NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - After more than six years of unwavering leadership and dedication to Ross University, Dr. Thomas Shepherd has decided to retire as president to spend more time with his family. He will actively serve as president through the hiring and onboarding of his successor.  

Dr. Shepherd joined Ross shortly after it was acquired by DeVry in 2003. During his tenure, he led significant change that has resulted in improved student successes and has built a firm foundation for Ross’ future growth and development.  

At the School of Medicine, United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 1 pass rates improved to 93 percent and students continue to meet their goals of gaining residencies in primary care and specialties. The School welcomed a new dean, Dr. Joseph Flaherty, who previously was dean of the University of Illinois School of Medicine – the nation’s largest medical school – for the past eight years. On the Dominica campus, facilities were added, new faculty hired and clinical developments made that will make a tremendous difference to students for years to come. Recently, an initiative for significant improvements in the Clinical Sciences Program has also been launched. At the School of Veterinary Medicine, North American Veterinary Licensing Examination pass rates improved to 94 percent and the School recently was awarded full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education – the first private-sector veterinary school to achieve this status. In addition, many new buildings have been added to the St. Kitts campus, and faculty and research opportunities have increased.  

“Through the collective work and collaboration of our faculty and staff, we have established a strong foundation for Ross’ future development.  For this reason, I feel confident that I can move on to this next chapter of my life while Ross continues to thrive,” Dr. Shepherd said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University and reflect fondly on the relationships that have been formed and the great accomplishments that have been achieved.  Now it is time for me to pass the torch to our next leader; someone who I am certain will place the same values I have on the importance of not only helping students achieve their dreams, but helping society meet the unmet shortages of both veterinarians and physicians into the work force.  We are proud that the School of Medicine places more graduates into U.S. residencies than any medical school in the world, and that the School of Veterinary Medicine places more veterinarians into U.S. practice than any veterinary school in the world.”  

“Tom’s leadership at Ross has had a tremendous impact,” said Bill Hughson, president of the Healthcare Group of DeVry Inc. “He has established a solid foundation and achieved significant advances, positioning the University for successful future development. We will miss Tom greatly, but we respect his decision to spend more time with his family.”  

Ross University has retained SpencerStuart, one of the world’s leading executive search firms, to lead the search for Dr. Shepherd’s successor. Representatives from senior management, the Board of Trustees, DeVry Inc., and representatives of the School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine will be involved in the search. 

About Ross University

Ross University was founded in 1978 and is a provider of medical and veterinary education offering doctor of medicine and doctor of veterinary medicine degree programs. Located in Dominica, West Indies, the School of Medicine places more graduates into US residencies annually  than any other medical school in the world and has clinical education centers in Miami, FL and Saginaw, MI. Located in St. Kitts, West Indies, the School of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board and is affiliated with 22 US veterinary schools where students complete their clinical year.