Chancellor Gary S. May has named Professor John Pascoe, executive associate dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine for 25 years, to serve as the school’s interim dean effective July 1.

That is the day Michael Lairmore will step down after nearly 10 years as dean, as he announced last September. He will stay on as a member of the faculty.

The search for his replacement is well underway but will not be completed by July 1, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan said in messages to the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Council of Deans and Vice Chancellors. She said the search should wrap up soon, and Pascoe has agreed to serve as the interim dean until the new dean is on the job.

Pascoe earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree at the University of Queensland, Australia, then came to UC Davis where he completed an internship and residency training in equine surgery and earned a Ph.D. in comparative pathology. He joined the faculty in 1983.

He is a professor of surgery and former chair of the Department of Surgery and Radiological Sciences, and former chief of the Equine Surgery Service. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

He served as associate dean for academic programs prior to becoming executive associate dean, a post that gives him broad responsibility for academic leadership, academic and facilities planning, and academic personnel administration, along with development and stewardship of the school’s resources, programs and infrastructure.

“I am very pleased that Dr. Pascoe is willing to provide his invaluable experience and expertise to support this important leadership transition for the school,” Croughan said.