who worked with Dr. Hanneman to help develop the financial backing to launch the Center, and coordinate the trade mission to Japan. (See accompanying article.) They were ably assisted by Max Matsurra who will join ERHS in January as an important member of the Center, further solidifying our commitment to global environmental health.
In other news, most of you are aware that Larry Edward Penley resigned as President of Colorado State University in November. The Board of Governors has named Dr. Tony Frank as Interim President, and plans to begin developing the criteria for an executive search in January 2009. Dr. Frank came to CSU in 1993 as a faculty member in the Department of Pathology. He has served as Department Head, Associate Dean, Senior Executive Vice President and Provost, and will certainly serve the University well as Interim President.
I was asked to fill in as Acting Provost, a role which will be short-lived. I am not seeking to serve in the longer term as Acting Provost, nor will I seek the permanent appointment, but will be chairing the search committee to fill the interim position. I fully expect to return to my office in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences by the end of December. Meanwhile, Dr. Pete Hellyer will serve as Acting Dean. Dr. Hellyer is Associate Dean for the Professional Veterinary Medical Program and has the knowledge and skills to run the College effectively during the month of December.
As we approach the end of the semester, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate each of our students who are graduating mid-year. We wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors and hope you keep in touch wherever your path takes you. Thank you all for your continued support of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. I wish each of you a joyous holiday season and safe travels.
Best Regards,
Lance Perryman, PhD
Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
