Dr. James P. Thompson

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has named Dr. James P. Thompson as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, effective Oct. 1.

He succeeds Dr. Michael Blackwell, who retired in March. Dr. Leon Potgieter served as interim dean.

Previously, Dr. Thompson spent more than two decades on the faculty at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, where he received his veterinary degree in 1981. Most recently, he was executive associate dean and a professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. He held a joint appointment in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology in the UF College of Medicine.

"Dr. Thompson brings a wealth and breadth of previous veterinary college-level administrative experience as well as outstanding skills, knowledge, familiarity, understanding, and know-how to the position," wrote Dr. Joseph DiPietro, UT vice president for agriculture, in announcing the appointment.

Dr. Thompson has been active with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, chairing the AAVMC Academic Affairs Program Committee from 2005-2006. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the American College of Veterinary Microbiology.

Dr. Thompson said he looks forward to working with faculty, staff, and students at the UT veterinary college.

"I am excited about accomplishing our objectives of delivering strong research, education, patient care, and service to society," he said. "My personal goal is to work to ensure the people of Tennessee understand, appreciate, and support the college in its responsibilities to protect the health of animals, people, and the environment."