UTCVM Dean | College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Paul Plummer

Dean Paul Plummer wearing a blue blazer and orange tie stands in front of a sign that reads college of veterinary medicine the university of tennessee institute of agriculture — Paul Plummer, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, (pictured above) was named UTCVM’s sixth dean April 18, 2024. He joined the college in July.

Dr. Paul J. Plummer joined UTCVM after serving as the associate dean of research and graduate studies for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University as well as a professor and Anderson Endowed Chair in Veterinary Sciences in the Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine.

Plummer attributes his academic career in part to his early experiences growing up in both East Tennessee and Pennsylvania. As a youth, he spent his summers working cattle and goats on his family’s farm in Sevierville and lived there full-time during his undergraduate studies and while attending veterinary school. He also helped his uncle on veterinary farm calls. A third-generation University of Tennessee, Knoxville, alumnus, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology in 1999 and earned his DVM from the UT College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. He and his family maintain active farms today.

Dean Paul Plummer stands with 3 former veterinary faculty members and Keith Carver. — On April 24, The College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a meet and greet with Dr. Plummer. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and retirees attended the event. Joining the event, from left to right, are Drs. Al Legendre, Plummer, Becky Gompf, Bob DeNovo, and Keith Carver, **Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President,** UTIA.

Dr. Jim Thompson retired as dean of the veterinary college in December 2023 after holding that position since 2008. Dr. Bob Denovo served as interim dean from January 1, 2024 until July 21.

Plummer’s wife, Dr. Cassandra Long Plummer, is a member of the UTCVM class of 2002. She and their entire family are excited to return to East Tennessee.