Arkansas State University in Jonesboro announced the hiring of Dr. Heidi E. Cox Banse as dean of its forthcoming veterinary college.
She joins A-State from Louisiana State University, where she led the implementation and redesign of a competency-based curriculum as associate dean for educational strategy.
In her new role, Banse will be the chief administrative officer for the A-State College of Veterinary Medicine and oversee the college’s missions, including teaching, research and service. Her primary duties also include oversight of all academic programs associated with the college, veterinary residency rotation, and budget management.
The veterinary college is on track to admit its first class of students in fall 2026.
“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the establishment of A-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine,” Banse said in a statement. “I am looking forward to continuing to develop this school with the amazing team at A-State.”
She continued: “It is an honor to be leading this effort. I am so grateful for the solid foundation that has been laid thus far. It is so exciting to think about the opportunities.”
Founding dean Dr. Glen Hoffsis will continue to support the development of the college alongside Banse, A-State said in a news release.
Banse is a member of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Council on Outcomes-based Veterinary Education and Spectrum of Care Initiative.
Her educational research has focused on clinical skills and curriculum development. Her clinical research focus has been mechanisms of equine glandular gastric disease and endocrine disorders in horses.
Banse holds a bachelor’s and doctorate in veterinary medicine from Washington Stat University. She completed a dual residency and doctoral program at Oklahoma State University in equine internal medicine and veterinary biomedical sciences.
The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board last year approved A-State’s plans for the college, which include the possibility of 40 new faculty and staff positions. More recently, the Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission approved A-State’s request to offer a 152-credit-hour Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. The final step will be accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association. The group’s council on education is scheduled to visit A-State in July.
The veterinary college is one of two in development in Arkansas. Lyon College in Batesville announced plans to open a veterinary school in downtown Little Rock but is still looking for a site for the campus.
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