UC Davis Vet School Dean Reappointed, New Lab Director Named
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has reappointed Dean Mark Stetter to a second five-year term and appointed Heidi Reesink as director of its
The University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has announced a series of leadership and faculty appointments. Dean Mark Stetter has been reappointed for a second five-year term. The school also named a new director for its orthopedics research laboratory and welcomed a professor specializing in animal reproduction.
Mark Stetter, DVM, DACZM, will continue as dean following a comprehensive review. A committee unanimously recommended his reappointment. They cited his modernization of the school's admissions and curriculum. His efforts to recruit 50 new faculty members were also noted.
Under his leadership, the school launched a major facility expansion plan called the Limitless campaign in 2025. Fundraising that year reached more than $261 million. This surpassed the previous record of $118 million set in 2024.
"It has been a huge privilege to lead the Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, and I am deeply honored to continue serving as dean," Stetter said in a university announcement. He credited faculty, staff, students, and supporters for creating momentum.
New Orthopedics Lab Director
Heidi Reesink, VMD, PhD, DACVS-LA, is the new director of the J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedics Research Laboratory (VORL). The lab conducts multidisciplinary studies on animal musculoskeletal disorders. Reesink will provide strategic leadership for its research programs.
She will maintain relationships with industry, nonprofit, and academic partners. Her role also includes supporting philanthropic engagement. Reesink joined the school as a professor of veterinary orthopedics in March 2025. She succeeds former co-directors Denis Marcellin-Little and Damian Genetos.
Focus on Animal Reproduction
Eduardo de Souza Ribeiro, BVM, MS, PhD, has joined the Department of Population Health and Reproduction. He is an associate professor of theriogenology, which is the study of animal reproduction. Ribeiro's research focuses on reproduction and health in production livestock.
He received his veterinary degree from Santa Catarina State University in Brazil in 2008. Ribeiro earned his Master's and PhD from the University of Florida. He comes to UC Davis from the University of Guelph in Canada, where he was promoted to associate professor in 2020.
The school's announcements, made in September 2026, highlight ongoing development in veterinary education and research. These appointments aim to advance the study of animal health across different specialties.
