Veterinary administrator named executive associate dean at college

December 19, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — James P. Thompson, D.V.M., has been named executive associate dean of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Until his appointment, Thompson was the college’s associate dean of students and instruction for the past decade. He served as interim dean of the college from Feb. 20 to Oct. 1, when Glen Hoffsis, D.V.M., became the college’s permanent dean. Thompson’s new position is the second-highest-ranking position at the college.

Thompson received both his D.V.M. and Ph.D. from UF and completed a residency in small animal internal medicine at UF before joining the faculty in 1986.

“Dr. Thompson has wide experience as associate dean of student affairs and his recent role as interim dean provided additional perspectives valuable to the college,” Hoffsis said. “I am confident in his abilities and feel he will bring strong skills and vision to our administrative team.”

Board-certified in the specialties of internal medicine, immunology, virology, microbiology and oncology, Thompson has won numerous awards both for his teaching and for his research and has served as academic adviser for dozens of veterinary students, residents and interns over the years. After his days as a graduate student and resident at UF, Thompson became an assistant professor and director of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital’s immunology service before advancing to full professor and associate dean.

Thompson has been active at the national level in the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges and the American College of Veterinary Microbiology. He also served as a member of the Morris Animal Foundation’s scientific advisory board.

At the university level, he has contributed as a member of both the Faculty Senate and Curriculum committees. He is a member of the UF Health Science Center Academic Deans Council and has served on numerous committees within the veterinary college.

Thompson has maintained an active teaching post within the veterinary curriculum in the area of professional veterinary ethics.

He will continue to maintain direct oversight of the Office for Students and Instruction and the college’s D.V.M. degree admissions program until his replacement is named, Hoffsis said.