Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine has appointed Dr. Richard Keith Harris, a nationally recognized leader in pathology and research, as the first holder of the Barry G. Harmon professorship in veterinary pathology and the new head of the department of pathology. Harris comes from Wyeth Research in Chazy, N.Y., where he was the vice president for bioresources and assistant vice president for pathology and bioresources. The Barry G. Harmon professorship in veterinary pathology is an endowed professorship established by friends and family in memory of Dr. Harmon, the former head of the department, who passed away in January 2007.
“We are honored to have Dr. Harris join the College of Veterinary Medicine as department head and as the first holder of the Harmon professorship,” said Dean Sheila W. Allen. “His talent and experience will contribute to the longstanding tradition of excellence in pathology teaching, research, and service at UGA, a legacy sustained in large measure through Dr. Harmon’s leadership.”
Harris brings 32 years of valuable veterinary experience to the University of Georgia, including head veterinary pathologist positions in the United States Air Force and at several national pharmaceutical corporations. He served as chief of the anatomical pathology department in the veterinary sciences division at the School of Aerospace Medicine, and chief of the veterinary pathology division and chairman of the department of veterinary pathology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C., before retiring at the rank of colonel in 1997. For the last 11 years Harris held high-level pathology, toxicology, and bioresource positions at G.D. Searle & Co., Pharmacia Corporation and Wyeth Research. Harris is a member of the board of governors of the ACVP/STP Coalition for Veterinary Pathology Fellows and is immediate past president of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. He is the recipient of numerous military awards and earned the 2004 Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.
In addition to his departmental administrative obligations, Harris works in cooperation with the two directors in overseeing the Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in Athens and Tifton. These laboratories provide diagnostic consultation and assistance to practicing veterinarians and animal health regulatory officials in diagnosing diseases in livestock and companion animals.
A reception to recognize Harris as the first holder of the Barry G. Harmon professorship in veterinary pathology will be held in the College of Veterinary Medicine on Monday, Nov. 10.