"Head, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery"

Position Summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Head of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery in the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The University seeks a visionary leader, who is an experienced and accomplished academic clinician and educator to serve as its Department Head. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the department’s academic mission in teaching, research, and clinical service including hiring of departmental faculty and staff, promoting the success and career progression of faculty, staff, and students, and management of the department’s fiscal resources and facilities. The Department Head reports directly to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and is a member of the CVM Administrative Council. The Head is expected to work cooperatively with the Associate Dean for Clinical Services on issues regarding the clinical service and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Sunday, October 26, 2025; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).

To provide a nomination or seek additional information, please contact Anjanette Russell, Primary Consultant with the UGA Search Group, 770-596-7596 or adsmith@uga.edu. Letters of recommendation or a simple nomination should include the name and contact information for the nominee.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2468P

Working Title: Head, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery

Department: VetMed-Veterinary Medic Dean

About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health. The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community.

College/Unit/Department website: www.vet.uga.edu

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date: 04/01/2026

Job Posting Date: 09/02/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Position Details

Classification Title: Department Chair/Head AC

Faculty Rank: Professor

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

T Tenure Status: Tenured

Minimum Qualifications: DVM (or equivalent) degree.

Additional Requirements:

• Board certification in a clinical discipline recognized by the AVMA.
• A background serving as a clinician in a teaching hospital.
• Currently at the rank of tenured associate professor. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as an associate or full professor, be tenured at their current institution or have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire. For information about the requirements for appointment at the rank of Professor and Associate Professor, please see the University of Georgia’s Guidelines for Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure at https://provost.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/appointment-promotion-tenure-guidelines-academic-rank-faculty.pdf and the Guidelines for Faculty Development for the College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at https://provost.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/ptu-criteria-small-animal-medicine-surgery.pdf.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:

• Currently at the rank of tenured professor with a strong record of achievement in scholarly work, professional/graduate education, effective leadership, and dedication to veterinary education and student success.
• An advanced graduate degree (MS or PhD).
• Administrative expertise.