Andrew M. Hoffman reappointed dean of Penn Vet

Andrew M. Hoffman's service as dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has been extended to June 30, 2030.

His reappointment as the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean was announced by Interim President J. Larry Jameson and Provost John L. Jackson Jr. and is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.

"Dean Hoffman is an empathetic, visionary, and effective leader who will steer the School to continued success," Jameson said. "His first term has been marked by substantial enhancements to the educational, clinical, and research strengths of the Penn Vet community."

In March 2024, the Consultative Review Committee began work on a comprehensive review of Hoffman's major first-term accomplishments. The charge further required the Committee to identify emerging challenges and opportunities facing the School and to review carefully the aims of In Principle and Practice, the University's strategic framework.

The Consultative Review Committee charged with assessing Hoffman's tenure as dean was united in it praise of his work, including:

• The successful reaccreditation of Penn Vet by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2024, with particular commendation for faculty recruitment, successful implementation of a new curriculum, and strength of the VMD-PhD program.

• The expansion and advancement of Penn Vet's DEI initiatives. In 2021, Hoffman hired Penn Vet's first chief diversity officer. Under the dean's leadership, diversity of the student body has significantly increased.

• The establishment of new interdisciplinary research programs that further distinguish the School. These include the Wildlife Futures Program (2019), Institute for Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases (2021), Center for Stewardship Agriculture and Food Security (2022), and mRNA Research Initiative (2024).

• A strong commitment to partnership between Penn Vet and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This ongoing work includes joint efforts to support animal health and productivity, animal welfare, disease surveillance, sustainable agriculture, integrity of the horseracing industry, and wildlife health.

• The successful implementation of a redesigned first-year curriculum in FY23. A new School-wide curriculum focused on earlier entry into clinical rotations, new clinical competencies, surgical skills, communications training, a focus on professional identity, and diversity has been developed for launch in FY25.

• An impressive funding and revenue record. Penn Vet has the highest average NIH grant dollar per award of any school of veterinary medicine. From FY2018 to FY2024, research revenues from federal, Commonwealth, and private sources have significantly increased.

• The establishment of innovative dual-degree programs with five Penn schools: the Perelman School of Medicine, Penn Carey Law School, the Wharton School, the School of Arts & Sciences, and the School of Social Policy & Practice.

The Committee included six faculty members, two students, and one alumnus. Together, they reviewed budget, enrollment, and employment data, as well as conducted surveys.

In every forum, the dean's many accomplishments were detailed: the positive effect of his collegial and supportive leadership style; his achievements in research and clinical excellence; his successes in fundraising, faculty recruitment, infrastructure renewal; and more.