House Concurrent Resolution 58

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. KENT HOBLET FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON LEAVING A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY.

WHEREAS, the longtime and esteemed Dean of Mississippi State's College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kent Hoblet, decided to give up his full-time role as dean on January 1, 2023, to become a part-time faculty member; and

WHEREAS, this distinguished doctor has served as dean for 17 years, where he worked daily to ensure that the veterinary program became a competitive, cutting edge program that prepared students for the profession; and

WHEREAS, during his years of leadership, the school's veterinary program experienced substantial growth and depth, such as distinctive programs that require two full years of mentored clinical education for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students, masters and Ph.D programs, as well as veterinary medical technology programs, which allow students to attain a strong, multi-species foundation; and

WHEREAS, also during his leadership, college revenue increased, faculty positions increased, student enrollment increased, research productivity increased and global study abroad opportunities increased; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hoblet also led the formation of the Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Flowood, Mississippi, program and the formation of the Veterinary Specialty Center in Starkville and the college to full COE accreditation over three accreditation cycles; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hoblet is especially proud that he was able to develop the program in such a manner that students obtain more surgical experience prior to graduation than nearly any other program in the country; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hoblet earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and master's degrees at Ohio State University, where he served on the faculty from 1983 until moving to Mississippi State in 2006, with 15 of those years as chair of the Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine and as the university's Extension veterinarian for dairy cattle; and

WHEREAS, before serving with Ohio State University, Dr. Hoblet was a partner in a private veterinary practice for 12 years in Ashland, Ohio:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Dr. Kent Hoblet for his many years of dedicated service as Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University and congratulate him upon leaving a legacy of excellence at the university.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Kent Hoblet, the President of Mississippi State University and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.