WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will be led by a woman for the first time

In the school’s 120-year history, Washington State University’s (WSU’s) College of Veterinary Medicine has just appointed its first-ever female dean.

Dr. Dori Borjesson is one of just 11 women who are deans of the 32 veterinary colleges in the country.

“I didn’t anticipate it, but this means a lot to a lot of people,” Dr. Borjesson said.

“It speaks to the fact that if you don’t see anyone like you or see anyone that has traveled paths similar to yours in leadership positions, it’s hard to believe you can accomplish those goals.”

Dr. Borjesson is a board- certified veterinary clinical pathologist who started veterinary school at age 27.

“In college, I decided I didn’t want to be a veterinarian. I wanted to change the world instead,” she said.

Dr. Borjesson believes strongly in the human-animal bond and is working to diversify the veterinary profession.

“It’s not just a WSU issue, it’s a veterinary medicine issue. The profession as a whole is a white profession. It’s one of the whitest professions and there has been a lot written about that,” she said.

“It doesn’t feel very welcoming to others, I suspect.”