Dean's Message

One of my first activities when I became dean last fall was to spend a Sunday morning at the student-run Knights Landing One Health Center veterinary clinic. It serves a rural, underserved community near Davis by providing free health care for their pets and educating clients about health care available to their families. Improving animal health and human health advances overall community health and fulfills one of our key school missions.

The clinic has already served as a national model for One Health access to care, a concept along with spectrum of care that is increasingly discussed in the veterinary community. Participating in community clinics educates our students on ways to facilitate pet healthcare for those at all income levels. On a personal note, my wife Kelly, a registered veterinary technician, now routinely volunteers with the Knights Landing clinic.

I’m delighted that our cover story explores the topic by profiling our community clinics. They are made possible by the dedicated teams of students, faculty and staff volunteers — and financial supporters like Dr. Tom Campi, a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council, and his wife Jeanine. The Dean’s Leadership Council provides critical professional expertise and philanthropic support to the school in many areas; you can read more about the council in this issue.

As I’m getting to know the school, I’m also excited to see our Veterinary Medical Center construction and fundraising progress. In this issue, you can read about the changes in Davis as well as our expansions in San Diego and Turlock.

There is so much going on at the school that provides us with optimism and hope for the future. I am motivated by the passion, vision, and impact of our school’s community. At the heart of our success are the people who work here and the engagement of our alumni and friends. I know you will also be motivated and excited by what you read in Synergy.