Dear Friends,
Welcome to the first edition of E-Insight Magazine for 2009. The new year brings to us the possibilities of change and hope, opportunities to meet challenges with innovative thinking and entrepreneurial energy, and enhanced prospects to improve and advance the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in the coming year.
With the new year, the economy continues to be in the news and the impact of difficult financial times is being felt nationwide, including here in Colorado. Our state’s legislative economists are estimating a $600 million deficit for the coming fiscal year, which will mean cutbacks across the board in programs from road construction to higher education. At Colorado State University, we have been preparing for leaner times since last fall when deans and department heads were charged with developing plans to reduce budgets to help prepare for possible state budget shortfalls.
Our goal has been to maintain our strengths while positioning the College to rebound as quickly as possible once the economy begins to improve. We are working closely together to minimize the overall impact of any budget cuts on the College while preserving our programs and embracing new ways of doing more with less, all the while maintaining our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and outreach.
In spite of the economic downturn, the College and University continue to forge ahead on several construction fronts. The Diagnostic Medicine Center is within six months of completion and represents a giant step forward in our diagnostic facilities and services, as well as offering new support for research and teaching programs. Construction has begun on the Research Innovation Center (RIC) at the Foothills Research Campus, a facility that will further enable public/private partnerships in the biomedical sciences for the betterment of society. Not directly related to the College, but right next door, the University has begun construction on the Main Campus’s first parking garage. Although this construction work is an inconvenience, once completed the parking structure will greatly improve the availability of parking in the southwest area of campus.
In other news, on Jan. 1, after a short appointment as Acting Interim Provost, I returned to the College to resume my responsibilities as dean. Dr. Rick Miranda, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, was selected to serve as Interim Provost and Executive Vice President, a position likely to last up to two years as Colorado State University makes the transition to new leadership. I’d like to thank Dr. Pete Hellyer who did a great job in my absence as Acting Dean.
On Jan. 10-12, the College welcomed veterinarians to the Colorado State University campus for the Annual Conference for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians. During the conference, we ran continuing education courses, had a vendor display hall, social gatherings, and gave veterinarians and veterinary technicians a venue to meet, learn from each other and from our faculty members, and support their efforts toward excellence in veterinary medicine. This year, we also were honored to host the 10-year reunion dinner for the PVM Class of 1999.
Finally, I’d like to welcome our students, faculty and staff members back to campus after the holiday break. I hope you were able to enjoy time with family and friends, and were able to refresh and renew your energies for the work ahead. My best wishes to everyone for a joyful, peaceful and productive 2009.
Best Regards,
Lance Perryman, DVM, PhD
Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
