Dean Green Reflects on Past Year During ‘College Hour’
Dr. Eleanor M. Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), presented “A Year in Reflection” at the CVM’s College Hour on Friday, May 19, morning.
The discussion included recent changes at the CVM during its centennial year in 2016, such as the construction of the Veterinary & Biomedical Education Complex (VBEC), new faculty and staff, graduate programs, and opportunities for student involvement.
Though Dean Green described last year as one of the busiest times for the CVM, the centennial year also was rewarding.
The CVM accomplished a lot, including being recognized as an accredited college; hosting many poster presentations, meetings, symposiums, and a successful Open House in the new VBEC; being ranked No. 1 in the SEC, No. 4 in the nation, and No. 10 in the world as a veterinary school by QS; and continuing the reputation for providing an affordable and outstanding veterinary education.
Additionally, Dean Green expressed her gratitude for a prosperous centennial year and recognized the hard work of CVM faculty, administration, and staff.
“The CVM has faced a lot of changes this past year, and, yet, because of great, hardworking people, the college is still on course in all areas, including programs, research, education, and health care,” Dean Green said. “It’s been a tough year, but I think it has been gratifying as well. To all CVM faculty and staff members, you have made this last year successful, and I just want to tell you, ‘thank you.’”
The CVM also faced many challenges last year, including the announcement of the pursuit of a second veterinary school. However, plans for a second school were put on hold by the school’s governing system, which allowed Texas A&M to advocate its pre-veterinary medicine program offered at West Texas A&M University and its statewide plan to work with other pilot schools to matriculate more rural veterinarians.
Though the other school’s plans are still being considered, Dean Green said she is proud of the CVM’s accomplishments and is confident Texas A&M can produce more rural veterinarians through pilot partnerships with universities.
“Our accomplishments thus far are just the tip of the iceberg,” Dean Green said. “All of the time, stress, and effort to promote our outstanding veterinary school, which has been fortunate enough to celebrate its centennial year, has been worth it to remain the only veterinary school in the state of Texas. If we continue to work hard, I know we can produce enough skilled large-animal veterinarians to satisfy the need for veterinary care in West Texas rural areas.”
Though there were many exciting happenings in the CVM’s centennial year, the CVM braved the challenges of change to bring forth a brighter and even more promising future for veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences students.
