After 33 years at the University of Liverpool, we bid a fond farewell to Professor Susan Dawson who will leave her position as Dean of the School of Veterinary Science in January 2022.
After qualifying as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Glasgow, Susan spent several years in vet practice before joining the University of Liverpool in 1988, and went to build an impressive career in veterinary education and research in small animals, especially cats, alongside zoonotic infections and antimicrobial resistance with an impressive record of over 190 publications to date.
In 2011 Susan was appointed Dean of the School of Veterinary Science and has held responsibility for the strategic leadership of the school which incorporates teaching and research facilities across two campuses, three veterinary practices, two large referral animal hospitals and two farms.
As well as her role leading the School of Veterinary Science, Susan has made valuable contributions to the University of Liverpool and the veterinary profession. Susan was a member of the Council of the University of Liverpool for 6 years and the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS, the UK’s regulatory body for vets) for 11 years.
Across her various roles, Susan has been instrumental in developing guidance for the profession across many areas and involved in various initiatives including chairing the “Mind Matters Initiative” to consider mental health problems and how they can be addressed by the veterinary profession.
Susan is a founding member of the Veterinary Schools Council, serving a term as Chair 2019-2021 and has also been heavily involved with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), serving a term as President in 2016-17.
Under Susan’s leadership, the School of Veterinary Science has consistently ranked in the top 10 veterinary schools worldwide by QS rankings.
Paying tribute to Susan’s leadership
Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said: “Professor Susan Dawson has made an enormous contribution both to the University of Liverpool and to Veterinary Science in the UK and across the world. She has been a model good and generous citizen, both in her discipline and in University administration and leadership and had a significant impact as a member of the University Governing Council. Susan is a leader in her discipline and a significant contributor to national and international policy making in her field. We have been fortunate to have Susan as our colleague at the University and will miss her hugely.”
Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, said: “On behalf of the entire Faculty, I would like to wish Susan a long and happy retirement. Since joining the University Susan has had a profoundly positive influence on the School of Veterinary Sciences and has made significant contributions to the wider University Community and to the national and international academic landscape. As a member of the Faculty senior leadership team, Susan has contributed hugely to the future direction of the Faculty and her legacy will be long-lasting. We will all miss her professionalism, wisdom and above all, her humour and kindness and we hope that she can find time in retirement to visit her many friends in the Faculty from time to time.”
Professor Matthew Baylis, Dean of the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, said: “Susan has been a superb Dean of Vets, bringing our Vet School through a turbulent period of change over the last decade and delivering the success we see today. In particular, her leadership during the two years of the pandemic has been an inspiration. She leaves the Vet School in excellent shape, poised for even greater achievement. Susan has also been a wonderful colleague to work with and she will be deeply missed.”
After 11 very successful years as Dean of the School of Veterinary Science and 33 years at the University of Liverpool we wish Susan all the very best for the future.
The incoming new Dean, Professor Paul Lunn will take up his post on 19 January 2022.