Deans Message - Fall 2020
As I write this, the skies are dark with smoke and we are in the second round of another terrible fire season. This year has been more personal since fires struck close to home, affecting many community members. We had students, staff, and faculty fighting to save their homes and animals even as we were treating fire-injured animals in the hospital and the field. The restrictions already in place from the pandemic made it – and continue to make it – even harder to fulfill our mission, yet somehow, we continue to meet the challenges.
In addition to the fire and pandemic, as a society this year we have been confronted with ongoing racial injustices. I am proud of the work that the school has done to become more diverse, but it is not enough. Our new Community Council, represented by faculty, students, and staff, has been charged with finding additional ways to encourage diversity within the school.
Despite everything we’ve been battling in 2020, there are still great things happening. With the help of our donors and the university, we continue to move forward with the transition of our hospital into the Veterinary Medical Center. With the launch of the university’s fundraising campaign this fall, it’s another opportunity to highlight the center and the possibilities it brings. Thank you for your interest and support for creating the world’s preeminent veterinary medical facility.
Finally, if you haven’t already heard, I have decided not to seek a third term as dean. It was always my intent to serve two terms, and we’re finally at the moment where I need to make it official in order to ensure a smooth leadership change in July, after my term ends on June 30. I’m proud of everything that’s been accomplished during my tenure, and I’m also excited to see who will take the school into a new era and to support them during the transition. For now, I’m going to continue to work as hard as I can and I’ll see you in the Spring issue of Synergy.
Michael D. Lairmore DVM, PhD
Dean and Distinguished Professor
