Dean of veterinary medicine leaving Ohio State

COLUMBUS – Glen F. Hoffsis, DVM, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University since 1993 and executive dean of Health Sciences, has been appointed director of veterinary services at The Iams Company, effective April 1. Hoffsis will serve in his current positions until the end of March.

He also will complete his role as chair of the national search committee for Ohio State’s new provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs.

“Glen Hoffsis is an exceptional leader and will be missed,” President Karen A. Holbrook said. “The university and community have benefited from his vast expertise and leadership skills. He has laid a foundation in the College of Veterinary Medicine that helped it become one of the best colleges of veterinary medicine in the country. It is in an excellent position to recruit the best possible successor and continue the strong upward momentum that Glen has furthered.”

Hoffsis, from Powell, Ohio, began his 34-year career at Ohio State as a faculty member specializing in cattle diseases. He also served as the section head of food animal medicine and the director of the university’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

As dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, he helped restructure its departments from five to three – Veterinary Biosciences, Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Veterinary Preventive Medicine – in alignment with the college’s mission. He also developed a strategic plan with the goal of becoming the premier College of Veterinary Medicine in North America and guided the development of three buildings – the Galbreath Equine Center, the Veterinary Administration Building and the Large Animal Field Services Clinic in Marysville, Ohio. In addition, he developed a new budget for the college that includes incentives for faculty with research interests, and established seven new endowed chairs and professorships, including the endowed dean’s position.

“This was a time of tremendous growth and advancement of the college,” Hoffsis said. “I take from it a deep sense of personal satisfaction. It has been an honor to serve as dean, and I thank the college and the university for the privilege.”

Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Barbara Snyder said Hoffsis has provided outstanding leadership to the College of Veterinary Medicine and to the university as executive dean of the Health Sciences.

“All of us at Ohio State, and in the community, owe Glen a deep appreciation for his many contributions,” Snyder said. “We wish him the best as he embarks on the next phase of his life.”

In his new position at Iams, Hoffsis will lead the company’s work with veterinary schools and clinical trial research, and will direct the company’s Veterinary Technical Services team. He also will direct the company’s ventures into pet insurance and pet imaging centers.

“It is a tremendous opportunity to be a part of exciting new plans at The Iams Company,” Hoffsis said.

Snyder said an interim dean will be named shortly. She will meet with faculty, students and staff of the college Jan. 22.