Heidi Banse Appointed Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at A-State

JONESBORO – The search for a dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Arkansas State University has concluded with the selection of a top leader in the field.

Dr. Heidi E. Cox Banse has accepted the role of incoming head of CVM and looks forward to guiding future students in the veterinary field.

Dr. Calvin White Jr., A-State chancellor and executive vice chancellor, said, "The on-campus search committee tasked with identifying exceptionally qualified candidates did that and more." "President Shields and I were tremendously impressed by the caliber of applicants, which speaks to the committee's diligence, the desire to be part of this transformative opportunity, and ultimately, Dr. Banse's expertise and administrative experience."

Banse brings a wealth of knowledge and is uniquely prepared for the challenge of bringing Arkansas's first and only veterinary school to life, following her time as associate dean for educational strategy at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

"I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the establishment of A-State's College of Veterinary Medicine. I look forward to continuing to grow this school with the outstanding team at A-State," Banse said.

Banse graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science in 2004 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2007, both from Washington State University. She completed an internship in large animal medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia. She then completed a dual residency and Ph.D. program at Oklahoma State University in equine internal medicine and veterinary biomedical sciences.

"I am grateful to Chancellor Calvin White, Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance, Administration and COO Len Frey, Founding Dean Glen Hoffsis, Associate Dean John Weale and advisor Jim Lloyd for all the work they have done thus far in planning and preparation," Banse added.

In this role, Banse will serve as the chief administrative officer of CVM. She will oversee the school's functions, including teaching, research and service. Her primary duties will also include overseeing all academic programs related to CVM, student clinical rotations, budget management and other resources.

Banse continued: "It is an honor to lead this effort. I am deeply grateful for the strong foundation that has been laid so far. It's exciting to think about the opportunities this will create for Arkansas State University's ambitious veterinary students."

While at LSU, Banse led the implementation and redesign of a competency-based curriculum. She is a member of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges' Outcomes-Based Veterinary Education and Veterinary Care Initiative.

Chancellor White shared that he looks forward to Banse developing a student-centered program to train veterinary graduates who are prepared to enter practice and serve a critical and underserved industry for the state, region and nation.

Banse's educational research focuses on clinical skills and curriculum development. Her clinical research focus is on the mechanisms causing equine glandular gastric disease and equine endocrine disorders.

"The enthusiasm of the A-State community for CVM is phenomenal. I am excited to grow teaching and research collaboration across the university. I look forward to partnering with the Arkansas veterinary community to help ensure our students are ready to enter practice and serve Arkansas State University's veterinary needs," Banse said.

A-State's plan to establish the College of Veterinary Medicine and its outline, including the potential addition of 40 new faculty and staff positions for the program, has been approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The curriculum, in addition to individual program requirements and courses, has been approved by the state board.

More recently, the Institutional Action Council of the Higher Education Coordinating Board approved A-State's request to award a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with a 152-credit-hour program length. The final step will be a visit from the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the world's leading accrediting body for veterinary schools, in July of this year.

"In short, this addition to our diverse academic programs and service to the state represents a historic opportunity. It is further proof that A-State is committed to meeting the needs of our state and our community," White said.

Founding Dean Dr. Glen Hoffsis will continue to support CVM's development at A-State alongside Banse. The current goal is to welcome the first class of students in 2026. CVM at A-State will provide much-needed opportunities for students studying veterinary medicine in the state and meet the projected demand for Arkansas and surrounding areas.