A Legacy of Growth: Dean Dori Borjesson Announces Retirement from WSU College of Veterinary Medicine

By WSU Communications Editorial Team
July 16, 2026

In a poignant announcement that marks the end of an era for one of the nation’s premier veterinary institutions, Dori Borjesson, Dean of the Washington State University (WSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, has declared her intent to retire. After a transformative six-year tenure that has reshaped the landscape of veterinary education, research, and public health outreach in the Pacific Northwest, Borjesson will step down in the spring of 2027.

The announcement, delivered to the college community this week, signals a period of transition as the university prepares to launch a national search for her successor. While the departure is slated for next year, Borjesson has committed to remaining in her post through the search process to ensure institutional stability and the completion of key strategic initiatives.

A Tenure Defined by Progress and Partnership

Since assuming the deanship, Borjesson has navigated the College of Veterinary Medicine through a period of significant growth and structural evolution. Her leadership has been characterized by a philosophy of transparency and a deep-seated commitment to "discovery, teaching, and community engagement."

Reflecting on her time at the helm, Borjesson described the role as a "perfect match" for her professional passions. "Being dean at this college, in the Palouse, so full of programs and people that align with my love of veterinary medicine… has been a tremendous opportunity," she noted.

The Chronology of Transformation

• 2021–2022: Establishing the Foundation. Upon her arrival, Borjesson prioritized the development of a long-term strategic plan, authored by the faculty, staff, and student body. This plan became the blueprint for the college’s subsequent investments in infrastructure and curriculum.
• 2023–2024: Infrastructure and Accreditation. Under her guidance, the college successfully navigated the complexities of full veterinary medicine accreditation. This period also saw the modernization of simulation spaces and significant capital investment in hospital facilities, ensuring students receive a "learn-by-doing" experience that mirrors modern clinical standards.
• 2025: Expanding the Global and Public Health Footprint. Borjesson oversaw the expansion of the college’s Global Health program and the solidification of its Public Health curriculum, which is specifically designed to reach rural and underserved communities—a critical mandate for a land-grant university.
• 2026: Consolidation and Legacy. The current year has been marked by the celebration of the college’s 125th anniversary, highlighted by the sealing of a time capsule intended for opening in 2099, symbolizing the college’s long-term vision.

Supporting Data: A Thriving Research and Clinical Enterprise

Borjesson’s tenure has not only been about administrative oversight but also about driving quantitative growth in the college’s output. Under her leadership, the research enterprise at the College of Veterinary Medicine has maintained a high national ranking, fueled by consistent grant funding and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

The college’s diagnostic laboratory—a cornerstone of regional biosecurity and animal health—has seen increased engagement with both state and federal stakeholders. This, combined with a robust advancement program that has fostered deeper partnerships with donors and alumni, has provided the college with the financial flexibility to innovate in an increasingly competitive academic market.

Furthermore, the emphasis on a diverse leadership pipeline has yielded measurable results. Borjesson has been a vocal proponent of gender equity in academic administration, and today, women lead at every level within the college, from departmental chairs to research directors.

The Human Element: Leadership Through Trust

Perhaps the most significant legacy Borjesson leaves behind is the culture of the college. By fostering an environment built on "trust, open communication, and transparency," she has cultivated a leadership team that is highly resilient.

"None of that will change," Borjesson emphasized in her farewell address, noting that the systems of governance she helped build are designed to outlast any single administration. Her approach to leadership has been described by colleagues as "stabilizing," providing a steady hand during the logistical challenges of academic expansion and the evolving demands of the veterinary profession.

Implications for the Future of WSU Veterinary Medicine

The upcoming departure of a dean of Borjesson’s caliber creates a pivotal moment for WSU. The Provost’s Office is expected to initiate a national search by early September 2026, seeking a successor who can build upon the momentum of the current strategic plan.

Challenges and Opportunities for the Next Dean

The next dean will inherit a college that is in a strong position, but they will also face the inevitable challenges of the modern veterinary field:

1. Workforce Shortages: The demand for veterinary professionals remains at an all-time high, particularly in rural and large-animal medicine. The next leader must continue to refine the college’s pipeline programs to address this deficit.
2. Technological Integration: As AI and advanced diagnostics become standard, the integration of these technologies into the classroom and the clinical setting will require sustained capital investment.
3. Regional Integration: Maintaining the strong ties with state and federal leaders that Borjesson nurtured will be essential for the continued success of the diagnostic lab and public health initiatives.

Official Responses and University Outlook

While the university community expresses sadness at her departure, the consensus is one of optimism regarding the college’s trajectory. WSU leadership has characterized the university’s commitment to the College of Veterinary Medicine as "unwavering."

"The university’s commitment to this college is unwavering, and so is mine," Borjesson stated, addressing concerns about a leadership vacuum. She remains confident that the "bright future" she predicted for the college last year is not merely a sentiment, but a reflection of the current reality.

For the faculty and students, the news serves as a call to finalize ongoing projects and solidify the achievements of the last half-decade. Borjesson, meanwhile, looks forward to a transition to her home in southern Oregon, where she plans to trade the pressures of administrative life for more time with her family and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Will Endure

As the college enters this period of transition, the focus remains on the mission. The 125th-anniversary time capsule—a project overseen during her tenure—serves as a metaphor for Borjesson’s deanship: she has worked not just for the immediate term, but for the century to come.

By the time the next dean arrives, the College of Veterinary Medicine will be well-positioned to continue its role as a beacon of scientific discovery and educational excellence. For now, it is business as usual at the Palouse, with a leader who remains fully committed to the institution until her final day in office.

As Borjesson herself concluded in her final public message to the campus: "This is nowhere near goodbye… Go Cougs."