**AAVMC Announcement**

Dean Michael D. Lairmore was installed as President-Elect of the Association of American Veterinary Colleges (AAVMC) at the recent March meeting held in Washington DC. Elected to this office by his peers, Lairmore will assist the incoming president, Calvin Johnson, Dean-College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, with leadership duties related to the AAVMC’s mission and vision. 

The AAVMC provides leadership for and promotes excellence in academic veterinary medicine to prepare the veterinary workforce with the scientific knowledge and skills required to meet societal needs through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

The AAVMC pursues its mission by providing leadership in: 

• Advocating on behalf of academic veterinary medicine; 

• Serving as a catalyst and convener on issues of importance to academic veterinary medicine; 

• Providing information, knowledge and solutions to support members' work; and 

• Building global partnerships and coalitions to advance our collective goals. 

Beginning in March 2019, Lairmore will assume the full duties of the AAVMC president to lead the activities of AAVMC Board of Directors, develop agenda items, preside over the formal Board of Director’s and Assembly meetings, and ensure that all related association orders and resolutions are carried out. 

“It’s my honor to accept this position and contribute to the national efforts to promote veterinary education, translational research and innovative veterinary patient care through this collaborative network of veterinary leaders,” said Michael Lairmore, president-elect. “Collectively, we are committed to preparing the future veterinary workforce to address societal issues in animal and public health for which a veterinary degree provides the unique training and expertise to address.”