TO LEAD A ND SHAPE THE FUTUR E OF HIGHER EDUCATION

AUBURN UNIVERSITY’S VISION STATEMENT, 2019-2024 STRATEGIC PLAN

This spring, I had the privilege of hosting a reception for 14 new faculty who joined the College of Veterinary Medicine over the past year. They represent an array of disciplines, faculty ranks, and degree-granting institutions. The process of recruiting faculty to Auburn is usually successful, particularly after an on-campus visit, because the College of Veterinary Medicine is an appealing workplace and the Loveliest Village on the Plains sells itself as a home. Also during the spring, we filled the CVM Student Class of 2023, which will be 130 students strong. They represent at least 19 states, with the majority being from Alabama (41) and Kentucky (38). The Class of 2023 will begin freshman orientation August 6, and fall classes will start August 12, 2019.

This spring, I had the privilege of hosting a reception for 14 new faculty who joined the College of Veterinary Medicine over the past year. They represent an array of disciplines, faculty ranks, and degree-granting institutions. The process of recruiting faculty to Auburn is usually successful, particularly after an on-campus visit, because the College of Veterinary Medicine is an appealing workplace and the Loveliest Village on the Plains sells itself as a home. Also during the spring, we filled the CVM Student Class of 2023, which will be 130 students strong. They represent at least 19 states, with the majority being from Alabama (41) and Kentucky (38). The Class of 2023 will begin freshman orientation August 6, and fall classes will start August 12, 2019.

Auburn has always taken great pride in the value proposition of its veterinary education, i.e., the cost of attendance at Auburn is relatively low, while the value of an Auburn DVM is relatively high, as measured through board exam pass rates, employment rates, starting salaries, and a curriculum that cultivates “readiness to practice”. The veterinary curriculum, while

costly to deliver, provides an unrivaled learning opportunity that bridges the basic sciences and a nationally leading veterinary teaching hospital. Equally important, veterinarians in the private sector facilitate the transition of students into the workplace through mentorship and added practical education.

This formula has worked well for generations of Auburn graduates. It is one that will be sustained by our alumni’s continuing engagement, our advocacy for higher education funding, and the University’s recognition of the College of Veterinary Medicine as a core contributor to Auburn University’s land-grant mission.

The College’s important position in relation to Auburn University’s national reputation was confirmed by a survey conducted by Auburn MBA students in cooperation with Fox Sports and Auburn Athletics. Randomly selected national participants without a known connection to Auburn University were asked the following question: “What academic disciplines do you associate with Auburn University?” A total of 634 responses revealed the following top four disciplines:

• 1% – Veterinary Medicine
• 40% – Engineering
• 38% – Agriculture
• 35% – Business

Surprising? No. Motivating? Yes. I thank all who advance the College’s reputation through their fine work, and for those who advocate for the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine across the nation and around the globe. It makes a BIG difference when the College of Veterinary Medicine is recognized by the public as a premier program. Please visit veterinariansopendoors.com for clues on why this is the case.

War Eagle!

Dean Calvin Johnson '86