Dr. Sarah Hooper Joins CVM as Associate Dean for Student Programs and Admissions
JONESBORO — The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Arkansas State University is adding another key position. Dr. Sarah Hooper will be taking on the new role of associate dean for student programs and admissions on March 1.
“Hooper fills a key role for our program development, as she will be overseeing the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) student experience from recruitment to graduation. We are thrilled to have her on board,” said Dr. Heidi Banse, dean of the CVM.
Hooper earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Georgia. She then received a National Institutes of Health T-32 training grant through the Comparative Medicine Program at the University of Missouri where she completed her residency and a doctoral degree in pathobiology.
“I am excited to serve in a role that allows me to tap into my two greatest passions: being part of a team dedicated to providing an outstanding veterinary education and supporting students through one of the most challenging academic journeys they will undertake,” said Hooper.
Hooper has served as the director of the Research Center for Veterinary Medical Education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine where she has been an associate professor in physiology.
“We are excited about her evidence-based approach to student admissions strategy, which will help ensure we are recruiting and admitting applicants that are most likely to be successful in our DVM program,” Banse continued.
Hooper is recognized as a leader in veterinary education. Her research has explored the intersection of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and veterinary education, which has driven innovation in student success and curriculum development.
She said she’s looking forward to joining the developing team at the CVM to build a strong program that students can attend in the future to make their dreams of becoming a veterinarian in Arkansas come true.
“Staying close to home offers DVM candidates significant advantages, including remaining connected with their families, spouses or partners, and veterinary mentors who support them throughout their education,” Hooper added.
“These are a few of the reasons why I was drawn to this incredible opportunity to help establish Arkansas’ first public veterinary college. A-State will provide an excellent education tailored to meeting the veterinary care needs of Arkansas and the surrounding states.”
Banse said they will continue to add positions to the CVM over the next year and will be adding key faculty positions to refine and deliver the curriculum for the first year which will include clinical skills, professional skills, and anatomy.
The groundbreaking for the CVM is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12.
