Makenzie Peterson joined the CVM community on August 13 in the newly-created position of Wellness Program Director for the college. Makenzie was selected following an extensive national search that was conducted by a committee comprising of faculty, staff and students. Prior to her appointment to this position, Makenzie served as Coordinator for Wellness Programs at Hampshire College where she worked with students and staff around such topics including emotional and physical health, stress reduction, suicide prevention, sexual health, violence prevention, resiliency, alcohol and substance use and a variety of other health-related topics.

In this new role, Makenzie will serve as a college resource serving students, staff and faculty at the college. She will provide leadership and strategic guidance for an array of programs and initiatives that enhance student (DVM, PhD and MPH), faculty and staff wellbeing, productivity, satisfaction as well as academic and professional success. Makenzie will work with CVM leadership, the College Wellness Committee and other stakeholders to identify and prioritize needs among members of the college community and to reinforce a culture of wellness at CVM.

Makenzie reports to Dr. Jai Sweet, Senior Director of Student Development and Academic Services, who will continue to manage and oversee initiatives and programs related to DVM student success, including personal and academic counseling, career development, accommodations for disabilities and support for student organizations. 

Please help welcome Makenzie to the college. Her office is located in the Student and Academic Services office suite (S2 009). She can be contacted via email at mpeterson@cornell.edu.