Dean M. Daniel Givens

M. Daniel Givens, a veterinarian, researcher, and educator, has been the dean of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech since June 1, 2020.

Under the leadership of Givens, the veterinary college has enjoyed substantial growth in research awards and philanthropic giving. The Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, a comprehensive clinical research center and teaching hospital, opened in Roanoke during Givens’ first few months, and in late 2023, the veterinary college’s Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center opened a new equine performance center and indoor arena to bolster its clinical capacity.

The college’s diversity program, including the first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, have been developed under Givens’ watch, as has the first graduating class of bachelor’s of public health students. Givens has also established a dean’s advisory council and started a working group for Historical Horse Racing funding from the state. Partnerships with external agencies such as the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), local shelter medicine organizations, and private practices have been expanded during Givens’ tenure.

Givens previously served as the associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, where he was also a professor in the Department of Pathobiology.

“Dr. Dan Givens is a highly respected researcher, clinician, and academic leader who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine,” Virginia Tech Provost and Executive Vice President Cyril Clarke, the dean of the veterinary college for 2013 to 2017, said in announcing Givens as the college’s fifth dean. “His collaborative approach to working with university leaders and his commitment to excellence in regard to veterinary medicine and public health missions of the college will play a key role in helping to advance Virginia Tech's strategic partnerships and priorities.”

Givens succeeded Gregory B. Daniel, who served as interim dean of the college from 2017 to 2020 before returning to his faculty position in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. 

“I am very excited to continue and advance the college’s pursuit of excellence by serving stakeholders in this leadership role at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine,” Givens said.

The VMCVM has seen significant growth in its academic, clinical, and research programs and facilities in recent years, including a new bachelor’s degree program in public health and the creation of the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center in Roanoke, Virginia. In addition, plans are underway for an expansion and remodeling of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital on the Blacksburg campus, and ongoing renovation of facilities and growth in services at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Virginia. 

At Auburn University, Givens, a diplomate of both the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (virology specialty) and the American College of Theriogenologists, served in various roles, including acting head of the Department of Pathobiology and interim associate dean for academic affairs before assuming his current position in 2013.

His efforts in applied research in infectious diseases that affect reproduction of cattle produced more than 85 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, five book chapters, two international patents, and numerous national and international presentations. 

Employing a philosophy rooted in a respect for the individual learner and a desire to improve the quality of human and animal health, Givens has received multiple teaching awards, including the Carl J. Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award and the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Teacher of the Year.

An American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education site visitor since 2014, he enjoys opportunities to better understand factors that impact animal health and disease and competency of graduating veterinarians.

Givens completed undergraduate studies at Western Kentucky University and received a DVM and a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, both with academic distinction, from Auburn University.

Former VMCVM deans

Gregory B. Daniel, DVM, MS, DACVR
Professor of Radiology, Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Interim Dean, Nov. 1, 2017–May 31, 2020

Cyril Clarke, PhD, DVM, MEd, DACVCP
Virginia Tech Executive Vice President and Provost
Oct. 1, 2013–Oct. 31, 2017

Gerhardt Schurig, PhD, DVM, MS
Professor and Dean Emeritus
June 1, 2004–Sept. 30, 2013
Interim Dean, Oct. 1, 2003–May 31, 2004

Peter Eyre, PhD, BVMS, RCVS
Professor and Dean Emeritus
September 1985–September 2003

Richard Talbot, PhD, DVM
September 1974–May 1984