Hodgson named associate dean of professional programs at veterinary college
Dr. Jennifer L. Hodgson, of Blacksburg, an associate professor of microbiology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, has been named the associate dean for professional programs in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
In her new role, Hodgson will oversee the curriculum and administration of the DVM program in the college. She will also continue her teaching responsibilities in veterinary microbiology.
“Dr. Hodgson’s leadership in the college has been exemplary since she arrived,” said Dr. Gerhardt Schurig, dean of the veterinary college. “She successfully led the college through a very important accreditation process and she has proven herself to be a strong advocate for the students and for veterinary education. I have full confidence in her ability to lead our professional programs and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”
Prior to joining Virginia Tech in 2007, she was the associate dean of learning and teaching in the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science where she had many of the same responsibilities. “I have a great love of working with students,” said Hodgson, “and a real interest in ensuring the veterinary curriculum meets the needs of the veterinary profession.”
Those needs vary and are ever changing, according to Hodgson. Issues such as mounting student debt and the requirement to produce graduates that fulfill the diverse needs of society as well as others must now be considered when designing the curriculum for a professional DVM degree.
While the demands on the profession continue to evolve, Hodgson believes the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine is well equipped to meet them head-on.
“The faculty and staff at the VMRCVM take great pride in our veterinary students and the individual qualities these young professionals bring to the CVM,” she said. “All involved in the instructional mission of the college work very hard to ensure we produce high quality veterinarians who will positively contribute to the profession.”
Hodgson fills the vacancy left by Dr. Grant Turnwald who completed his tenure as associate dean for academic affairs. The position title was changed to accurately reflect the job duties of the associate dean in overseeing the administration of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree—a professional academic program.
During her tenure, Hodgson hopes to focus her efforts on further strengthening the college’s curriculum and fostering support programs for teaching.
Hodgson received her B.V.Sc. from the University of Sydney and her Ph.D. from Washington State University. She is a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Microbiology and a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
