Veterinary hospital chief of staff completes 2013 HERS Bryn Mawr Summer Institute

Dana N. Zimmel, D.V.M., chief of staff of the University of Florida Veterinary Hospitals, graduated from the HERS Bryn Mawr Summer Institute, held June 22-July 6 at Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

The program is one of three summer institutes offered by the educational non-profit Higher Education Resource Services (HERS).

Nominated by Glen Hoffsis, D.V.M., former dean of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, Zimmel was selected by HERS from a competitive pool of applicants. Her participation was then sponsored by UF provost Joe Glover, Ph.D.

Zimmel joined the university in 2002, working first in extension, then large animal medicine and later progressing to leadership roles. She became chief of staff of the UF Veterinary Hospitals in 2010. The UF Veterinary Hospitals function as a major referral center, treating more than 29,600 animals annually.

“The program was very valuable in terms of its leadership development and also the impressive mix of participants from across the country,” Zimmel said. “The different backgrounds and perspectives added depth and insight to the curriculum and helped add an extra dimension to what was already a great experience.

“Additionally, the program was exceptional at illustrating the complexity of diversity issues and access in higher education,” she added.

The 69 participants selected for this year’s Bryn Mawr Summer Institute represented 55 institutions from across the United States. Participants were paired with HERS faculty and alumnae to develop professional development plans and networks. Curricular themes included understanding the higher education environment, planning and leading change in the academy, managing and investing strategic resources, engaging individual and institutional diversity, and mapping leadership development.