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Dean M. Dan Givens and his dog Tag in front of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Dean M. Dan Givens and his dog Tag in front of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Photo by Andrew Mann for Virginia Tech.

Message from the Dean

This edition of TRACKS provides a snapshot of multiple aspects of clinical care, research, and education that are ongoing at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

In this issue, we celebrate: 

  • A record Giving Day to impact the Compassionate Care Fund

  • One dog’s gift of a blood donation to support the wonderful recovery of another 

  • Success of revamped emergency and critical care service at our Equine Medical Center in Leesburg

  • An iguana’s new lease on life through advanced treatment at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center 

  • The invaluable role of Licensed Veterinary Technicians in the education of veterinary students

  • Large monetary gifts from two influential couples to expand emergency care and clinical trials 

  • Entering into the detailed planning stage for a long-discussed and much-needed Veterinary Teaching Hospital expansion and renovation.

After we turn over the first shovel of dirt and construction commences in earnest on the addition to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we will continue with the same energy, personal focus, and professionalism that we have always pursued to fulfill the missions of this college.  Our objectives focus on providing compassionate and cutting-edge care for animals and their owners; engaging in research that lifts the bar on health for animals, humans, and the environment; and guiding the education of the next generation of veterinarians, researchers, and public health professionals.

“Ongoing” is an important word, because these functions will continue ongoing development as the college experiences growth and change in years ahead. In expanding and renovating our teaching hospital, we are not stopping what we are already doing to build the future but rather constructing a future hospital to optimize the ongoing clinical, scholarly, and educational efforts of outstanding individuals who will impact students, animals, and the future provision of veterinary medical care in decades ahead. 

My humble and sincere thanks to all the students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and supporters who make possible what we do now and are helping us build an exciting future.