Dr. Mark Stetter

Colorado State University has announced that Dr. Mark Stetter has been named the new Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He will arrive on campus in May to meet with faculty, staff and students, and to familiarize himself with College operations, before assuming the responsibilities of the Dean on July 1. Dr. Stetter, who has more than 23 years of experience in veterinary medicine, joins CSU from the Walt Disney Co., where he is Director of Animal Operations.

“I cannot tell you how honored and excited I am to have been selected as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,” Dr. Stetter said. “The College does so many incredible things to help animals, help people and help the planet. I look forward to joining the CSU team and helping the College achieve even more great things.”

Dr. Stetter will replace Dr. Lance Perryman, who will complete his tenure as Dean at the end of June. Dr. Perryman, who will be retiring, has been Dean of the College since October 2001.

“Lance Perryman has been a dedicated, hard-working and conscientious leader for the College and our University for many years, and we’re grateful for his steady and solid leadership,” said CSU President Tony Frank. “His knowledge and experience have been important assets, particularly during recent years of budget turmoil, and he’s leaving the College well-positioned for future success.”

At Disney, Dr. Stetter oversees the health and daily care of several thousand animals at the company’s programs and parks around the world, and manages a team of more than 500 people, including veterinarians, curators, zookeepers, and aquarists. He also helps oversee the company’s international wildlife research and conservation programs.

“Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is one of the best in the world, with top-flight faculty and academic programs,” said President Frank. “In seeking the next dean, we wanted someone with vision, leadership, research and administrative experience to advance the College’s research, support faculty achievement, engage alumni and constituents, and provide extraordinary education to our students. We found those qualities in Mark, and I am pleased to welcome him to Colorado State.

Dr. Stetter is heavily involved with supporting animal and wildlife research efforts, and developed and chaired the Disney Company’s Animal Care and Welfare Committee. The ACWC evaluates welfare situations for the company and also ensures research with integrity and responsibility. In addition, Dr. Stetter worked with media outlets under Disney Co. including ESPN, Disney Studios, and ABC, to ensure the appropriate use of animals in their productions. Dr. Stetter also serves as chair of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Research Committee, past chair of the Morris Animal Foundation’s Wildlife Scientific Advisory Board, and executive board member of the American College of Zoological Medicine.

Dr. Stetter is president and founder of The Elephant Population Management Program, which helps African countries address biodiversity issues associated with elephant overpopulation while assisting in wildlife conservation. Before joining the Disney Co. in 1997, Dr. Stetter was a veterinarian with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Animal Health Center in several New York facilities including the Bronx and Central Park zoos, and the New York Aquarium. He also directed the Animal Health Care Center at the Audubon Institute’s Zoological Garden in New Orleans.