Office of the Dean

Office of the Dean

The dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine is Dr. Nicholas Frank. The dean's office is home to communications and marketing, event services, financial services, and more.

Message from the Dean ITS, Communications, and Event Services Dean's Council

Message from the Dean

Dr. Frank leads a horse.Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM)! This college was established in 1974 to serve the state of Mississippi, and our first class of veterinarians graduated in 1980. Since its beginning, the CVM has been a place of learning, discovery, and service, and one of our greatest strengths is the focus we place on community. All are welcome and we pride ourselves on the family atmosphere we have here. As you explore our website, you’ll see how we are Taking Care of What Matters every day here at MSU CVM.

I invite you to look through this website and learn more about MSU CVM and the work we do. We offer outstanding degree programs in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, and graduate studies - as well as advanced training in veterinary specialties. MSU CVM conducts research that promotes and protects the health and well-being of animals, people, and the planet, all while furthering agriculture and aquatic health at the local, state, national, and international levels. Our excellent clinics and diagnostic laboratories support producers and referring veterinarians, and we provide exceptional medical care for the pets that bring us joy.  Everyone here contributes to the mission of the College, including faculty, staff, students, residents, and interns, as well as alumni and friends of the college. 

MSU CVM is proud to be a part of a world-class university that understands its role as a land grant institution, and if you are a prospective student, intern, resident, or employee, I invite you to visit us and learn more about the university, life in Mississippi, and all Starkville has to offer. Our city and state boast beautiful natural areas, affordable housing, and a wealth of extracurricular activities. Residents enjoy SEC sports, hunting and fishing, music, theatre, and volunteer organizations, as well as outstanding restaurants, festivals, and events. Mississippians are the most welcoming and friendly people in the world, and Starkville is a great place to raise a family.

Enjoy the website and consider joining us at the MSU CVM as we work together to make the future brighter. 

Dr. Nick Frank
Dean and Professor

Meet Dr. Nicholas Frank

Departments Within the Dean's Office

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Communications and Marketing

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office of the dean

Event Services

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office of the dean

CVM ITS

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The Dean's Council

In the fall of 2018, MSU CVM former Dean, Kent Hoblet announced the initiation of nineteen distinguished members to the first-ever CVM Dean’s Council. The council was established to assist the dean in key areas of promotion, growth, and sustainability of the college by providing strategic advice regarding vision, direction, and long-term planning of the college, as well as assisting in acquiring resources from private, corporate, state and federal levels and assisting with the student recruitment efforts of the college.

In addition, the council serves in an advisory capacity for the marketing and public relations efforts of the college and as an advocate of the college to university administration, the State of Mississippi, and as appropriate, on a national level.

The Dean's Council.
The Dean's Council consists of Dr. Mark Akin, Dr. Rebecca Burcham, Dr. Mikell Davis, Dr. David Dale, Dr. Robert Filgo, Dr. Emily Feeman, Dr. Susan Harper, Dr. Greg Howell, Dr. Todd Henderson, John Lewis, Dr. Rebekah List, Dr. Taylor Lyne, Karen McCord, Mike McCormick, Dr. Matt McGee, Dr. Paula Schuerer, Dr. Kevin Smith, Lynn Spruill, Dr. Wanda West, Wayne Wilkerson, Lauran Wingo, and Dr. Jared Yates.

The Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine Dean's Council gathered for its annual fall meeting Oct. 10-11, 2024. The group received updates on the Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Lab, CVM Animal Health Center, veterinary medical technology program, DVM admissions process, and development efforts. The Council also participated in a roundtable workshop with the college's communication team and had the opportunity to meet DVM students Gabbi Walters and Natalie Garcia, inaugural recipients of the Huddleston Rural Veterinary Scholarship.

On April 24-25, the group returned to CVM for its annual spring meeting, where they participated in a planning session focused on the college's new Rural Veterinary Certificate program and received updates on the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Laboratory System, CVM Enhanced Clinical Practicum program, and marketing and communication endeavors. They also had the opportunity to meet new CVM faculty.

The council gained six new members this fiscal year. Dr. Rebecca Burcham, a donor and friend of the college from Nashville, TN; Dr. Emily Freeman, a donor and friend of the college from Carmel, IN; Dr. Susan Harper from Shepardstown, WV; Dr. Matt McGee, a 1994 graduate of the college and owner of Corinth Animal Care Center; and Dr. James Yates, a 2020 graduate of the college and veterinarian with Tupelo Small Animal Hospital. The presidents of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, West Virginia Medical Association, and MSU CVM Alumni Council will now hold permanent positions on the Dean's Council, along with the president of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Association.

Selected by the dean in consultation with his senior leadership team, council members serve five-year terms (with the initial group serving staggered terms to avoid complete turnover), and the council chairman serving a two-year term. The council meets in the fall and spring each year, and members can be reappointed indefinitely by mutual agreement between them and the dean.

The Dean's Office Team