AMES – Dan Grooms, professor and chair of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University, has been appointed the next Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. He will begin Oct. 1.
“Dr. Grooms is an accomplished scientist, teacher and leader who will build on the college’s reputation for excellence and the great achievements of our students, faculty and staff,” said President Wendy Wintersteen. “I am confident he will also work effectively with veterinarians across the state, livestock and poultry producers and others who share our passion for animal and human health.”
Grooms, an expert in bovine infectious diseases, earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University and two degrees from The Ohio State University – a veterinary medicine degree and a Ph.D. in veterinary preventive medicine. He joined Michigan State in 1997 and was promoted to his present position in 2014.
Grooms also holds board certification from the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, with specialty in veterinary virology; is a former president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners; and has served on the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s Committee on Animal Health.
“The College of Veterinary Medicine plays a significant role in advancing animal well-being, from companion to production animals, as well as research that helps maintain the safety of our food supply and addresses society’s most pressing human health challenges,” Grooms said. “I am honored and excited for this opportunity to work alongside our talented team to deliver excellence in the teaching, research and service missions of the university and address important problems for our stakeholders globally.”
In making the announcement, Senior Vice President and Provost Jonathan Wickert thanked Interim Dean Pat Halbur for his leadership of the college, and members of the search committee for their thoughtful consideration of candidates.
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More reaction to Grooms’ appointment:
“Dan Grooms is an excellent choice as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. When I worked with him at Michigan State University I found him to be an excellent collaborator who worked well across disciplines, as well as across colleges. Dr. Grooms has great leadership and people skills and will bring people together to better serve animal agriculture. He is a highly respected production medicine veterinary scientist who will bring a new level of excitement and innovation into the preparation of the next generation of professional veterinarians in Iowa. Animal agriculture industries in Iowa are very fortunate to have someone of his caliber as dean.”
Maynard Hogberg
Professor Emeritus and former chair, ISU Department of Animal Science
“As a long-time veterinary medical practitioner in Iowa with great respect for the tradition of excellence that the College of Veterinary Medicine has earned and enjoyed, I am convinced Dr. Dan Grooms is the right person at the right time to carry on and extend this excellence in teaching, research and clinical service. Dr. Grooms brings scholarship, research, teaching and clinical skills to the position of dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. As a practitioner I am also pleased and respectful that Dr. Grooms has also served his clinical specialty and practicing veterinarians as president of their national association. With his vision for the future, the college under his leadership will excel and expand its rich tradition.”
Marv Johnson, DVM
Member, Dean’s Advisory Council
“Dr. Grooms is the right person to continue the college’s great tradition of serving the education and research needs of students, as well as Iowa’s producers. He has great perspective as a 'farm kid' who grew up with 4-H and FFA, has work experience in a mixed animal practice, and a history of working with practicing veterinarians through extension programs.
“Food animal production contributes $35 billion to Iowa’s economy each year. Dan understands that the job of dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine is to educate not just our students, but also practicing veterinarians and the general public to benefit the entire state.”
Greg Lear
Chair, Iowa Livestock Health Advisory Council; past president, Iowa Pork Producers Association
“The hiring of Dr. Dan Grooms as the next dean of the college opens the door to new opportunities for our community. He shared a clear vision of how communication and inclusion elevate our land-grant missions of service, research and education. During the interview process, Dr. Grooms demonstrated an exceptional ability to make connections across generations and gender, and has a successful track record in hiring, retaining and promoting women and under-represented minorities. He is clearly motivated to empower all members of the veterinary community to survive and thrive; this enthusiasm and awareness will enhance Iowa State University’s impact and future relevance.”
Amanda Fales-Williams
Professor of Veterinary Pathology
