LSU Vet Med names interim dean and department head

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has appointed Colin Mitchell, BVM&S, MS, DACVS, as interim dean, and Britta Leise, DVM, MS (LSU 2002, 1997), Ph.D., DACVS, as interim head of the Veterinary Clinical Sciences department. LSU will launch a competitive national search for the next permanent dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. Details about the search process and timeline will be announced at a later date.

Colin Mitchell

Dr. Mitchell was appointed interim dean of LSU Vet Med effective May 18. He had been serving as head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and a professor of equine surgery. Dr. Mitchell joined LSU in 2005 as an assistant professor of equine surgery. He was then promoted to associate professor in 2011 and to full professor in 2018. Dr. Mitchell has practiced equine surgery in the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, taught extensively across the DVM curriculum, mentored interns and residents, and developed a strong research portfolio in equine orthopedics and related areas.

In addition to his work as a clinician, educator, and researcher, Dr. Mitchell has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities within the school. From 2020 to 2023, he served as medical director for large animals at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, working closely with the medical director for small animals to manage a complex, 24/7 clinical enterprise. In 2024, he was appointed VCS department head, taking on responsibility for faculty affairs, including promotion and tenure, the departmental budget, and the continued growth and success of one of the school’s largest academic units.

A graduate of the University of Edinburgh (BVM&S) and the University of Minnesota (MS), Dr. Mitchell is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. His clinical and scholarly work centers on equine surgery and orthopedics, including laminitis, bisphosphonate use in horses, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. He has been recognized repeatedly for his contributions to LSU Vet Med, including receiving the 2024 LSU Veterinary Medicine Faculty Service Award and being named to the Dean’s Teacher Merit Honor Roll from 2011 to 2026.

Britta Leise

Dr. Leise was appointed interim head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, effective June 15. She joined the faculty in 2015 as an assistant professor of equine surgery and was promoted to associate professor in 2020. She was appointed as associate dean for staff and faculty advancement in 2021. Over the course of her time at LSU Vet Med, she has built a record that reflects the school’s values: dedicated clinical work providing equine surgical care in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, a genuine commitment to teaching and mentoring our students and residents, and a productive research program. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal), holds both a DVM and a PhD, and is a two-time LSU graduate, having earned her MS in 1997 and her DVM in 2002. Her career reflects a deep and sustained commitment to this profession. Dr. Leise will lead the VCS department while Dr. Mitchell serves as interim dean.

About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. LSU Vet Med is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.