Ross University names new Dean

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 26TH 2011 (CUOPM) – Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts is getting a new Dean.

Dr. Elaine Watson, who has served as veterinary school dean at the University of Edinburgh since 2003, will assume her new duties on February 1, 2012. She will replacing Dr. David DeYoung, who announced his retirement in August after eight years at Ross’ helm.

A professor of veterinary reproduction, Watson earned a PhD from the University of Bristol and a doctorate in science from the University of Edinburgh.

She was the Jeanne Marchig Professorial Fellow of International Animal Welfare and served as a consultant to international veterinary programs and foundations, including City University in Hong Kong and the AAVMC-World Bank Taskforce to assess veterinary education in developing countries around the world.

At Edinburgh, Watson initiated a $200 million development project to create the Easter Bush Campus, which represents the highest concentration of animal scientists and veterinarians in Europe.

She also developed the first strategic relationship between a pharmaceutical company (Pfizer Animal Health) and a veterinary school. In addition, she is credited with obtaining necessary funding for the world’s first International Centre in Animal Welfare Education.