The wait is over.

After nearly a year of searching for a dean, the College of Veterinary Medicine finally has its new leader.

Beginning Aug. 16, John Thomson, currently dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University, will take over at Iowa State.

Thomson will be replacing current College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Norm Cheville, who announced his retirement in August 2003. Cheville held the position since 2000, when he was initially selected as interim dean.

Catherine Woteki, dean of the College of Agriculture and dean search committee chairwoman, said Thomson brings with him several years of experience and a strong reputation.

“Dr. Thomson possesses extraordinary leadership and is nationally recognized in the field of veterinary medicine,” she said. “He is also a strong advocate for the role of veterinarians in public policy.”

Woteki also cited Thomson’s familiarity with Iowa and Iowa State. Thomson received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State in 1967 and was a professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine at Iowa State from 1997 to 1999.

“As a former faculty member at Iowa State and practitioner in Iowa, he is familiar with our needs,” she said.

Thomson is coming to Iowa State at a particularly important time, several faculty and staff members said. The American Veterinary Medical Association recently granted the college only limited accreditation due in part to the conditions at its hospital. That, officials said, is the biggest challenge Thomson will face.

“The physical facilities building and accreditation are the two major issues on the plate right now,” said Donald Reynolds, associate dean of the Veterinary Medical Research Institute. “It will be a big challenge, but the whole team here is ready.”

Woteki echoed Reynolds’ statement.

“The need for a new teaching hospital and renovations will be right at the top of the list of things he will be doing,” she said.

Lisa Brinkley, student services specialist for the College of Veterinary Medicine, said she remembered Thomson from his time spent as a faculty member at Iowa State.

“From what I knew of him as a faculty member he was very student friendly,” she said.

Thomson’s hiring ends what was a long search process. Alicia Carriquiry, associate provost and member of the dean search committee, said Thomson had initially been one of the committee’s top picks but withdrew his name before it could offer him an invitation. According to Daily staff reports, Thomson said he withdrew his name because at the time the college first deemed him a candidate for the position, he said, it was the 30th anniversary of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State, and he didn’t want to put a damper on the festivities.

Thomson was unavailable for comment for this article.