College names new executive associate dean

Dr. Chris Adin
Dr. Chris Adin

Christopher Adin, D.V.M., a professor of small animal surgery and an administrator at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, has been named the college’s new executive associate dean.

The college’s dean, Dana Zimmel, D.V.M., announced the appointment.

“Dr. Adin is a perfect fit for this position, and I am thrilled that he will be contributing his administrative talents in this important role,” Zimmel said.

Currently chair of the college’s department of small animal clinical sciences, Adin previously served on the UF faculty as an assistant professor of small animal surgery between 2001 and 2006. He held academic positions at The Ohio State University and North Carolina State University’s colleges of Veterinary Medicine before returning to UF in 2018 to accept the small animal clinical sciences position.

A board-certified small animal surgeon, Adin received his D.V.M. from Cornell University in 1996. He completed a residency in small animal surgery and a fellowship in hemodialysis and renal medicine at the University of California, Davis College of Veterinary Medicine.

His research program has focused on improving outcomes in organ and cellular transplantation through manipulation of naturally occurring antioxidant pathways. His creative clinical skills are evidenced in part by his invention of a canine artificial urethral sphincter that is used in small animal surgery practices around the world. Adin also has trained more than 1,500 veterinary students in basic surgical skills over thousands of hours during his academic career.

The recipient of Ohio State’s class of 2015’s Excellence in Teaching Award, Adin was nominated for the Zoetis Teaching Award while at OSU and at NC State. In addition, he served as an associate editor for the journal Veterinary Surgery from 2015-2018.

While at UF, Adin has led the department of small animal clinical sciences through a time of rapid growth, overseeing the hiring of 28 faculty veterinarians and the promotion of 18 existing faculty. Working with the college’s development team, he has helped expand donor support, with over $7 million in contributions to fund clinical and research related missions. His focus on faculty well-being has led to several important changes, such as revised college promotion and tenure guidelines, validated tools to measure burnout among veterinary academic faculty, and enhanced diversity and inclusion in the department and college.

As executive associate dean, Adin will provide support for all aspects of college administration, with a focus on faculty recruitment, operations and the implementation of strategic initiatives.

Adin’s appointment is effective Oct. 17. Longtime college faculty member Caryn Plummer, D.V.M., a professor of veterinary ophthalmology, will serve as interim chair of small animal clinical sciences while the college conducts a national search for Adin’s replacement.