As I reflect on my first year as dean of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, I am filled with gratitude and pride. My journey began here at UT, where I earned my degree in microbiology, completed my DVM, and finished my residency in large animal medicine. My family has owned a farm in Sevier County since before Tennessee was a state, so returning to UT as the sixth veterinary dean truly feels like coming home.
Last year was especially meaningful as we celebrated our fiftieth anniversary. During that time, our clinical services handled nearly 38,000 cases, bringing our fifty-year total to more than 1.5 million animals treated. From aardvarks to zebras, our faculty, staff, and students have touched the lives of countless households and farms. Every animal we care for represents a story, a beloved pet, a productive farm, or a family’s livelihood, and each case reflects our commitment to improving the lives of Tennesseans and strengthening public health across our state.
UTCVM is unique among veterinary colleges as the only one housed within an Institute of Agriculture. This distinction empowers us to fulfill our land-grant mission and creates opportunities for vital collaborations that advance animal health and welfare.
I am grateful each day for the outstanding colleagues and friends who make up the UTCVM community. It was this supportive, engaged group that drew me back to UT and will enable us to continue a legacy of excellence that defines who we are and propels us forward.
Thank you for being part of our remarkable journey.
Paul J. Plummer, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Dean & Professor, UTCVM
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