Florida names new interim veterinary school dean

University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine interim dean Dana Zimmel, DVM (photo courtesy of school)

Leaders at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine have announced that Associate Dean of Clinical Services Dana Zimmel, DVM, is the school's new interim dean.

Dr. Zimmel is a 1995 graduate of the school and joined the university staff in 2002, working first in extension, then large-animal medicine and later progressing to leadership roles. She became chief of staff of the University of Florida Veterinary Hospitals in 2010 and held that position until her appointment to the associate dean role in 2015.

A release announcing the appointment highlights her work and leadership as patient caseloads have grown at the school's hospitals-from 20,542 patients in fiscal-year 2011 to 41,811 patients in fiscal-year 2019, with another 6,578 animals treated at the school's Pet Emergency Treatment Services clinic in Ocala.

Executive Associate Dean Tom Vickroy, PhD, had been serving as acting dean following the retirement of James Lloyd, DVM, PhD, in May after his six years in the job.