Cooper director of animal center

Dr. Robert C. Cooper Jr. is the new director of the Animal Health Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The center serves both as a student teaching hospital and a referral center for regional veterinarians.

"Dr. Cooper is one of the most highly respected veterinarians we have on the faculty," said college Dean John Thomson. "He has tremendous credibility with students, faculty, staff, and veterinarians in the state of Mississippi. We look forward to his leadership."

A CVM faculty member since 1979, Cooper has served as interim health center director since the fall. He earlier was honored with two teaching awards while conducting surgically related research.

Cooper was enrolled in MSU's pre-veterinary medical curriculum before earning a doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1975 from Auburn University. MSU's veterinary program was not established until 1974.

In addition to his medical responsibilities, Cooper serves this year as chair of the university's Holland Faculty Senate.