Andrew M. Hoffman, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has announced the appointment of Thomas Parsons as the Marie A. Moore Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics.

Parsons, who is currently a professor of swine medicine in the department of clinical studies at New Bolton Center; professor of otorhinolaryngology at the Perelman School of Medicine; and director of the Swine Teaching and Research Center, is a graduate of Amherst College. He received his VMD and PhD (neuroscience) from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, Parsons studied in the veterinary medical scientist training program and then was supported by the von Humboldt Society to train at the Max Planck Institute for Biomedical Research in Heidelberg, Germany.

He joined Penn's faculty in 1995 as assistant professor of swine medicine; he was promoted to associate professor of swine production medicine in 2005 and became a full professor in 2019. Parsons is a charter member of the American College of Animal Welfare, and serves as the faculty coordinator for Penn's masters program in animal welfare and behavior, as well as head of mammalian field investigations for the Pennsylvania Diagnostic Laboratories at New Bolton Center.

His research focuses on the advancement of sustainable models of agriculture through the study of animal behavior, health, welfare and applications of technology. Parsons is recognized globally by scholars and industry leaders for re-envisioning swine housing and feeding systems to improve welfare.

Parsons joins Penn Vet faculty members Christopher Lengner, who has been appointed the Harriet Ellison Woodward Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences and Amy Johnson, who has been appointed the Marilyn M. Simpson Associate Professor of Equine Medicine. Each of the appointments will go into effect on July 1.

"Doctors Parsons, Lengner, and Johnson are excellent role models; the consummate blend of scientist, teacher and mentor that our endowed professors should embody," says Dean Hoffman. "All three of them reflect the values and dedication that are vital to the mission of Penn Vet and to our community. I am delighted to have them on our faculty; their collective research and academic leadership are undeniably fitting for these signature professorships."

The awarding of named endowed professorships are the highest honor bestowed upon faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. Endowed professorships reflect excellence in scholarly achievement and embody a commitment to scientific discovery, clinical excellence, mentorship and service.

Source: University of Pennsylvania Almanac, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.