Melissa Mazan Takes Over as Interim Dean of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Mazan grew up in the countryside, accustomed to early mornings spent caring for horses. Initially, she pursued a degree in history from Yale University and later enrolled in a Ph.D. program in English political history at Oxford University. However, she realized that this path did not align with her aspirations. "I got to the point where I was one of the world’s experts on a two-week period in about 1608 in England," Mazan noted, reflecting on her academic focus.

Her interest in veterinary medicine was rekindled during her time at Oxford, where she was captain of the polo teams. An experience tending to an injured pony reignited her passion for animal care. "I remembered that as a kid and in high school I wanted to be a vet, and I had abandoned that," Mazan said. This epiphany led her to reevaluate her career choices after a pivotal conversation with a friend.

Determined to pursue veterinary medicine, Mazan returned to academics, taking prerequisite STEM courses at the University of Connecticut while tutoring. She found a newfound passion for science, stating, "I fell in love with every bit of science, and it was so easy to learn compared to history and the literature courses that I took."

Mazan later attended Tufts University to study veterinary science at the Cummings School, describing the experience as intimate and supportive. She faced financial challenges during her education, coining the term “Three P’s of Poverty” to refer to her budget meals.

Focusing on equine surgery, Mazan gained extensive experience in a high-demand residency. This led to further studies in large animal internal medicine at Tufts after expressing interest in surgical research. Her work includes balancing clinical duties, teaching, and research, particularly in equine sports medicine and human health related to emphysema.

As interim dean, Mazan emphasizes her extensive experiences to connect with both students and clinicians, understanding the demands of veterinary practice. She aims to enhance the school's community involvement and educational outreach.

Addressing the school’s financial health, Mazan noted its steady performance despite challenging federal funding conditions. The hospital exceeded its capacity, treating nearly 35,000 small animals last year, although designed for 10,000.

Plans for a new Veterinary Learning Center on the North Grafton campus are underway, scheduled to open in summer 2027. This facility will include student commons, group areas, and amenities to foster collaboration.

Mazan is also introducing a new program named Jumbo Care, focused on preventive care for students and staff, alongside a revamped curriculum for the incoming class of 2029, emphasizing hands-on, small-group learning.

In sharing her journey, Mazan hopes to inspire students to pursue their passions, reminding them that it is acceptable to change paths and follow what truly interests them.