Capitol News

Kimberly Dodd has been proposed as the new dean of Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, with her appointment set to take effect on August 1, pending approval from the board. She is poised to succeed Douglas Freeman, who has held the interim dean position since April 2023.

Dodd, a veterinarian and virologist known for her work in emerging infectious diseases, holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in population biology from the University of Virginia. She also earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and doctorate in comparative pathology from the University of California, Davis.

Currently serving as director of MSU's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), Dodd oversees operations and revenue totaling approximately $20 million. In 2023, she secured an additional $3 million from the United States Department of Agriculture to enhance diagnostic capabilities at the VDL. The laboratory plays a crucial role in disease surveillance and outbreak response, collaborating with officials at various levels to address threats such as avian influenza and West Nile virus.

“Internationally recognized as an expert in laboratory diagnostics and outbreak response for emerging infectious diseases, Dr. Dodd is a champion for the critical role veterinary professionals play in protecting public and animal health locally, nationally and globally,” stated MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko. He emphasized her experience in scientific administration and academic partnerships as key assets for leading the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Before joining MSU, Dodd directed the USDA Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory on Plum Island, New York. There she worked on developing national priorities for high-consequence animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease. Her efforts included establishing training programs such as the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Scientist Training Program.

Her earlier roles include senior scientist at Metabiota and guest researcher at the Centers for Disease Control’s Viral Special Pathogens Branch. At CDC, she developed a patented vaccine for Rift Valley fever virus and contributed to field responses during filovirus outbreaks.

Dodd is committed to fostering an inclusive environment within MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine that empowers faculty, staff, and students to innovate. “Veterinary medicine is a profession uniquely situated to have broad, positive transdisciplinary impact," said Dodd. "I am honored to be recommended as the next dean.”