Paul J. Plummer joined the Institute of Agriculture last year as the sixth dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine
A proud alumnus, Plummer earned his bachelor’s degree in microbiology, followed by his DVM in 2000. Before returning to UT, he served as the associate dean of research and graduate studies at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he also was a professor and Anderson Endowed Chair in Veterinary Sciences. Additionally, he completed a PhD in veterinary microbiology in 2009 and currently serves as executive director of the National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education and is asked to speak to Congress on a regular basis on the topic.
Keith Carver, UTIA senior vice chancellor and senior vice president, sat down with Plummer to discuss his initial experiences and vision for the college and what it’s been like returning to Tennessee.
Keith Carver: Paul, welcome back to UTIA! While you are not a stranger to UT, can you share your first impressions of the institute and specifically the College of Veterinary Medicine?
Paul Plummer: Returning after twenty years has been an exhilarating experience, and I have so many great impressions, but the one that stands out the most is that the culture of a welcoming community that cares for others and treats them as individuals is still clearly present. That was something I very much appreciated when I was here previously, and I am very pleased to say that has not changed. What has changed have been the additions to our building—the equine performance center, the expansion of the large animal and small animal hospitals, and most recently the Teaching and Learning Center, all of which are integral to the college and its mission.
Carver: What opportunities for the college most excite you?
Plummer: To continue to grow the national recognition of the college and really tell our story. There are so many phenomenal things here where we lead the nation. We just need to tell our story so people hear that and recognize the jewel we have in Knoxville.
Carver: We have strong relationships with partners such as the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and producers and stakeholders across the state. What key messages would you like to convey to them about the college?
Plummer: That we are here to partner with them in the areas we can be of service. As a college, we treat all types of animals, but a big part of our state’s economy and a big part of what we do here at the veterinary college is treat livestock and agricultural animals. We want to be trusted partners with all those stakeholders, to work alongside them, to know that they are excited to reach out to us when they need help, and that we can rely on them when we need their input in areas they have expertise. True partnerships are key.
Carver: In your role, you also oversee the veterinary hospital. How do you envision the hospital serving our community and state?
Plummer: The major function of our hospital is as a referral center. While some of our services are primary care, we really provide that referral-level specialty care for many of our graduates and other veterinarians throughout the state and region. Our ability to provide top-level care in an academic veterinary medical center where the newest research and newest techniques are being implemented and do that in a manner that is really a partnership and an extension of veterinary practices in the region is really what we strive to be.
Carver: What are your major goals for the college over the next few years?
Plummer: Certainly, we want to continue to grow our national recognition. We have some exciting new programs we are planning to launch, so we will be continuing to work in those areas as we think about what those next steps look like. But, most importantly, as we continue to push the profession and the art of veterinary medicine forward in a manner that benefits animals and owners throughout the state, we need to continue to expand and integrate our knowledge in a manner that translates to practice so we are creating Real. Life. Solutions.
Carver: What makes Tennessee a special place for you and your family?
Plummer: It’s where my family has been since before the state existed. We settled in this area before the founding of Tennessee, so it’s really exciting to be back local with my extended family, grandparents, cousins, and certainly with our UTCVM family. I met my wife here at UTCVM.
Carver: Tell us one thing we’d be surprised to learn about you.
Plummer: I show goats, Toggenburgs, and even have had several national champions.
Explore More on
Features
MORE FROM THIS ISSUE
