September 16, 2002

Douglas Stone, a veterinarian who holds a diploma from the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and is an expert on accreditation for animal care facilities, has been hired as director of the Office of Animal Research Services for Storrs and the regional campuses.

Stone, currently associate director of the University Laboratory Animal Resources Department at the Ohio State University, will join UConn on Dec.1. He is the president of the Council on Accreditatio n of the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. The Association's Council on Accreditation is comprised of some of the best animal care and use professionals and researchers from around the globe. They conduct the site visits and program evaluations that determine which institutions are awarded accreditation by the Association.

"Doug's credentials and strong background will be an asset both to the University and to faculty and graduate students in our efforts to strengthen our animal care program," said Janet Greger, vice provost for research and graduate education. "We are delighted that Doug will be leading the effort to provide support, advice and training to faculty and graduate students involved in animal research."

Stone, a member of the Council of Accreditation of AAALAC since 1993 and president for two terms, currently works with the campus-wide biomedical animal care program at Ohio State, including work with animal facilities at the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Biological Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. Ohio State has a variety of animal species ranging from mice to primates. UConn does not have primates, but does have a variety of other species, as well as farm animals that are not part of the research program.

UConn's program has been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a number of serious deficiencies. More than a year ago, the University began a $20 million facilities renovation program to upgrade and consolidate facilities and improve animal care. The University's goal is to become accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. The UConn Health Center, which also has animal care facilities, already has accreditation.

"With time and effort, UConn will become AAALAC-accredited," Stone said. "I look forward to the challenge of working in that direction and building on the efforts that the University has already made to make that happen."

Stone, who has a master's degree in laboratory animal medicine as well as a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, will be awarded the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award in October. He also was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from District V of the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science, among other awards.

As director of the Office of Animal Research Services, Stone will oversee laboratory animal care and use programs for the University. He replaces Herbert Whiteley, now dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, who was the acting director of OARS in addition to his primary job as professor and head of the pathobiology department.