Dear Friends,
We have been enjoying beautiful fall weather here in Colorado and, with the sunny days, College construction projects are making good progress before the winter cold sets in. Last month, CSU broke ground on the Research Innovation Center. We moved closer to completion on the parking and entranceway to the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and we have watched as the façade of the new Diagnostic Medicine Center takes its final shape (see accompanying article).
This month, I’m pleased to report that the American Veterinary Medical Association has continued the accreditation of the Professional Veterinary Medical Program in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Veterinary education programs are reviewed every seven years by the AVMA to ensure that quality standards are met and we are pleased with the outcome of their assessment of our program (see accompanying article).
In other money news, President Larry Edward Penley announced that Colorado State University is taking a proactive stance with regards to concerns over state and University finances in the current financial market. President Penley has asked all college deans to prepare budgets for several different financial scenarios so we will be able to respond quickly to any financial challenges. At this point, we have no indication of budget cuts but want to have the best plans ready to put in place should we have to cross that bridge (see accompanying article).
This month, I will be meeting with members of the veterinary community as I travel to Portland, Ore., to attend the Banfield Deans’ Forum November 2-4. The forum is an opportunity for deans from veterinary schools across the nation to meet with veterinary care providers and learn more about their needs, as well as update them on what is happening in veterinary education.
Finally, I’m sure I speak for many when I say thank goodness Election Day finally arrived. It had been a long road and we were all anxious to wrap up local, state and national election campaigns. Regardless of the outcome, I hope during these complex times we are able to come together and address some of the serious challenges facing our nation. As we do so, we welcome the Thanksgiving holiday when we can each give thanks for the abundance we do have in our lives and make sure that we as individuals and as a College help to bring that abundant life to others. I wish each of you a happy Thanksgiving and safe travels during the holiday season.
Best Regards,
Lance Perryman, PhD
Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
