Associate Director of Biomedical Science Program Retires After 32 Years with College of Veterinary Medicine

After 32 years with the College of Veterinary Medicine, Associate Director of Biomedical Science, Mr. Lyndon Kurtz, was honored by friends and colleagues at a retirement reception held at the college on February 5, 2002.

Kurtz served as an administrative assistant in the dean's office from 1969 to 1979 and then as Assistant to the Dean until 1990. During the last eleven years as Associate Director of Biomedical Science, Kurtz has played a key role in recruiting students from a wide range of backgrounds into the College of Veterinary Medicine; promoting the college to prospective students, counselors and employers; counseling students and parents in areas of vocational and career interests; providing orientation for incoming undergraduate students in the Department of Biomedical Science; and supervising Veterinary Enrichment Camps. During this time, Kurtz has seen enrollment in the Biomedical Science Program grow from 700 to 2100 students.

In addition, during Kurtz's employment, the Biomedical Science Program (BIMS) was awarded the Diversity Award (April 2000) and a four-year Health Career Opportunity Program grant (1985-1988) designed to attract and retain veterinary students, and to reinforce the sciences for students interested in entering into the professional program.

Kurtz, a native of Rosenberg, Texas, first moved to Bryan/College Station in 1969. Although many things have changed, he cites the development of the college's veterinary medical curriculum as the biggest surprise. "The curriculum is never the same two years in a row. And the reason is because it is designed to continually reflect the changing needs of the citizens of Texas," said Kurtz. "In 1970, the BIMS curriculum was designed to train students as veterinary assistants. However, students graduating from the BIMS program were being increasingly admitted to medical schools, veterinary schools and other professional programs that required the solid science foundation that BIMS provides for graduating students. Although Kurtz has worked hard to help mold the curriculum and build the BIMS program, he has also found many rewards.

"Perhaps the most enjoyable time that I've spent here has been at commencement. In the 32 years I've worked at the college, I've only missed one veterinary commencement ceremony. It just happened that both commencement and the birth of my first grandchild happened on May 10, 2001."

Reflecting on his time at the college with much affection, Kurtz said, "I've looked forward to coming to work every day. The veterinary college has given me 32 years of opportunity to help young people reach the next level."

"Mr. Kurtz has made an indelible mark on the lives of so many students at the College of Veterinary Medicine," said H. Richard Adams, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "He has contributed greatly to the college's student recruiting success."

Kurtz officially retired on February 28, 2002, however, as of April 1, 2002, continues to work part time as needed in the Biomedical Science Program.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc - (979) 862-2675
Cell - (979) 739-5718