Donald F. Smith, professor of surgery and acting dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, has been nominated to be dean of the college.

The nomination, which would make Smith the ninth dean in the 103-year history of the veterinary college, is subject to approval by the Cornell University Board of Trustees.

"After what literally has been a global search, it has become clear that we have in our own Donald Smith the person to continue Cornell's great tradition in veterinary medicine," said University Provost Don M. Randel. "Dr. Smith's long and deep involvement in the affairs of the college, including particularly his leadership in implementing its new academic program, make him uniquely qualified to carry forward the college's momentum in a period in which it, like the rest of the university, will encounter new and difficult challenges. I look forward to working closely with him."

Smith was the associate dean for academic programs when he was named, in January of this year, to succeed Dean Franklin M. Loew as acting dean. A member of the Cornell faculty from 1977 to 1982 and again since 1987, Smith is an elected member of the National Academy of Practices and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Born Nov. 25, 1949, in Picton, Ontario, Smith earned the doctor of veterinary medicine degree, with distinction, from the University of Guelph in 1974. After serving an internship and residency at the University of Pennsylvania, he was named assistant professor of surgery at Cornell in 1977. From 1982 to 1987, Smith taught and did research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, where he was named chair of the Department of Surgical Services in 1986. He returned to Cornell in 1987 as professor and chair of the Department of Clinical Services.

As associate dean for academic programs, beginning in 1990, Smith provided administrative support to faculty members involved in the development and implementation of the academic program for the veterinary college. He is a general large-animal surgeon with research interests in metabolic abnormalities associated with gastrointestinal obstruction in cattle. Smith is credited with developing a unique model for representing gastrointestinal obstructions in ruminants.

The College of Veterinary Medicine was chartered by the state of New York in 1894, some 26 years after the subject was first taught at the university that awarded the first veterinary degree in the United States in 1876. The college now has 320 students in the four-year D.V.M. program, as well as 120 students in graduate programs and a faculty of 160.

The nomination, which would make Smith the ninth dean in the 103-year history of the veterinary college, is subject to approval of the Cornell University Board of Trustees.