Holdren Named Interim Dean of Veterinary Medicine

CORVALLIS, Ore. - A senior research administrator with six years experience at Oregon State University has been named interim dean of the institution's College of Veterinary Medicine, OSU leaders announced today.

George R. "Rich" Holdren, currently senior associate vice president of research for OSU, assumes his new responsibilities at the college immediately, said university Provost and Executive Vice President Sabah Randhawa. Holdren replaces Howard Gelberg, who had been dean since 2001 and recently transitioned to a faculty position as a professor of veterinary pathology.

"Rich brings many attributes to this position that will serve veterinary medicine programs and the university well," said Randhawa. "Rich has a reputation for high integrity and strong leadership and is fully committed to the success of the College of Veterinary Medicine."

A national search for a permanent dean will begin immediately.

Holdren has held his current post since March 2005. Prior to that, he was OSU's vice provost for research from 2001 to 2005, overseeing a staff of 22 and managing a discretionary budget of $2.2 million.

He previously held multiple science management posts at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., from 1992-2000 and ManTech Environmental Technology in Corvallis from 1985-92. During his tenure at ManTech, Holdren also served as an associate professor of crop and soil sciences at OSU, 1987-93. Holdren earned his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1977 and a bachelor's degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 1971.

Among his many leadership affiliations, Holdren is past chair of the board of directors for the Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Partnership, and he is a long-standing member of the board for the Business Enterprise Center. Nationally, Holdren has served on the executive committee of an organization that deals with research policy and graduate education.

"Over the last several years, the college has made remarkable strides in building a four-year program, in developing nationally acclaimed research programs, and in providing complete advanced care and referral services for Oregon's veterinarians," said Holdren. "It is important that we maintain that momentum through this transition period and help faculty, staff and students continue their important work. As the only college of its kind in Oregon, Veterinary Medicine provides vital education, research and service opportunities essential to the health of Oregon livestock animals and pets, as well as Oregonians themselves."

The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1975 with a mission of teaching, research and public service. It offers a full range of graduate educational coursework and degree opportunities in both large and small animal areas and is home to the Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital.