Dean Kelly to Step Down in October 2005
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
On December 1, 2004, Alan M. Kelly, B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., Ph.D., The Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine, announced his intention to step down as dean to return to the faculty. After serving as dean for nearly 12 years, Dean Kelly will step down as of October 1, 2005.
Dean Kelly completed his undergraduate work at the University of Reading and received his veterinary degree from the University of Bristol, both in the United Kingdom. He received his Ph.D. in Pathology from Penn in 1967 and joined the faculty of Penn Veterinary Medicine the following year. Dean Kelly served as chairman of the School’s Department of Pathobiology from 1990 until his appointment as acting dean in January 1994. He was appointed dean in December 1994, and reappointed in May 2001.
At the time of his reappointment, it was noted that "the [Dean's Review Committee] report makes clear, he enjoys overwhelming support from his faculty and is regarded as an extremely effective dean who is deeply committed to the School. His tenure has seen an expansion of facilities, much needed laboratory renovations, and the acquisition of state funds for a new teaching and research building. He has helped to recruit excellent faculty and the student body continues to be superb academically.
"The School is considered one of the top schools in the world in basic scientific research in veterinary medicine, and it leads all U.S. schools and colleges in the impact of its basic science publications. It is also world-renowned in a number of clinical areas: postgraduate and clinical specialty education, equine sports medicine, and companion animal clinical programs, such as critical care and emergency medicine. He has been especially successful at securing very strong and unprecedented support for the School from the Commonwealth as his garnering of funds for the new building and for student scholarships attest."
A renowned researcher on muscle disease and muscular dystrophy, Dean Kelly has authored more than 100 book chapters and scientific papers and is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the American Society for Cell Biology, and the Pennsylvania Muscle Institute. He received the University’s Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1974.
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Dean Kelly's Letter to the School Community
1 December 2004
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:
On October 1, 2005, after completing nearly 12 years in the Dean’s Office, I shall step down to return to the faculty.
To be Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, to serve the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of such an eminent institution has been a rare privilege and immense pleasure. There have been few moments during the past eleven years that I have not thoroughly enjoyed, and I greatly appreciate the wonderfully generous support I have received from so many marvelous, dedicated individuals throughout the School, the University, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and those I’ve met along the way. Many have helped to guide me and shape my deanship. I am deeply indebted to all of them and I am very proud of the School.
Even though there are many challenges and opportunities ahead for veterinary medicine, the School is strong and its future is bright. I look forward to serving a new School administration in every way possible.
I thank you for your support throughout my term as Dean.
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Message from President Amy Gutmann and
Interim Provost Peter Conn to the University Community
We are writing to let you know that Alan Kelly has decided to step down as Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine on October 1, 2005, to begin a yearlong sabbatical. At that time, he will have completed a highly successful 11-year tenure as Dean, including a first year as Interim Dean. As our longest serving dean, Alan has made a tremendous impact on the School of Veterinary Medicine and will leave the School in an exceptionally strong condition.
We owe Alan an enormous debt of gratitude for his extraordinary leadership and service. He has been a wonderfully creative and energetic dean and has worked tirelessly and effectively to enhance the School’s reputation as the preeminent veterinary school in basic scientific research and superb clinical care.
Throughout his tenure, Alan has worked successfully to solidify the School’s financial base. He secured $50 million for a new Teaching and Research Building and successfully led the most ambitious fund-raising initiative in the School’s history. This campaign, slated for completion in July 2006, is expected to exceed its $100 million goal. Alan also has overseen the Veterinary School’s growth in NIH funding from $7.4 million to $17.8 million and a growth in sponsored research from $11.1 million to $25.2 million during that same time period.
Moreover, Alan leaves the School’s physical facilities in measurably better shape, with much needed laboratory renovations and the construction of a new teaching and research building underway.
The School continues to lead all U.S. veterinary schools and colleges in the impact of its basic science research. It is also world-renowned in important clinical areas including postgraduate and clinical specialty education, equine sports medicine, and companion animal clinical programs, such as critical care and emergency medicine.
Alan understands the importance of the School to the Commonwealth’s agricultural community. He has partnered with state officials and others to ensure that the School continues its support of Pennsylvania’s number one industry through effective agricultural and farm animal care programs. As a result of Alan’s efforts, the School’s state appropriation has grown from $11 million to $37.3 million during the past 10 years.
Because Alan will remain as Dean until October 2005, we expect to have a smooth transition to new leadership for the School. A search committee will be formed shortly to search for Alan’s replacement.
We are deeply grateful for the vision and commitment Alan has brought to his tenure as Dean. Please join us in wishing him well.
Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the world's premier veterinary schools. Founded in 1884, the School was built on the concept of Many Species, One Medicine™. The birthplace of veterinary specialties, the School serves a distinctly diverse array of animal patients, from pets to horses to farm animals at our two campuses. In Philadelphia, on Penn's campus, are the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital for companion animals, as well as classrooms, laboratories and the School's administrative offices. The large-animal facility, New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, Pa., encompasses hospital facilities for the care of horses and food animals as well as diagnostic laboratories serving the agriculture industry. The School has successfully integrated scholarship and scientific discovery with all aspects of veterinary medical education.
Visit us on-line at www.vet.upenn.edu