LSU Vet Med announces new director of Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine
August 10, 2023
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is delighted to announce the appointment of Rhett Stout, DVM, Ph.D. (LSU 1994, 2003), DACLAM, as the new director of the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM), effective July 1, 2023. With a remarkable journey spanning nearly three decades at LSU Vet Med, Dr. Stout's extensive experience and contributions make him the ideal candidate to lead DLAM, having served as the associate director since 2003 and as an instructor and then associate professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences since joining the faculty in July 1997.
Dr. Rhett Stout
DLAM holds a critical role as the central administrative division for the operation of LSU's research animal holding facilities, ensuring the care and well-being of all teaching and research animals on the Baton Rouge campus. The program is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC), reflecting its commitment to the highest standards in animal health and welfare.
As DLAM Director, Dr. Stout is responsible for overseeing the facilities under DLAM's management and working diligently to maintain LSU's AAALAC accreditation. He also serves as a valuable resource for the university's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which oversees and reviews all research and teaching activities involving vertebrate animals. Additionally, he oversees the laboratory animal residency program, which educates and mentors veterinarians seeking accreditation in this specialty of veterinary medicine.
Furthermore, Dr. Stout assumes the role of LSU's attending veterinarian, a role that includes overseeing the care of Mike VII, LSU's beloved live tiger mascot.
Remarking on his new role, Dr. Stout said, “As we head into a time of significant research and teaching growth, both at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and at LSU, I look forward to leading our division though these exciting advancements. We are fortunate to have strong support from the administration, and I look forward to working as a team with administration, faculty, staff, and students.”
“Dr. Stout's remarkable journey at LSU Vet Med, culminating in his appointment as the director of DLAM, is a testament to his exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound expertise” said Oliver A Garden, BVetMed, PhD, FHEA, FCPP, FRCVS, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, dean of LSU Vet Med. “His extensive background and demonstrated commitment uniquely position him to lead DLAM into a new era of growth and excellence."
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.