The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) faculty, staff, and students nominated members of the CVM community to serve on the search committee for the College’s new dean. On February 25, 14 committee members were announced by the Office of the Executive Vice Present and Provost (OEVPP). Dean of Extension Beverly Durgan agreed to provide leadership as the committee’s chair. In addition, the national search firm Isaacson, Miller was invited to partner with the committee and the OEVPP to draft a position profile and develop a robust and diverse pool of candidates.

However, on March 29, the Provost’s office decided to suspend the search for the CVM’s new dean, given the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the transition of leadership within the Provost’s office from Karin Hanson, PhD, to Rachel Croson, MA, PhD.

“I want to assure you that the initial planning for this search will have value as foundational work when it is practical to resume or renew the search process,” wrote outgoing Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP) Karin Hanson, PhD. “The college will continue to move forward under its capable leadership team led by interim dean Laura Molgaard, working in consultation with incoming EVPP Rachel Croson.”

A website dedicated to the search for a new dean has been set up and will host updates as they are made available when the search resumes.