News Releases

Dr. Michael Blackwell, dean of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, has announced his plans to retire in 2008. Download this image

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) - Dr. Michael Blackwell, dean of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) plans to retire. Blackwell, who came to UT in 2000, will leave his position January 1, 2008, with his retirement effective March 1.

In 2000, Blackwell became the second African-American dean in the university’s history. He came to UT from the federal Office of the Surgeon General, where he served as Chief of Staff. Prior to that position, he was deputy director
of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Blackwell says he came to Knoxville with specific goals in mind for the college, and he found the faculty, staff and students have provided support and guidance to achieve them. “Over the past seven years we have pulled together
to move the college forward by expanding our programs, personnel, curriculum, budget and facilities,” Blackwell said in a letter to the college. “We have developed and implemented progressive policies and procedures, especially relative to personnel management. In addition, we have achieved national and international relevance in public health, homeland security, and veterinary social work. For this, I am most proud.” Blackwell added the strong programs will continue to flourish under new leadership.

Dr. Joseph DiPietro, UT vice president for agriculture, is planning to meet with college faculty and administration to discuss a national search for a new dean. “We are grateful to Dean Blackwell for the strong and effective leadership and service he has provided the college and University of Tennessee during his tenure,” DiPietro said. “We wish him the very best with new ventures and opportunities upon his retirement.”

Upon retirement, Blackwell plans to create The Blackwell Group, a management and venture capital corporation.

The UTCVM has experienced many advances during Blackwell's tenure, including an ongoing $9 million expansion of the small animal clinic at the veterinary hospital. The expansion began in February 2007, and will add approximately 32,000 square feet for small animal medicine including oncology, canine physical therapy, and avian and exotics medicine. The expansion includes a $1.4 million linear accelerator for treating cancer. Construction should be completed by early 2008. About one-third of the funding came from a private donation.

One of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine educates students in the art and science of veterinary medicine and related biomedical sciences, promotes scientific research and enhances human and animal well-being. The college is the winner of the 2006 Commitment Award from the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence.

###

Contact:
Sandra Harbison, (865) 974-7377, sharbiso@utk.edu

UT College of Veterinary Medicine