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From the President and Provost

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May 10, 2011, Volume 57, No. 33

Reappointment of Joan Hendricks as Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine

We have received the report of the Consultative Review Committee on the Reappointment of Joan Hendricks as Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine (Almanac, January 18, 2011), and we are delighted to recommend to the Trustees at their June meeting the reappointment of Dean Hendricks for a second term, to run through June 30, 2018.

The Consultative Committee conducted a comprehensive review of Dean Hendricks’ first term as Dean, and identified the major challenges and opportunities facing Dean Hendricks and the School of Veterinary Medicine in the years ahead. We concur with the Committee’s conclusion that Dean Hendricks’ first term was marked by a series of unprecedented budgetary and financial challenges for the School of Veterinary Medicine, following the economic downturn in 2008 and subsequent dramatic cuts in Commonwealth support.  The need to effectively manage these challenges, while furthering the School’s commitment to eminence and maintaining financial discipline, were the defining themes of Dean Hendricks’ first term.

Despite these difficult challenges, under Dean Hendricks’ leadership, Penn Vet has maintained its international reputation and renewed its forward momentum. She has balanced the School’s budget; sustained its highly regarded teaching, research, and clinical programs; opened new, modern facilities; committed the School to transparent and consultative management; begun important initiatives to strengthen the School’s administrative infrastructure; and strengthened the School’s important relationships around campus and especially in Harrisburg.

The new fiscal realities facing Penn Vet will pose important challenges in the years ahead, including the development of a long-term financial plan for the School’s various missions, carefully managing costs to allow for strategic investments in support of the School’s highest priorities, and building on the School’s distinctive strengths in both its basic science and clinical programs. 

Dean Hendricks performed commendably in her first term despite the extraordinary challenges faced by Penn Vet.  We are confident that she is the academic leader best able to work with the School’s faculty and the University administration to articulate a future vision for the School and to develop and implement the plans necessary to realize it.  We look forward to working closely with her in the months and years ahead as the School of Veterinary Medicine works to build on its forward momentum and achieve even greater eminence and success.

—Amy Gutmann, President

Vincent Price, Provost

Almanac - May 10, 2011, Volume 57, No. 33