Melissa Mazan, D.V.M., Diplomate ACVIM, has been appointed interim dean of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, starting September 1, 2026. She takes over from Alastair Cribb, D.V.M., Ph.D., FCAHS, and brings extensive experience from her time at Cummings School, where she has served in various roles including associate dean for professional education and director of the Isaam M. Fares Equine Sports Medicine Program.
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Mazan, an esteemed equine veterinarian and researcher, expressed her excitement about stepping into this position: “Stepping into this role comes with a real sense of awe and responsibility. I’ve spent my entire professional life here, and it’s an honor to help lead this school into its next chapter.”
A graduate of Tufts, Mazan began her veterinary career at Cummings School after earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1993, following an undergraduate degree in history from Yale University. Her career has encompassed clinical practice, research, teaching, and administration. She has become a prominent figure in equine asthma research and is a founding member of the international Equine Asthma Group.
Mazan has also directed the Tufts BAL Cytology Laboratory, contributing to equine health nationwide. Her leadership in veterinary education has involved redesigning the school's curriculum to keep pace with the evolving demands of the profession. “The curriculum wasn’t broken,” she noted, “but veterinary medicine continues to evolve.” The revamped curriculum focuses on clinical reasoning, communication, and hands-on experiences for students.
As interim dean, Mazan aims to support Cummings School's core missions and enhance its Strategic Vision 2030 objectives, which include exceptional education and transformative research. She highlighted the school's recent ranking achievements, including #22 globally and #11 in the United States in the QS World University Rankings for Veterinary Science, as motivation to strive for even higher excellence.
Mazan's focus will extend to investing in faculty success and supporting research initiatives. She plans to champion the development of the Veterinary Clinical Education Center alongside other facility improvements. This, she believes, will enhance the training of veterinary clinicians and support vital research endeavors.
Mazan emphasized the importance of a collaborative atmosphere at Cummings School, stating, “When you have talented people, you have to give them the support and the stage to succeed.” With her longstanding dedication to the institution, she is enthusiastic about shaping its future. “This school has been my home for a very long time,” Mazan said, reflecting on her commitment to the next generation of veterinary leaders.