Heidi Banse Named Dean for College of Veterinary Medicine at A-State
JONESBORO – The search for a dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Arkansas State University has concluded with selection of a top leader in the field.
Dr. Heidi E. Cox Banse has accepted the role as head of the forthcoming CVM and is looking forward to leading future students in the field of veterinary medicine.
“The campus search committee charged with identifying exceptionally qualified candidates produced that and considerably more,” said Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor. “Chancellor Shields and I were extremely impressed by the caliber of applicants, which speaks to the committee’s diligence, the desirability to be a part of this transformational opportunity, and ultimately Dr. Banse’s expertise and administrative experience.”
Banse brings a wealth of knowledge and is uniquely prepared for the challenge of bringing Arkansas’ first and only veterinary school to fruition from her time working as associate dean for education strategy at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the establishment of A-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. I am looking forward to continuing to develop this school with the amazing team at A-State,” said Banse.
Banse graduated with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine in 2004 and with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2007, both from Washington State University. She completed an internship in large animal medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia. She then completed a dual residency and doctoral program at Oklahoma State University in equine internal medicine and veterinary biomedical sciences.
"I am grateful to Provost Calvin White, Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance, Administration and COO Len Frey, Founding Dean Glen Hoffsis, Associate Dean John Weale and consultant Jim Lloyd for all of the work they have put in so far in planning and preparation,” added Banse.
In this role, Banse will be the chief administrative officer for the CVM. She will oversee the college's missions, including teaching, research and service. Her primary duties also include oversight of all academic programs associated with the CVM, veterinary residency rotation, managing budgets, and other resources.
"It is an honor to be leading this effort. I am so grateful for the solid foundation that has been laid thus far. It is so exciting to think about the opportunities this will provide for aspiring Arkansas veterinary students,” continued Banse.
While at LSU, Banse led the implementation and redesign of a competency-based curriculum. She is a member of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Council on Outcomes-based Veterinary Education and Spectrum of Care Initiative.
Provost White shared that he is looking forward to Banse’s development of a student-centered program that trains veterinary graduates who are prepared to enter into practice and serve an otherwise unserved and imperative industry for the state, region and nation.
Banse’s educational research has focused on clinical skills and curriculum development. Her clinical research focus has been mechanisms of equine glandular gastric disease and endocrine disorders in horses.
“The enthusiasm of the A-State community for the CVM is phenomenal. I am excited to develop teaching and research collaborations across campus. I am looking forward to partnering with the Arkansas veterinary community to help ensure our students are prepared to enter into practice and serve the veterinary needs of the state of Arkansas,” said Banse.
A-State's plan to establish a College of Veterinary Medicine and its outline for the school, including the potential of 40 new faculty and staff positions for the program, have been approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The program of study, in addition to individual program requirements and courses, has been approved by the state board.
More recently, the Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission approved A-State’s request to offer a 152-credit-hour Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. The next step will be a visit from the American Veterinary Medical Association's Council on Education, the world’s leading accrediting body for colleges and veterinary medicine, in July of this year.
“In short, this addition to our diverse curriculum offerings and service to the state represents a historic opportunity. This is further evidence that A-State is committed to meeting the needs of our state and communities,” said White.
Founding Dean Dr. Glen Hoffsis will continue to support the process in the development of the CVM at A-State alongside Banse. The current goal is to admit the first cohort of students in 2026. The CVM at A-State will provide much needed opportunities for students to study veterinary medicine in the state and meet the projected needs for Arkansas and surrounding areas.
