Washington State University (WSU), a distinguished research and land-grant university, seeks a dynamic and visionary leader for the position of Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. The next Dean will provide leadership and strategic direction for the future of the College and ensure the highest standards of quality in research and education.
The Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine is responsible for the academic and administrative oversight of the college and reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President. The Dean provides leadership and vision in strategic planning and implementation of programs and leads College development activities. WSU seeks an entrepreneurial Dean with high academic standards; an outstanding record of research; dedication to strong undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral education; and an ability to represent the College externally to local, national, and international constituencies.
Washington State University seeks a collaborative and forward‑thinking Dean with high academic and professional standards; a strong record of leadership, and interprofessional collaboration; a demonstrated commitment to advancing research and scholarship, including the use of AI technologies. The successful candidate will bring the ability to lead in a complex environment, support faculty and learners, and steward the continued growth and impact of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Candidates for the position should hold an earned terminal degree, possess qualifications consistent with appointment at the rank of full professor in an appropriate academic department, demonstrate relevant senior‑level administrative experience, and have a record of leadership and accomplishment commensurate with national stature national stature.
For more information regarding the College of Veterinary Medicine, please visit: vetmed.wsu.edu.
Engagement Sessions
Engagement sessions will be held with faculty, staff, and students across the system to develop a comprehensive understanding of the college and the associated needs and expectations required of the next Dean. These sessions will take place in the Fall 2026 semester, with dates forthcoming. Please continue to check the search page for updates.
In the meantime, university and community members are welcome to provide their input regarding the opportunity by clicking here to complete a survey from Isaacson, Miller. Survey respondents and responses are confidential. Respondents are not required to provide their names or any identifying information to complete the survey.
Search Advisory Committee
- Raj Khosla (Dean, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences), Co-Chair
- Bob Mealey (Department Chair and Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences), Co-Chair
- Glynda Becker-Fenter (Vice President for External Affairs and Government Relations)
- Travis Brown (Professor, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience)
- Raelynn Farnsworth (Associate Dean for Clinical Sciences; Chief Medical Officer, Veterinary Teaching Hospital; and Career-Track Clinical Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences)
- Tricia Fiscus (Director for Administrative Services, College of Veterinary Medicine)
- Samantha Gizerian (Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs; and Career-Track Scholarly Professor, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience)
- Lynne Haley (Senior Director of Development, College of Veterinary Medicine)
- Kate Huyvaert (Rocky Crate DVM and Wild Sheep Foundation Endowed Chair and Professor, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology)
- Lynne Nelson (Associate Dean for Faculty Programs and Teaching; and Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences)
- Jon Oatley (Associate Dean for Research; Regents Professor, School of Molecular Biosciences)
- Kevin Snekvik (Director, Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory; and Career-Track Clinical Professor, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology)
- Viveka Vadyvaloo (Director and Professor, Paul G. Allen School for Global Health)
- Arno Werners (Associate Dean for Professional Programs; and Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences)
Candidate Applications
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes from the forthcoming position profile. Professional references are not requested at this time.
Application materials, confidential nominations, and inquiries should be submitted to Greg Esposito and Hayden Lizotte with Isaacson, Miller at: hlizotte@imsearch.com.
Executive Search Firm
The national executive search firm of Isaacson, Miller has been selected to assist Washington State University in its search for the next College of Veterinary Medicine Dean. As one of the country’s premier executive search firms, Isaacson, Miller has more than 40 years of experience in recruiting senior leaders for some of the top visual and performing arts and cultural organizations, academic medical centers, healthcare institutions, foundations, preK-12 education and education improvement organizations, colleges and universities, social justice advocacy groups, conservation and environment organizations, human services providers, and other mission-driven organizations that make a difference in people’s lives. More information can be found at imsearch.com.
Questions
Please contact the Office of the Provost at (509) 335-5581 and ask for Kristina Peterson-Wilson, Vice Provost for Academic Administration & Chief of Staff or Haley Klemmetson, Executive Assistant.
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