Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwestern University, is pleased to announce the appointment of Coretta Cosby Patterson, D.V.M., DACVIM-SA, as Dean of the proposed Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine – Illinois on the Downers Grove Campus. The proposal for the new college is currently being reviewed by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE).
Dr. Patterson earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree and two Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Upon graduation from veterinary college, she completed a residency in Small/Companion Animal Medicine at Michigan State University and subsequently, completed a residency in small animal internal medicine. Dr. Patterson holds licenses to practice veterinary medicine in Arizona, Illinois, California, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Prior to her appointment at Midwestern University, Dr. Patterson served as the Director of the Office of Professional Success at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Previously, she held a leadership position as the Group Medical Director at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital. Her passion for education is evident through numerous teaching appointments including positions at the University of Nevada, Michigan State University, and Midwestern University. With a wealth of experience, Dr. Patterson has held appointments on several professional committees and has helped advance the field through the co-authorship of research articles in professional publications such as the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, Veterinary Medicine, and the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Recognized for the depth of her expertise, Dr. Patterson is also a sought-after speaker at national professional conferences.
Throughout her impressive career, Dr. Patterson has garnered numerous teaching awards and accolades, including her appointment as President of the National Association for Black Veterinarians in 2023. Dr. Patterson is returning to Midwestern University and brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Associate Dean for Clinical Education and as an Associate Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine on the Glendale, AZ campus from 2016 to 2018.
"Midwestern University is incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Patterson serving as Dean of the proposed Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine - Illinois. She brings a wealth of talent as an educator, mentor, and leader in the field. Dr. Patterson possesses a deep understanding of veterinary medicine and its intersection with human health and the environment, making her an invaluable asset to the One Health mission at Midwestern University. I am confident that her leadership and commitment to the profession will help us educate the next generation of veterinarians," Dr. Goeppinger said.
