Katherine Fogelberg named associate dean for professional programs at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Following a national search, veterinarian, researcher, and educator Katherine Fogelberg has been named associate dean for professional programs at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, effective July 15. This role oversees the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program and is responsible for the design, planning, operation, and assessment of that program.
Fogelberg currently serves as director of the Center for Innovation in Veterinary Education and Technology (CIVET) at Lincoln Memorial University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
" I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. It is my honor and privilege to join this incredible team in a role that provides support for students, staff, and faculty as we continue advancing the college’s pursuit of excellence and innovation in the disciplines of veterinary medicine and education.," Fogelberg said.
"Dr. Fogelberg brings an exciting combination of energy, educational background and leadership skills to guide the DVM program in this position. Dr. Fogelberg's dedication to student success combined with her focus on furthering the field of veterinary education will facilitate continued advancement of our DVM program," said Dan Givens, dean of the college.
She will succeed Jennifer Hodgson, who has served as associate dean for professional programs at the college since 2008 and will be returning to a faculty position within the department of population health sciences.
"This college owes a significant debt of gratitude to Dr. Hodgson for her dedicated service as associate dean for the past 14 years. Under her leadership, the DVM program has transitioned and matured, including a major change to a student-centered curriculum to better equip graduates for success on their first day as a veterinarian," said Givens.
The college's DVM program is designed to develop competent and confident graduates capable of entering the profession with day-one knowledge, skills, abilities and a passion for lifelong learning. The innovative curriculum combines basic and applied sciences through integrated courses based on function, emphasizes team-based learning, and offers early entry to clinics. The program's goal is to prepare the next generation of veterinary experts and leaders who are ready to protect and enhance the health of animals, people, and communities.
Garnering a reputation for excellence among prospective students, the DVM program, which welcomed its 42nd class last fall, has ranked No. 2 nationally in the number of veterinary program applicants for five consecutive years. The Class of 2025 received 1,877 applicants for 128 available seats.
As the inaugural director of CIVET, Fogelberg has been responsible for many veterinary education-related initiatives, including increasing faculty research in veterinary medical education in addition to her own research. She has built national and international cross-institutional collaborations and supported initiatives for faculty to continuously improve teaching and learning practices.
Prior to her veterinary education, Fogelberg enlisted as a noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Army before completing an undergraduate degree and earning her officer's commission. She trained more than 1,500 national and international military physicians, physician assistants, nurses, dentists, and veterinarians to perform basic battlefield medicine and field skills.
Fogelberg's breadth of experience is proof of veterinary medicine's versatility. As a veterinarian, Fogelberg has worked in zoos, conservation centers, veterinary hospitals, and private practice. She also has worked in public health, occupational health, food security, and not-for-profit organizations. Fogelberg previously directed the master’s in public health program at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, where she taught for almost 10 years.
Fogelberg also is the founder and CEO of Msomi Academy for Girls, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to partner with communities to build educational experiences that improve quality of life, empower leaders, foster collaborative relationships, and encourage reciprocal learning. Msomi Academy for Girls has supported over 900 primary school students, young women, and HIV/AIDS-positive mothers in Kenya.
Fogelberg completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and received a Master of Arts in educational leadership from St. Mary's University. She completed her DVM at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and earned a Ph.D. in science education from Texas Christian University.
