Ross dean retires after school accredited

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Dr. David J. DeYoung, dean of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, announced his retirement April 11, just a month after the school received full accreditation status from the AVMA Council on Education.

Beginning May 9, he will move to a new position of dean emeritus, serving in an advisory role with the university until Sept. 30, when he will officially retire from the profession.

Dr. DeYoung and his wife, Bonnie, moved to St. Kitts in 2003 when he accepted the position as dean of the veterinary school. Dr. DeYoung has focused on improving the veterinary program academically and structurally, according to a Ross press release.

Dr. DeYoung
Dr. David J. DeYoung

Under his leadership, the school added facilities to support program development, including a student residency complex, multiple classrooms, a student union, and a large animal complex. In addition, the faculty and staff were increased to facilitate enhancements to the curriculum, such as the introduction of communication and clinical skills programs and the integration of clinical competency training throughout the curriculum. The research program was strengthened to support the student educational experience and to address critical issues in public health, epidemiology, and wildlife conservation throughout the Caribbean region and beyond.

Dr. DeYoung's career has included seven years in private practice and more than 40 in academic veterinary medicine. Prior to joining Ross, he held faculty and administrative positions including associate professor of orthopedic surgery and chief of surgery, Michigan State University; professor and chief of surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina lState University; and assocate dean and director of veterinary medical services, North Carolina State University.

A 1968 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, he is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. DeYoung is known internationally for his work in the development of two cementless total hip replacement systems for research and clinical use in dogs.

The DeYoungs plan to retire to Raleigh, N.C., to spend more time with family and their St. Kitts island-adopted dog, Shamrock, according to the press release.

Ross University has hired an international executive search firm to lead the selection process. Dr. Gilbert A. Burns, dean for faculty and academic programs, has been chosen to serve as interim dean following Dr. DeYoung's departure.