Alumna Angela Rollins to lead Small Animal Clinical Sciences

Angela Witzel Rollins, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), has been named head of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, effective July 1, 2026.

Rollins is assistant department head for small animal clinical sciences and clinical professor of nutrition at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned her bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee and later completed a small animal nutrition residency and a doctorate in comparative and experimental medicine there.

Rollins is recognized for her leadership, clinical service and research in companion animal nutrition. Before being named assistant department head, she served as section head for outpatient services, overseeing nutrition, behavior, dermatology and community practice.

“Having spent my entire career at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, stepping into this role is deeply meaningful to me,” Rollins said. “I’m proud to work alongside faculty and staff who advance discovery, share knowledge, and provide exceptional patient care every day, and I’m excited to support their work as we move forward together.”

The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences provides specialty and referral care through the John and Ann Tickle Small Animal Hospital, which treats more than 20,000 dogs, cats, birds and other small companion animals each year. The department brings together specialists across a wide range of disciplines to support patient care, teaching and research.

Beyond the University of Tennessee, Rollins has earned national recognition for her leadership in veterinary nutrition, including service as president of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition and the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. She was also selected for Lead21, a national yearlong professional development program for leaders at land-grant institutions and their strategic partners.

Paul Plummer, dean of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, said Rollins brings a distinguished record of service, scholarship and academic leadership to the role.

“Dr. Angela Rollins is a respected clinician, educator and leader whose service to our veterinary college and the profession has earned her a strong national reputation,” Plummer said. “She brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership and a deep commitment to excellence in clinical care, student training and research. I am confident she will build on the department’s many strengths and help expand its impact across our college and the profession.”

In leadership roles, Rollins has emphasized collaboration, strategic planning and faculty support. She helped build one of the nation’s leading veterinary nutrition clinical services and founded the UT Veterinary Obesity Center.

Rollins has described the department head role as one centered on advocacy, vision and support, with a focus on creating an environment where faculty can thrive while advancing the department’s teaching, research and clinical missions.

Diane Hendrix, professor of ophthalmology at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, has served as interim department head and will return to full-time clinical practice at the veterinary medical center.