Longtime professor of virology named to administrative post at UF veterinary college
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Paul Gibbs, a veterinarian and virologist in the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s department of infectious diseases and pathology, has been named associate dean for students and instruction at the college.
Gibbs has served as a member of UF’s veterinary faculty since 1979, when he became a founding member. He has been a full professor in the college since 1981 and also holds joint appointments with the College of Medicine’s department of molecular genetics and microbiology as well as with the College of Public Health and Health Professions’ department of environmental and global health.
He was instrumental in the establishment of a joint Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Masters of Public Health degree program offered by the colleges of Veterinary Medicine and PHHP in 2007. Between five and 10 freshmen enroll in this program every year.
Gibbs is previous past chairman of the college’s curriculum committee and works with state and other governmental agencies to aid in the identification of foreign animal diseases, a subject for which he has developed an online continuing education course for Florida veterinarians.
Gibbs also has developed a course in International Animal Health aimed at veterinarians practicing in the developing world. In addition, he has helped Florida middle and high school students learn more about emerging diseases by partnering with science teachers throughout the state to provide them with training tools on emerging diseases.
From 1994 to 1999, Gibbs directed UF’s International Center, serving as the university’s chief international officer. As a virologist, his career focus continues to be on the international control and eradication of emerging viral diseases having epidemic potential.
Gibbs said it was a “great privilege” to accept his new position at such an exciting and pivotal time.
“In the 31 years since I was appointed as one of the founding faculty of the college, I have seen the college mature and the university grow in stature and size,” Gibbs said. “Now, with the new state-of-the-art UF Small Animal Hospital opening soon and an increased student enrollment to 100 students per year, the college is entering a new phase of its history.”