New Vet School Head to lead Equine Centre development

New Vet School Head, Professor Kym Abbott
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Friday, 16 December 2011

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha today announced the appointment of Professor Kym Abbott as Head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

Professor Abbott, who has been acting in the role since July, will commence in the position immediately, overseeing more than 500 students and 100 staff based at the Roseworthy Campus.

As an academic and a clinician, Professor Abbott is very well regarded, enjoying strong links to the veterinary industry.

He is a former president and current member of the Australian Veterinary Association's Sheep Special Interest Group, and is a widely published researcher on ovine health in Australia and internationally.

"Professor Abbott's appointment is a boon for the University. His experience and judgement will be crucial in leading our Vet School through the next phase of its development," said Professor McWha. "He has tremendous judgment and a great sensibility for working with his staff and students.

"It's an exciting time, as the foundation group of Vet students progress through their studies."

Professor Abbott grew up in Adelaide before moving to Melbourne for his undergraduate veterinary studies.

"I am very happy to be back in South Australia, especially now that the long-awaited and only Vet School in South Australia is up and running. Taking on the leadership of the School is a wonderful opportunity to give back to both the University and the industry," Professor Abbott said. "It is incredibly rewarding to foster the next generation of students on their way to a career in professional veterinary practice."

As part of the University's commitment to developing purpose-built infrastructure at the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, work will commence on a new $10 million Equine Health Centre at Roseworthy Campus in 2012. This facility will support teaching, research and clinical work.

"With a dedicated equine health centre, in addition to our small animal, marine and production animal capabilities and our large animal mobile clinical services, the School will rate among the very best in Australia," said Professor Abbott.

A University of Melbourne graduate, Professor Abbott spent nearly two decades in mixed and sheep/cattle consulting veterinary practices before spearheading the development of Charles Sturt University's new veterinary science program, becoming Head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences in 2006.

Professor Abbott joined the staff at the University of Adelaide in January 2011 as Professor of Sheep Health and coordinator of the new postgraduate professional program - the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

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