New dean appointed at Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine

Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner recently announced the appointment of Dr. Carolyn Henry as dean of the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine, effective March 1, as the college continues to develop its veterinary medicine program in Cabot.

Henry is director of the Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Established in 2005, the center focuses on research related to the health benefits of human-animal relationships.

“I am blessed with this amazing opportunity to lead a new school of veterinary medicine built from the ground up – one that leverages the agility of a private college to rapidly adopt new technologies, recruit faculty deeply committed to student success, and foster a culture of excellence, integrity and optimism that shapes the future of the veterinary profession,” Henry said.

Henry previously served six years as dean of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and earlier as associate dean of research and graduate studies, where she championed a One Health approach to health and wellness, a collaborative framework that recognizes that the health of people, animals and the environment are interconnected.

She is a veterinary oncologist and has been board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine for more than 30 years. She has served as president of the Veterinary Cancer Society and the ACVIM Specialty of Oncology. Her clinical experience includes general practice, veterinary emergency medicine, cancer care and veterinary clinical trials.

Since 2017, Henry has served on the advisory board of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, which connects academic institutions and industry partners in animal health. She has also advised academic institutions on the development of new veterinary schools through consulting work with Planned Serendipity Consulting™.

“Dr. Henry brings extensive experience in veterinary education, research and academic leadership,” said Dr. Taverner. “Her understanding of the One Health approach and her firsthand experience with accreditation and program development will be essential as Lyon College prepares its School of Veterinary Medicine for students and for the communities it will serve.”

Founding Dean Dr. Eleanor Green will continue to support development of the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine and will work with Henry as the program advances.

“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Green for her vision and steady leadership in laying the foundation for the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine,” said Taverner. “Her guidance during the formative stages of this program has been instrumental, and her continued involvement will ensure a strong and thoughtful transition as we move forward.”

The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will be co-located with Cabot Animal Support Services on a campus under construction. Lyon College has partnered with the city of Cabot to support the program’s development, providing access to facilities, community connections, and opportunities for students to engage in public and animal health initiatives.

The school is scheduled to undergo a comprehensive accreditation site visit by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education on Aug. 9–13. Pending accreditation, Lyon College plans to admit its first cohort of 120 students in 2027.