Dean and Provost Emeritus Dr. Timothy R. Boosinger

Funeral Arrangements Update: For those on campus planning to attend Dr. Timothy R. Boosinger’s funeral service, kindly consider walking if possible due to limited parking. This will allow family members to utilize the available spaces at the church. The service will be held on Friday, February 7, from 3 PM to 5 PM at First Presbyterian Church Auburn, 143 E. Thach Ave., across from the Raine Culinary Center.
Dr. Timothy R. Boosinger

Passing of Dr. Timothy R. Boosinger
Dean and Provost Emeritus
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
January 27, 2025

Tim Boosinger, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP, passed away on Jan. 27, after a valiant fight against cancer and its complications. Dr. Boosinger served Auburn University for 35 years and was the sixth dean of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (1995-2011), later serving as Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Auburn University (2011-2018). While Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, he completed a doubling of the College’s facilities, including over $125 million and 325,000 square feet in new construction. This was initiated by his successful lobbying for the 1998 Agricultural and Veterinary Bond initiative in Alabama.

Dean Boosinger worked closely with university leadership and donors to initiate a large-scale renewal of the veterinary campus. The results were the John Thomas Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital (2004) and the Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital and Veterinary Education Center (2014), among other facilities. During Dr. Boosinger’s tenure as dean, the College’s annual budget doubled from $24 million to $43 million; research expenditures increased from $2.8 million to $10.2 million annually; and private giving surpassed $39 million. Auburn’s ongoing SREB contract to provide veterinary education for Kentucky was cultivated and expanded as a result of his leadership.

“Tim Boosinger was an impactful mentor and a dear friend,” said Calvin Johnson, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Over a 35-year career with Auburn University, he led the College of Veterinary Medicine as Dean to new heights and placed us on a course for sustained excellence of our facilities, research and academic programs. As Auburn University Provost, he stepped forward to lead our institution’s academic programs during a period of marked growth. He never shied away from making tough decisions, such as development and implementation of a strategic budget model that ensures accountability and places resources where needed to support enrollment and to bolster key programs. Tim’s skills in academic leadership were widely recognized among peer institutions and highly valued during periods of transition and program growth. We can attribute much of our current success to the principled leadership, vision and courage of this exceptional Auburn leader.”

Dr. Boosinger supported teaching innovation, advanced veterinary medical services and impactful research. His vision for the College was shaped by national engagement and leadership: he served as president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (2007-08) and as a six-year member of the AVMA Council on Education, the accrediting body for veterinary colleges. A two-time graduate of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM, 1976 and PhD, 1983), he was recognized as Purdue University’s Distinguished Alumnus in 2004. Dr. Boosinger served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, three years in active duty and 17 years in the reserves. He retired in 1996 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

As Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Boosinger was responsible for all aspects of the Southeastern Raptor Center. Soon after becoming Dean, he and his staff developed the pre-game eagle flight above Jordan-Hare Stadium to promote the Raptor Center’s mission in raptor rehabilitation and education. As a faculty member, Dr. Boosinger served as a board-certified anatomic pathologist whose mentorship of students and residents was impactful to many careers. He was internationally recognized as an expert in bone and joint pathology and in foodborne bacteria causing illness of humans.

“Dr. Boosinger was a highly impactful and influential leader here at Auburn University, having served as our former Provost and former Dean of Veterinary Medicine,” President Christopher B. Roberts said. “Indeed, we are a stronger and better institution because of his countless contributions to Auburn, and the impact of his legacy continues. I, for one, feel honored to have been able to work for and with such an inspirational leader. Tim will certainly be missed by all of us in the Auburn Family.”

Dr. Boosinger served with a spirit of honesty, openness, camaraderie and commitment to excellence. The ambitious course he set for the College of Veterinary Medicine and the University as a whole continues today. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; two daughters, Andrea Blau (David) and Amy Rogers (Scott); and beloved grandchildren, Aaron, Anna, Colin and Caroline.

A memorial service is planned for Friday, Feb. 7, at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn, 143 East Thach Ave, Auburn, AL. The College of Veterinary Medicine is establishing a memorial fund to honor Dr. Boosinger’s contributions to the college.

Dr. Timothy R. Boosinger Endowed Fund for Excellence in Veterinary Leadership

For more information, contact giving@vetmed.auburn.edu or call (334) 844-1446.