Colorado State University has announced that Dr. Mark Stetter has been named dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The college is home to one of the top-ranked veterinary programs in the nation as well as nationally recognized infectious disease, cancer and other health research programs.
CSU Campus with Horse Arena in Distance
CSU is new home of former Disneyland vet now dean of College of Veterinary Medicine
“Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is one of the best in the world, with top-flight faculty and academic programs,” said CSU President Tony Frank. “In seeking the next dean, we wanted someone with vision, leadership, research and administrative experience to advance the college’s research, support faculty achievement, engage alumni and constituents, and provide extraordinary education to our students. We found those qualities in Mark, and I am pleased to welcome him to Colorado State.”
Dr. Stetter, who has more than 23 years of experience in veterinary medicine, joins CSU from the Walt Disney Co., where he is director of animal operations. He will begin working at CSU in May and become dean in July.
“I cannot tell you how honored and excited I am to have been selected as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,” Stetter said. “The college does so many incredible things to help animals, help people and help the planet. I look forward to joining the CSU team and helping the college achieve even more great things.”
At Disney, Stetter oversaw the health and daily care of several thousand animals for the company’s programs and parks around the world and managed a team of more than 500, including veterinarians, curators, zookeepers and aquarists. He also helped oversee company’s international wildlife research and conservation programs.
“We are delighted that Dr. Stetter has accepted our offer to become a Ram,” said Rick Miranda, provost at Colorado State. “He has impressed all with his experience, his energy, his vision and his enthusiasm for joining our leadership team here at CSU.”
At Disney, Stetter has been heavily involved with supporting animal and wildlife research efforts and developed and chaired the company’s Animal Care and Welfare Committee, which evaluated welfare situations for the company and also ensured research with integrity and responsibility. In addition,
Stetter worked with media outlets under Disney Co. including ESPN, Disney Studios and ABC, to ensure the appropriate use of animals in their productions. Stetter also serves as chair of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Research Committee and as past chair of the Morris Animal Foundation’s Wildlife Scientific Advisory Board as well as an executive board member of the American College of Zoological Medicine.
Stetter also is president and founder of The Elephant Population Management Program, which helps African countries address biodiversity issues associated with elephant overpopulation while assisting in wildlife conservation.
Before joining the Disney Co. in 1997, Stetter was a veterinarian with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Animal Health Center in several New York facilities including the Bronx and Central Park zoos and the New York Aquarium. He also directed the Animal Health Care Center at the Audubon Institute’s Zoological Garden in New Orleans.
Stetter will replace Dr. Lance Perryman, who will complete his tenure as dean in June. Perryman has been dean of the college since October 2001.
“Lance Perryman has been a dedicated, hard-working and conscientious leader for the college and our university for many years, and we’re grateful for his steady and solid leadership,” Frank said. “His knowledge and experience have been important assets, particularly during recent years of budget turmoil, and he’s leaving the college well-positioned for future success.”