Arkansas State University has selected a founding dean for The College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Glen Hoffsis agreed to serve as founding dean. 

Previously, Hoffsis served as dean of the colleges of veterinary medicine at Ohio State University and the University of Florida. He was also the founding dean at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.  

He said in leading large numbers of people he treats everyone with kindness and respect.

“I’m pretty driven in terms of what we need to accomplish as a college,” Hoffsis said. “But at the same time, I want to have enjoyment and fulfillment as we’re doing that. I always thought people were happier when they were really busy.”  

Hoffsis graduated from OSU in the ‘60s but said the principles he learned are lasting.  

He grew up on a farm with all classes of livestock. He said the most educated person in his community he knew was the local veterinarian, Robert Knaptenberger.  

“As a little kid, I was just enthralled with how somebody could know all that stuff. What a storehouse of knowledge he was. I decided, right then and there, that would be a great thing to do with my love of animals, coupled with my love of science and knowledge,” Hoffsis said.  

He started his career in veterinary science as a cattle disease specialist.  

“He has tremendous knowledge on what it takes to start a med school,” said Donald Kennedy, associate dean of the College of Agriculture. “I was very, very excited when he was named 

the founding dean of the veterinary school here at Arkansas State. I feel like we’re in good hands to get this thing rolling.”  

Jessica Mays, a junior pre-vet major from Cherry Valley, Arkansas, said Hoffsis spoke to her animal science class.  

“I like him. I think he’s very informative,” Mays said. “It made me excited that he’s the one making sure this vet school gets opened up.”  

Mays said she plans to enroll in the veterinary school when it starts accepting students.  

Hoffsis will receive a yearly salary of $300,000 and he will move into a senior faculty role when the next dean is hired, receiving a yearly salary of $220,000. 

Hoffsis said he doesn’t have any pets currently because of how much he travels but his favorite animal is a cow with good genetics but he likes all animals except for snakes.  

He enjoys traveling and each year does cattle round up on a ranch in Wyoming.  

Hoffsis said he considers himself a lifelong learner. In his free time, he likes to read biographies and nonfiction.  

Hoffis is married to Lana Hoffsis from Columbus, Ohio. The couple has four sons- Chris, Brian, Ken and Eric and 11 grandchildren.

Categories: News