Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 7th, 2012 - New Dean of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), Dr. Elaine Watson, outlined her vision for the future of the school in her inaugural address to the campus at a welcome celebration held in her honor on February 2, 2012. Watson addressed RUSVM faculty, staff and students and the celebration featured remarks from members of the university leadership team, and special St. Kitts cultural performances.
Watson conveyed her excitement to become dean of RUSVM and applauded the commitment and motivation of the students, encouraging them to continue to be ambassadors of RUSVM through their work, in clinics, and beyond. “There is so much pride at RUSVM and I am proud to take the next step in the development of the university as I join and lead a distinguished group of veterinary colleagues and committed staff,” Watson said.
Watson spoke of her plans to become more familiar with the culture, and her desire to meet with the faculty, staff and students of the school in an effort to gain a sense of the academic program and to better understand the operations of the campus.
She was able to share some of her background as a clinician, a teacher and as a researcher, and her experience as dean of the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine, which she felt had prepared her for the task of leading RUSVM forward.
Dean Watson is known for her pro-active approach to leadership, and has already formed a clear vision of the future of RUSVM. She envisions tremendous opportunities, for veterinary medicine and plans to take steps to ensure that RUSVM is an important player in the international field.
“Opportunities in the areas of global expansion, in veterinary education and research exist. It is my goal that RUSVM be known for innovations in education and be positioned to demonstrate stronger leadership within the veterinary community,” she said during her presentation.
During her address to the campus, the new dean confirmed that the health and welfare of animals will always be the central mission of veterinarians, because the care of companion animals is the mainstay of the veterinarian income and research has only reinforced the importance of the human-animal bond. In addition to this however, Watson expressed the view that veterinary medicine has scope to do so much more on a global level and is presently at the core of helping to alleviate poverty.
“Producing food for the world will become more and more challenging as the demand for protein increases,” said Watson, “throughout the practice of veterinary public health, animal disease efforts and interactions with medical teams, RUSVM can truly become a leader within the global healthcare community. Through the formation of collaborations and strategic partnerships, RUSVM and its members can truly make a difference to the world.”
Over the next few months, Watson will focus on tasking the leaders of the various RUSVM departments to work together to produce a vision for the next five years and a strategy for how they plan to achieve this vision. This strategy will inform the future recruitment profile of the university and ultimately determine its success. She emphasized that achieving this vision will necessitate change, adaptability and diligence on the part of each individual member of the RUSVM community.
“I am ready to move us forward. Are you ready to support me on this journey?” said Watson, as she completed her remarks on her inaugural day as RUSVM Dean. Applause in support of her vision followed.
About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education, offering Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree programs.
Founded in 1982 and located in St. Kitts, West Indies, the School of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board and the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education to offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program (AVMA COE, 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 847-925-8070).
The School of Veterinary Medicine is affiliated with 23 AVMA-accredited U.S. veterinary schools where students complete their clinical year. The University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only facility outside the U.S. and Canada accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
Ross University’s administrative offices are located in North Brunswick, NJ. For more information about Ross University, visit www.RossU.edu.
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