Moyer assumes position of AAEP president and Roussel becomes acting department head of LACS

Dr. William Moyer, professor and department head of the Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department (LACS) of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), will become the next president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in December 2010. While Moyer goes on administrative leave to fulfill his duties with the AAEP, Dr. Allen Roussel, professor and associate department head at CVM, will become the acting department head of the LACS on September 1, 2010 until January 1, 2012. 

"This is the greatest honor I have ever received," explains Moyer. "I have been a member of AAEP since 1969. AAEP has set the ground work for a lot of other organizations of its kind. It was the first to have a motto, and it is one of the only organizations that is very progressive in dealing with all issues of the horse world. Personally, AAEP is my window to the world I work in. I am very grateful to Dr. Roussel for fulfilling the responsibilities of my current position while I execute my role with the AAEP."

AAEP's mission statement is "to improve the health and welfare of the horse, to further the professional development of its members, and to provide resources and leadership for the benefit of the equine industry." AAEP encompasses all aspects of the horse industry. Moyer is currently president elect of the AAEP. He received his DVM from Colorado State University in 1970. He has been the department head of LACS for 17 years. He also holds memberships in the American Veterinary Medical Association, Association for the Advancement of Sports Potential, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, Association of Equine Sports Medicine, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

"Dr. Moyer's rise to the presidency of the largest, most influential equine veterinary organization in the world speaks volumes about his success as an influential leader and the regard in which he is held in the profession," said Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine.  "The AAEP presidency is one of the greatest honors, opportunities, and responsibilities an equine veterinarian can achieve.  We are all very proud of Dr. Moyer." 

"As AAEP President, Dr. Moyer will advance both the AAEP and Texas A&M University," Green continued.  "In recognition of the growing responsibilities and time commitment associated with AAEP Presidency, Texas A&M fully supports Dr. Moyer and encourages him to focus his talents and energies on his presidency during his term.  So how can the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences continue to flourish during this period?  Dr. Moyer fully supports Dr. Allen Roussel in serving as Acting Department Head.  What speaks volumes about Dr. Moyer's selfless nature and his well-known advocacy for and faith in his faculty is that he has entrusted the department completely to Dr. Roussel.  He has made it clear that he wants Dr. Roussel to lead the department as if he were the permanent department head until his return.  Dr. Roussel is up for the challenge.  He has demonstrated excellent leadership as Associate Department Head and has been working side-by-side with Dr. Moyer over the last few months.  One can almost hear Dr. Roussel saying, 'Put me in coach.'  Because of unselfish dedication of both of these leaders, the department will not merely be held together, it will continue to drive forward." 

Roussel joined the faculty at the CVM in 1986, and his specialty is large animal internal medicine. He received his DVM from Louisiana State University in 1977. He holds memberships and leadership positions in several organizations. He is currently serving as vice-president of the large animal specialty of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, president elect of the Southwest Veterinary Symposium, and he is a member of the examining committee of the European College of Bovine Health Management. 

"I am really excited about the opportunity to lead our department during these challenging times," explains Roussel. "It's an honor to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Moyer and help provide the time he needs to focus his attention to his role as president of the AAEP. I'd also like to thank my departmental colleagues who are assuming some of my duties while I'm serving in this role."

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