Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Mark Stetter
Dr. Mark Stetter is Dean and Professor at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the nation’s top-ranked veterinary program for more than a decade. As dean, he provides strategic leadership across education, research, and clinical service, advancing the school’s mission to improve animal, human, and environmental health on a global scale. Under his leadership, the school has achieved record-breaking growth in research funding and philanthropy, strengthening its ability to drive innovation and societal impact.
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and discovery, housing world-renowned centers and institutes such as the Center for Equine Health, Center for Companion Animal Health, Veterinary Center for Clinical Trials, California Raptor Center, Karen Drayer Wildlife Health Center, and the One Health Institute. Together, these programs support more than 2,500 faculty, staff, and students and reflect the school’s commitment to solutions that extend far beyond California to address global challenges in health, sustainability, and food systems.
Prior to UC Davis, Dr. Stetter served for a decade as Dean and Professor at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where he guided transformational growth in academic programs, research, and partnerships. Earlier in his career, he brought a unique operational and leadership perspective to higher education through his work with The Walt Disney Company, serving as a veterinarian and executive at Walt Disney World. As Director of Animal Operations, he oversaw animal care and guest experience across Disney’s Animal Kingdom and other animal facilities, leading complex, mission-driven teams at global scale.
A board-certified specialist in zoo and wildlife medicine and a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine, Dr. Stetter’s scholarly work reflects his commitment to advancing veterinary medicine across species and disciplines. His research has focused on minimally invasive surgery in non-domestic species, diagnostic imaging of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, and infectious diseases of zoological species, resulting in more than 100 scientific publications and presentations.
Dr. Stetter is widely recognized for his leadership beyond the academy. He currently serves on the University of California Global Health Institute and the University of California President’s Agriculture Council, contributing to system-wide initiatives at the intersection of health, food systems, and sustainability. His previous service includes leadership and board roles with PetSmart Charities, the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, the American College of Zoological Medicine, and the Morris Animal Foundation, reflecting a career dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession and its role in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
Dr. Stetter has been very active in a variety of professional organizations, including service as President of the American College of Zoological Medicine. Currently, Dr. Stetter serves as Treasurer for the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges and on the Board of Directors for PetSmart Charities.