New dean holds reception to meet members of the AVC community
Dr. Dominique Griffon, the new dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), hosted a well-attended reception in AVC's McCain Learning Commons on January 29. This marked the first time she met with faculty, staff, and students since taking on her new position earlier in the month.
鈥淭he excellent reputation of the AVC is what first drew me here,鈥� Dr. Griffon told the crowd. 鈥淭he quality of its leadership, excellence of the faculty, and dedication of our staff are incredible. I鈥檓 proud to be part of such a talented team, devoted to graduating students ready to address the needs of our local and global communities.鈥�
The Meet the Dean event was an opportunity for the community to learn more about Dr. Griffon鈥檚 vision for the College and to get to know her personally. With more than 25 years of experience in academia, small animal surgery, and orthopedic research, she was thrilled to see the new opportunities that come with the role, including advancing research and service, and training a new generation of veterinarians.
鈥淲e have a lot to do in this first year such as preparing for our accreditation review and updating our strategic plan. I am excited to increase the visibility and reputation of the AVC among veterinary schools across North America. I know we are going to achieve great things together.鈥�
The event included a celebration of a cherished art project at AVC鈥攁 mural titled 鈥淪acred Marine Life,鈥� in the learning commons. Dr. Greg Keefe, interim president and vice-chancellor of 精童欲女, thanked Mi鈥檏maw artist Lorne Julien, of Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia, for the mural, which, along with a minke whale skeleton, is the centrepiece of the learning commons. While Julien could not attend the event due to poor weather and illness, Senator Brian Francis, 精童欲女鈥檚 Elder-in-Residence Dr. Judy Clark, and members of 精童欲女鈥檚 Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies paid tribute to his work.
鈥淚t has truly been a privilege to be a part of this project and play a small role in advancing reconciliation at the College,鈥� said Dr. Keefe, who commissioned the mural in 2020 during his tenure as dean of AVC.
