Head, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery

Posting Number : F2468P

Working Title :

Head, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery

Department :

VetMed-Veterinary Medic Dean

About the University of Georgia :

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https : / / www.uga.edu / ) . The proof is in our more than 240 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 established 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

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.

Location of Vacancy :

Athens Area

EEO Statement :

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

USG Core Values Statement :

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section8 / C224 / #p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section6 / C2653 .

Classification Title :

Department Chair / Head AC

Faculty Rank : Open Rank

Contract Type : Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status : Tenured

Minimum Qualifications :

DVM (or equivalent) degree.

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.

Additional Requirements :

• Board certification in a clinical discipline recognized by the AVMA.
• A background serving as a clinician in a teaching hospital.
• Appointment rank will be at the associate professor or full professor level. 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 .
• The successful candidate will also be tenured upon appointment. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidate must be tenured at their current institution or have been tenured at a prior institution, bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution, and be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire.

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

Is this a Position of Trust? :

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position? :

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? :

Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) :

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy :

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy :

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .