UF veterinary college administrator to become dean at Tennessee

James P. Thompson, D.V.M., Ph.D., an administrator at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, will soon leave the college he has been a part of for more than 30 years to become dean at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Thompson is executive associate dean and a professor in the college's department of small animal clinical sciences. After graduating in 1976 from Purdue University, Thompson was admitted to veterinary school at UF, where he subsequently received his D.V.M. and Ph.D. degrees. He also completed a residency in small animal medicine at UF prior to joining the faculty in 1986.

Board-certified in the specialties of internal medicine, immunology, virology, microbiology and oncology, Thompson has received numerous awards both for his teaching and for his research and has served as academic adviser for dozens of veterinary students, residents and interns over the years. Following his days as a graduate student and resident at UF, Thompson became an assistant professor and director of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital's Immunology Service before advancing to associate and later full professor and associate dean for students and instruction, a post he held between 1996 and 2006.

In that capacity, Thompson supervised the admissions process and provided academic oversight for all students enrolled in the professional D.V.M. program. He served as interim dean for a year in 2006 after the departure of former dean Joseph A. DiPietro, D.V.M., to the University of Tennessee, where DiPietro now serves as vice president of UT's Institute of Agriculture. Thompson and DiPietro will once again be joined together in leadership positions to advance veterinary medicine and agriculture.

In 2006, the UF veterinary college's present dean, Glen Hoffsis, D.V.M., selected Thompson to serve as his executive associate dean. Thompson's duties have included facilities and budget management and supervising day-to-day operations at the veterinary school and UF's Veterinary Medical Center.

"I have a long history here, and it will be difficult for me to leave my many friends, supporters and colleagues at UF as well as our phenomenal alumni," Thompson said. "However, being selected to serve as dean at UT is an incredible opportunity. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with many talented people at UF and know the experiences gained here will be extremely valuable as I make this transition."

In an e-mail to faculty, staff and students, Hoffsis acknowledged Thompson's many achievements and contributions to the college, along with those of Thompson's wife, Joan, who serves as the UF VMC head pharmacist.

"Dean Thompson has provided tremendous help to me and great leadership to the college for many years," Hoffsis said. "Although we have suffered a great loss, we should all feel a sense of pride in his accomplishments. A college doesn't produce a dean every day, and Dr. Thompson developed his leadership talent and skill right here at UF. We will miss Jim and Joan but wish them the very best as they embark on this new career journey at Tennessee."

Thompson will begin his new job Oct. 1.