PHILADELPHIA -- Joan Hendricks has been appointed to a second term as dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

The announcement was made by Penn President Amy Gutmann and Provost Vincent Price.  Hendricks’ second term will run through June 30, 2018.

Hendricks’ first term as dean was marked by a series of unprecedented budgetary and financial challenges for the School of Veterinary Medicine, following the economic downturn in 2008 and subsequent reductions in Commonwealth support.

“Despite these difficult challenges, under Dean Hendricks’ leadership, Penn Vet has maintained its international reputation and renewed its forward momentum,” Gutmann said.  “Provost Price and I look forward to working closely with Dean Hendricks in the years ahead as the School of Veterinary Medicine works to build on the significant progress already made and to achieve even greater eminence and success.”

During her time as dean, Hendricks has balanced the School’s budget; sustained its highly regarded teaching, research and clinical programs; opened new, modern facilities; committed the School to transparent and consultative management; begun important initiatives to strengthen the School’s administrative infrastructure; and strengthened the School’s important relationships around campus and especially in Harrisburg. 

“Dean Hendricks performed commendably in her first term despite the extraordinary challenges faced by Penn Vet,” Price said.  “We are confident that she is the academic leader best able to work with the School’s faculty and the University administration to articulate a future vision for the School and to develop and implement the plans necessary to realize it.”

Hendricks, who holds both Ph.D. and V.M.D. degrees, has been the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Penn Vet since Jan. 1, 2006.