Colorado State University (CSU) is naming Mark Stetter, recent director of animal operations for Walt Disney Co., as the new dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, CSU announced Jan. 4, 2012.

 

Stetter will become the new dean in May.

"I cannot tell you how honored and excited I am to have been selected as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences," Stetter said in a news release. "The college does so many incredible things to help animals, help people and help the planet. I look forward to joining the CSU team and helping the college achieve even more great things."

As director of animal operations at Disney, Stetter was responsible for a multi-million dollar budget and oversaw the care of 15,000 animals around the world, according to a letter to the selection committee. Under his leadership, Disney’s Animal Kingdom raised funds for and started construction for a new avian care complex. He also developed and chaired Walt Disney World’s Animal Care and Welfare Committee.

 

Stetter is also president and founder of the Elephant Population Management Program.

His primary areas of research have focused on the application of new medical technologies for use in non-domestic species, according to his application for the position. His early research investigated the use of ultrasonography in fish, reptiles and amphibians.

 

Setter is a member of the American College of Zoological Medicine’s executive board, and currently chairs the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Research Committee. In the past, Setter has worked as a veterinarian at the Bronx and Central Park zoos and the New York Aquarium.

 

"Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is one of the best in the world, with top-flight faculty and academic programs," said CSU President Tony Frank in a news release. "In seeking the next dean, we wanted someone with vision, leadership, research and administrative experience to advance the college’s research, support faculty achievement, engage alumni and constituents, and provide extraordinary education to our students. We found those qualities in Mark, and I am pleased to welcome him to Colorado State."

 

Stetter will replace Lance Perryman in May. Perryman is retiring after serving as dean since October 2001.

 

Read more about Stetters experience.