Farewell and Thank You Note from Paul Gibbs

Paul Gibbs, Director

For the last four and a half years I have been dividing my time between the Directorship of the University of Florida’s International Center and my veterinary work in the College of Veterinary Medicine. During this time, UFIC has grown in step with the expansion of the University and the acceleration of international higher education. In response to a review of the role of UFIC conducted in the fall, the Provost decided to seek a Dean for International Programs to provide full-time leadership; a national search is currently in progress.

When this decision to seek a dean was taken, it was mutually agreed between the Provost and myself that I would return full time to my veterinary duties on July 1st, or upon the appointment of the dean, which ever came first.

Now that July the 1st is only a few days away, I should like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support of the International Center during my tenure as Director. It has been a greatly enjoyable challenge that has further confirmed my view that UF is a truly international university in both scope and action.

Upon my return to the College of Veterinary Medicine, I am looking forward to exploring an earlier concept of developing a Center for Vaccinology on campus.