The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has appointed Colin Mitchell, BVM&S, MS, DACVS, as interim dean and Britta Leise, DVM, MS, Ph.D., DACVS, as interim head of the Veterinary Clinical Sciences department. A national search for a permanent dean will be initiated, with further details about the process and timeline to be announced later.
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Colin Mitchell's appointment as interim dean took effect on May 18, 2026. He previously served as the head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and was a professor of equine surgery at LSU since 2005. Notable for his extensive teaching and mentoring, Dr. Mitchell has developed a strong research focus in equine orthopedics. His leadership roles have included serving as medical director for large animals at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 2020 to 2023, and in 2024, he became department head, overseeing faculty affairs and departmental budgeting.
Dr. Mitchell earned his veterinary degree from the University of Edinburgh and a master’s from the University of Minnesota. He is recognized for his contributions to equine surgery and has received multiple awards, including the LSU Veterinary Medicine Faculty Service Award in 2024.
Britta Leise, effective June 15, 2026, takes over as interim head of the Veterinary Clinical Sciences department. Joining LSU's faculty in 2015, she became an assistant professor of equine surgery and was promoted to associate professor in 2020. In 2021, she became associate dean for staff and faculty advancement. Dr. Leise’s work includes dedicated clinical care in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. She is a two-time LSU graduate, having obtained both her DVM and MS from the university.
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is among 33 veterinary schools in the United States and is the only one in Louisiana, focused on enhancing the lives of animals and people through education, research, and compassionate care.