On Nov. 24, Provost Roy Haggerty announced Dr. Tornquist’s decision to return to faculty after 10 years of leading the veterinary college, pending a national search for a new dean. Her tenure included major changes and growth for the college, as described in the provost’s email.
What drew you to Oregon State in the first place?
To be honest, it’s the only place that has a vet school where we were really interested in living from the perspective of geography, outdoor recreation opportunities, politics and size of town. We were lucky, 30 years ago, that a veterinary clinical pathology position opened up here as I finished my Ph.D.
How is veterinary medicine unique among degrees at OSU?
The DVM is a professional degree. Our students come in with an extensive academic background (almost all have at least a bachelor’s degree) and get intensive training to enter a specific profession. In the fourth year, which is all clinical training, it’s almost more like an apprenticeship than a curriculum: Students get closely mentored training in things like surgery, cardiology and oncology, so they’re ready to go out and start being a doctor right away.
What makes you passionate about higher education?
I love being around smart people who are always thinking and learning and questioning.
What would you tell your younger self who was just starting college?
Guess what, Sue — you’re going to be “in college” for almost your entire adult life (took about six years off to be a veterinarian in private practice)!
What was your favorite course in college?
I had a comparative anatomy course in grad school that was phenomenal because the instructor was so compelling — and this was before the days of PowerPoints and other technology. He just told great stories and drew pictures on a blackboard. I was fascinated.
In your decade leading the veterinary college, which accomplishment are you most proud of?
We have made the CCVM a welcoming place for a much wider group of people who are now contributing to the diversity of the profession. Our applicant-to-available-seat ratio is one of the highest in the U.S., so people consider us a great place to get a veterinary degree.
How has the work of being a veterinarian changed over the past 10 years, and how is the CCVM adapting to that change?
Like everyone else, veterinarians are very impacted by technology. We use it to write medical records, assist with diagnoses, and use new medical equipment like wearable devices. AI has become a part of many of our tasks, from writing records and discharge notes to billing, scheduling and reading radiographs and pathology images. We’re training future veterinarians to have all the basic skills needed but also to be flexible enough to take advantage of what these technologies can offer to make our jobs easier.
Another change that’s been taking place for more than 10 years is that so many people get their veterinary advice from the internet before they bring their pet in. This requires a whole new set of communication skills, and we’re working on those with our current students.
What is the greatest challenge facing CCVM going forward?
I wish I didn’t have to say that it’s resources, but it really is hard to plan and make progress in the face of uncertainty, so that’s a big challenge. We have a variety of strategies to tackle this, and we are having to use all of them.
What are you most excited about in returning to faculty? (Though you never left — you’ve been teaching this whole time!)
I’ve always liked change; I think it’s energizing. I haven’t been a non-administrator since 2004 and I anticipate spending significantly less time in meetings. Fortunately, I never stopped doing diagnostic pathology and teaching so I still have some skills (I hope).
What's your favorite non-academic pursuit?
Hiking — preferably with my dog, though my husband, daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren are also a welcome addition to the hikes.
