New dean holds reception to meet members of the AVC community
Dr. Dominique Griffon, the new dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), hosted a well-attended reception in AVC's McCain Learning Commons on January 29. This marked the first time she met with faculty, staff, and students since taking on her new position earlier in the month.
“The excellent reputation of the AVC is what first drew me here,” Dr. Griffon told the crowd. “The quality of its leadership, excellence of the faculty, and dedication of our staff are incredible. I’m proud to be part of such a talented team, devoted to graduating students ready to address the needs of our local and global communities.”
The Meet the Dean event was an opportunity for the community to learn more about Dr. Griffon’s vision for the College and to get to know her personally. With more than 25 years of experience in academia, small animal surgery, and orthopedic research, she was thrilled to see the new opportunities that come with the role, including advancing research and service, and training a new generation of veterinarians.
“We have a lot to do in this first year such as preparing for our accreditation review and updating our strategic plan. I am excited to increase the visibility and reputation of the AVC among veterinary schools across North America. I know we are going to achieve great things together.”
The event included a celebration of a cherished art project at AVC—a mural titled “Sacred Marine Life,” in the learning commons. Dr. Greg Keefe, interim president and vice-chancellor of UPEI, thanked Mi’kmaw artist Lorne Julien, of Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia, for the mural, which, along with a minke whale skeleton, is the centrepiece of the learning commons. While Julien could not attend the event due to poor weather and illness, Senator Brian Francis, UPEI’s Elder-in-Residence Dr. Judy Clark, and members of UPEI’s Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies paid tribute to his work.
“It has truly been a privilege to be a part of this project and play a small role in advancing reconciliation at the College,” said Dr. Keefe, who commissioned the mural in 2020 during his tenure as dean of AVC.
