UC-Davis veterinary dean to retire in 2011

Davis, Calif. - Bennie Osburn, dean of the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, says his third term as dean will be his last. Osburn will retire in the summer of 2011 after serving 14 years as dean of the school. He is one of the longest-serving veterinary school deans in the nation.

During his administration, Osburn oversaw a $50 million fundraising campaign and led the planning and construction of a $345 million long-range facilities plan, which is scheduled for completion in 2012. He recruited 90 new faculty and more than 150 adjunct faculty, scientists and lecturers. He also increased the veterinary program from 108 students to 131 students per class each year.

“Dean Osburn's accomplishments and his vision for veterinary medicine and education reach far beyond UC-Davis,” says Enrique Lavernia, provost and executive vice chancellor. “He has been a tireless advocate for the profession and for veterinary education, as well as an outstanding colleague.

“California and the nation have benefited from his steady leadership and his resolute commitment to effecting positive change for the school in everything from facilities to research support to curriculum,” Lavernia says.

A national search for his successor will begin within the next few months.

For more information about Osburn's accomplishments, click here.