University of Georgia dean retires

ATHENS, GA.-After an eight-year stint, Dr. Keith Prasse, dean of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, has announced his retirement for February 2005.

Prasse has been with the university since 1972. Arnett C. Mace Jr., senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, says the interim dean will be appointed to serve while a search is conducted for a replacement.

Prasse became dean July 1, 1996, after serving as associate dean for six years. As dean, Prasse served as chief administrator for the college, which includes seven academic departments, the teaching hospital, two state veterinary diagnostic laboratories, the Southeastern Wildlife Disease Study and the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as dean. The University of Georgia and the College of Veterinary Medicine have been wonderful to me," Prasse says. "I am grateful for the support of the college's faculty, staff and students as well as the university administration and alumni."

During Prasse's tenure, sponsored research revenue increased 42 percent, according to university authorities.

Prasse served as president of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and was on the editorial review board of the American Journal of Veterinary Research and is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

In 2003 Prasse was named Veterinarian of the Year by the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and also was named to Outstanding Educators of America.